Key takeaways:
- Make sure your domain reflects your brand and is easy to remember.
- Always check domain availability to avoid legal trouble.
- Pick an extension that suits your business and target audience.
- Use a reliable registrar for secure domain management and protection.
Domain names serve as the unique online identity for businesses, organizations, or individuals that allows users to access websites easily. Consider a domain name as your virtual street address; they help people find and visit your website.
A domain name consists of two main parts: the actual name and the extension. For example, in example.com, “example” is the name, and “.com” is the extension. The name should ideally reflect your brand, business, or website’s purpose, making them memorable and relevant to your audience.
What you’ll learn from this article are:
- How domains work
- Structure of domain names
- How to register a domain name
- How to transfer and manage domain names
- Challenges and issues with domain names
How domain names work
The Domain Name System (DNS) is like the internet’s phone book. They translate human-readable domain names into IP addresses that computers can understand. When you type a domain name into your browser, the DNS system starts finding the website for you. Here’s how it works:
- Request
When you want to visit a website, you type its name into the browser (like typing google.com). Your computer doesn’t know where to find that website yet, so it asks your internet provider’s server for the address.
- Recursive query
If your internet provider’s server doesn’t already know where the website is, it starts a search. The provider’s server asks other servers around the world until it finds the one that knows exactly where the website is.
- Authoritative DNS server
The server that holds the exact address of the website is called the “authoritative DNS server.” Once the provider’s server reaches this special server, it gets the exact address (IP address) for the website you want to visit.
- Response
Once the authoritative server gives the address, the provider’s server remembers it for next time, so it doesn’t have to ask again on your next visit. It then sends that address back to your computer, so your browser can find the website.
- Connection
Now that your computer knows the address of the website, it can connect to the website’s server (where the website is stored). This is when your browser finally loads the page you want to see.
Types of domain names
There are many types of domains that can go with your website. Let’s understand each of them first.
Generic top-level domains (gTLD)
These are the most known domain extensions worldwide. They are not tied to any specific country or region and usually available for registration by one. Here are some of the most popular gTLDs:
- .com
- .net
- .biz
- .org
- .info
Among all these domain extensions, .com is widely regarded as the most popular gTLD. As of 2024, approximately 44.4% of global website used a .com top-level domain.
Country code top-level domains (ccTLDs)
Unlike gTLDs, ccTLDs are two-letter domain extensions that show which country or region a website is connected to.
For example:
- .us is for the United States
- .uk is for the United Kingdom
- .ca is for Canada
- .au is for Australia
This domain extension is best for local business that wants to target a specific audience of a region or country.
Internationalized country code top-level domains (IDN ccTLD)
These domain extensions let businesses use website addresses in their own native language and characters, instead of just using the English alphabet.
For example:
- .中国 is the Chinese version of .cn for China
- .рф is the Cyrillic version of .ru for Russia
- .السعودية is the Arabic version of .sa for Saudi Arabia
These domains help make the internet more accessible and inclusive for people who read and write in different languages.
Subdomains
A subdomain is a part of your main domain that works like a separate section of your website. It appears before your main domain name, like blog.yourfashionstore.com.
Subdomains are great for organizing content. You can use one for your blog, shop, or help center while keeping everything tied to your main site. It’s a simple way to keep things structured without needing a new domain.
Sponsored top-level domains (sTLD)
sTLDs are domain extensions that are sponsored by a specific organization or community. These domains are often used by groups that share a common interest or goal. In addition, these organizations also ensure that websites using these domains meet specific requirements.
For example:
- .edu is for educational institutions
- .gov is for government entities
- .mil is for the military
These domain extensions are typically restricted to certain types of organizations or groups and not all are accessible to the public.
Second-level domain (SLD)
A second-level domain is the part of the domain name that comes directly before the top-level domain (TLD). For example, in “yourfashionstore.com,” “yourfashionstore” is the second-level domain.
SLDs are what businesses, organizations, and individuals choose as their unique identifier on the internet. When selecting an SLD, it’s important to pick something memorable, relevant to your brand, and easy to type.
How is a domain name different from a URL?
While a domain and a URL might sound similar, they have distinct meanings.
By definition, a domain is the human-readable address that identifies a website, such as example.com. It represents the online identity of a business or individual.
Meanwhile, a URL is the complete web address that specifies the exact location of a specific page or resource on the internet. It often includes the protocol (such as http:// or https://), the domain name, and the specific path or resource on the server (e.g., folders, subfolders, or filename).
In simpler terms, a domain is the broad identifier for a website, while a URL provides the specific address to access a particular page within that website.
Components of domain names
A domain name is made up of different parts that each serve a purpose. Knowing what these parts are can help you choose a better domain, manage it more effectively, and understand how the internet connects users to websites.
Let’s break down the key components of a domain name and what each one means.
Protocol
As mentioned above, protocol includes “http//” or “https://” which specifies the manner of data transfer between a browser and a web server. The latter is more secure because the client and server’s communication is more encrypted compared to the former.
