Everything You Need to Know About Domain Names: A Quick Start Guide

The Internet is a massive place. Whether searching for the perfect product or offering something unique, you need a starting point. Here’s the good news: with over a billion websites out there, you can begin with just one thing – a domain name.   

The web is like a city. An address is necessary to locate every house, shop, and building. A domain name is a website’s address. It’s what people type into web browsers to reach a specific online space, just like typing “Google.com” to access Google’s search engine.   

Learn what a domain name is here. Let’s dive in!  

What is a domain name?  

A domain name is your website’s online address. It’s a human-readable name that identifies a specific website on the Internet. For instance, when you type “google.com” into your web browser, you use a domain name to access Google’s website.  

How do domain names work?  

The internet works like a giant neighborhood. Every house has its own address, so visitors know where to go. Websites work the same way—each one needs a unique address called a domain name. 

A domain name acts like your website’s street address. When you type “google.com” into your browser, you tell your computer to find Google’s “house” on the internet. 

But how does your computer find it? 

Think of GPS. You enter an address, and it pinpoints the location for you. The Domain Name System (DNS) does this for websites. It takes easy-to-remember domain names and translates them into IP addresses, which work like internet GPS coordinates. An IP address is a set of numbers, like “172.217.16.206,” that tells your computer exactly where to go. 

When you type “google.com,” the DNS quickly finds the matching IP address and directs your computer to the right place. That’s how you land on the website you want without needing to remember complicated numbers. 

What are domain names used for? 

While a domain is a web address, it can do more than just become a digital locator for a website. Here are some of the most common uses of a domain name:  

Brand identity and recognition  

Domain names can help build brand recognition online, especially when they’re memorable and can be easily associated with your brand. It can also help fortify brand credibility in the digital space.  

SEO and online visibility

Relevance is essential for online visibility. A relevant domain name can positively impact SEO and attract your target audience.  

Email address  

Email addresses with custom domain names look more professional for business communications than free email services like Gmail. This helps build your customers’ trust in your business.  

Secure communication  

Web browsers and web hosting servers communicate to display a website. Without an SSL, cyber-criminals can easily intercept this communication and exploit data to their advantage. SSL providers validate domain names first before issuing the certificate. Then, when online users enter a domain name, the browser verifies the SSL certificate against the domain name to ensure it is legitimate and secure.  

This is possible with the forced redirection to hypertext transfer protocol secure (HTTPS). 

Website organization  

You can divide a domain name using subdomains and subfolders to organize different parts of your website.  

Don’t get confused: Domain names vs. website names vs. URLs  

It’s easy to mistake these terms for each other, but they have different meanings. Let’s break it down:  

• Domain Name. Think of this as your website’s address on the Internet. Just like your house address, it is what people type into their web browser to find you. A good example is “google.com.”  

• Website Name. This is the actual name of your website, often displayed in the browser tab. It can be a match with a domain name or something different and more descriptive.  

• URL (Uniform Resource Locator). This is the complete address of a specific webpage on your website. It includes the domain name and the particular page you’re trying to reach. For instance, “https://www.google.com/search/howsearchworks/” is the URL for Google’s search engine page.  

Parts of a domain name

A domain name comprises two main parts: second-level domain (SLD) and top-level domain (TLD).  

Second-level domain (SLD)  

The Second-Level Domain (SLD) is the unique name of your website. It’s the part of the domain name that comes before the dot (.). For example, on “google.com,” “google” is the SLD. Most of the time, people use their brand names as the SLD.  

It helps people recognize your website and remember your business or organization. A good SLD should be easy to remember, relevant to your website’s topic, and available as a domain name.  

Top-level domain (TLD)  

The Top-Level Domain (TLD) is the part of a domain name that comes after the dot (.). It’s the extension that tells you something about the website’s purpose or origin. For example, in “google.com,” “.com” is the TLD.  

What is a domain extension?  

A domain extension, a.k.a. TLD, is the part of a domain name that comes after the dot (.). In the early stages of the Internet, these extensions indicate the purpose or origin of a website. As shown in the examples above.  

Nowadays, these extensions are more specific. This allows domain names to give context to whichever website uses them. To better understand this, let’s look at the different types of domain extensions or TLDs.  

Types of TLDs

Generic top-level domains (gTLDs)  

These are the most common types of domain extensions. They’re general-purpose and can be used for various websites.  

Popular examples include:  

• .com. This is a popular TLD for domain names used for commercial websites.  

• .org. Typically used as domain names for non-profit organizations.  

• .net. Originally for network providers, these domain names are now used for various purposes.  

• .edu. Domain names for educational institutions.  

• .gov. Used for government organizations (US).  

• .mil. They were used for the US military.  

Country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs)  

These are country-specific types of domain extensions. Their general purpose is to localize brands like .uk, .au, and .ca.  

Brand top-level domains (Brand TLD)  

Specific companies own these domain names, often used for their websites, like .apple, .google, and .amazon.  

New gTLDs  

These are newer domain extensions that are more specific—like .app, .ai, and .shop.  

Domain name system (DNS) and domain names 

In the digital space, domain names replace street addresses.  

Computers, however, can only understand numbers. So, a unique system called DNS (Domain Name System) acts as a translator. When you type a website name into your browser, DNS quickly converts it into a numeric address (IP address) and directs your computer to the correct website.  

How does DNS work for domain names?  

1. You enter a domain name. You type “google.com” into your browser.   

2. DNS lookup. Your computer asks a DNS server to find the corresponding IP address.   

3. IP Address retrieval. The DNS server provides the IP address for “google.com”.   

4. Connection to server. An established server connection connects your computer and the hosting server.  

5. Website loading. The server sends the website’s files to your computer to display the webpage in the browser.   

This happens so quickly that when you visit websites, they easily display without you needing to know complex IP addresses. But this is only possible with the nameservers.  

DNS and domain nameservers  

For computers to effectively communicate, translation services are necessary to convert human text to numbers. They are known as DNS.  

These DNS records allow internet users to find the domain’s website, help deliver emails, and even confirm domain ownership.  

But for computers to know where to go and what records to translate, they need the nameservers. These records in the DNS servers act like assistants that help direct users to the correct server.   

Here are the records that are stored in the DNS zone:  

• NS Record. Specifies the nameservers for a domain.  

• A Record. Maps a domain name to an IPv4 address.  

• AAAA Record. Maps a domain name to an IPv6 address.  

• CNAME Record. Creates an alias for another domain name.   

• MX Record. Specifies the mail exchange servers for email.  

• TXT Record. This contains text information that can be used for various purposes.  

The 3 Rs of domain names  

ICANN, or the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, oversees the Internet’s naming system.  

It’s a non-profit organization that ensures the Internet remains stable, secure, and accessible.  

To understand how ICANN works, we need to know the three key players in the domain name system:  

1. The domain registries manage a specific top-level domain (TLD), such as .com, .net, or .org. They oversee the creation and maintenance of domain names within that TLD.  