Subdomain
A subdomain is a prefix that precedes the domain name. This means that a domain is a part of another domain. For example, blog.example.com has “blog” as the subdomain. The blog.example.com belongs to the primary domain which is “example.com.”
Domain name
The domain name is the central and unique part of a web address, representing a website. For instance, example.com has “example” as the domain name.
Top-level domain (TLD)
The TLD is the highest level in the domain name system and indicates the website’s purpose or category. Common TLDs include .com, .org, and country-specific TLDs like .uk or .ca.
Subdirectory/path
The subdirectory or path follows the domain name and specifies a specific folder or location within a website. For example, “example.com/blog” has “blog” as in your website.
The role of domain registrars
When registering and purchasing a domain name, you need a domain registrar for it. Domain registrars are companies authorized by Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to register and manage domain names.
ICANN is a non-profit organization responsible for managing and coordinating the DNS and the allocation of IP addresses. This organization ensures the stability, security, and integrity of the DNS. They also set policies and guidelines for domain registrars and registries.
Some ICANN-recommended key roles of domain registrars include.
- Registration. Domain registrars allow individuals and businesses to register and purchase domain names for a specific duration, typically on an annual basis.
- DNS management. Registrars provide tools and interfaces to manage DNS settings, including setting up custom nameservers, managing DNS records, and configuring domain-related services.
- WHOIS management. Registrars collect and maintain WHOIS data, which includes information about the domain name owner, contact details, and registration dates. They also ensure compliance with ICANN’s policies regarding WHOIS data accuracy and privacy.
- Support and assistance. Registrars offer customer support and assistance with domain-related issues, including technical support, domain transfers, and renewals.
One of ICANN’s trusted registrars is Network Solutions. We have served various small businesses to help get their businesses online seamlessly and securely. Partnering with a registrar will ensure you trouble-free domain name management.
How to choose a domain name
Your domain name is the first thing people see when they visit your site. If it’s hard to remember or doesn’t match your brand, you could quickly lose visitors. Here’s how to pick the right one:
Think of your own domain name ideas
Start by writing down names that fit your brand and are easy to remember. Keep them short, avoid numbers or hyphens, and aim for something people can spell without thinking twice.
This will make it easier for visitors to find and return to your site.
Check domain availability and choose an extension
Use a WHOIS lookup tool to check if your chosen domain is available. This helps you avoid choosing a name that’s already owned or even trademarked. Skipping this step can lead to legal trouble or force you to rebrand down the line.
If your first choice is taken, try small changes or choose a different extension like .com, .net, or .co. These still feel professional and are easy for people to trust. The right extension also gives visitors a clear idea of what your site is about.
Make it brandable and unique
There are thousands of domain names online, so your domain name should be unique. Avoid generic names or ones that are similar to competitors. A unique domain name makes it easier for visitors to remember and helps build brand recognition.
Consider using your brand name, a catchy phrase, or something that reflects the core of what you offer.
How to buy a domain name
Buying a domain isn’t just about picking a name. It’s also about knowing where to look and how to get the best deal.
1. Choose and register a domain
Choose a domain name that reflects your brand and is easy to remember. Use a domain registrar like Network Solutions to check if the domain is available. If it’s available, proceed with registering it immediately to secure it for your website.
If the domain is already taken, you can either choose a different extension like .net or .co, or make some changes in the name, like adding a word or adjusting the spelling.
2. Negotiate
If you’re set on a domain that’s already owned, don’t be afraid to negotiate. Reach out to a trusted broker or seller, know the domain’s history and value, and start with a fair offer below your max budget. Stay patient, keep it professional, and make sure to finalize everything with a clear agreement.
If your desired domain is taken, you can also check for expired domains. These are names that weren’t renewed, and they may come with added benefits like existing backlinks. It’s a smart way to get a head start without starting from zero.
3. Consider domain auctions
Domain auctions can be a great place to find valuable names that aren’t available through regular searches. They often include expired domains, premium names, and brandable options that previous owners are ready to sell.
They let you browse listings, make offers, or place bids. It’s a smart option if you’re looking for something specific or want to discover names with existing value. Just be sure to research before you bid and stay within your budget.
4. Secure your domain
To protect your website and sensitive data, it’s essential to implement these security features.
SSL certificate
With an SSL certificate, it protects your website by encrypting the connection between your website and visitors. This secures sensitive information like login credentials and payment details, protecting it from potential breaches.
Domain privacy protection
Hides your personal contact information from the public WHOIS database, preventing spam, unwanted marketing, and protecting you from potential security threats.
SiteLock
The SiteLock feature scans your website for malware, viruses, and other security issues. It helps prevent attacks by identifying and fixing problems before they cause damage.
These steps are crucial for safeguarding your domain and maintaining the security of your website.
Find the perfect domain with Network Solutions
Your domain represents your brand so they must be memorable and easy to remember to create a lasting impression on a user. Since domain names are expected to grow in the future, you should create and register one that best represents your business and resonates with your target audience.
For convenience, register your ideal domain name with Network Solutions. You can choose from our different extensions and pair it with a custom email address and other services that can improve your online presence. Register your domain name today!
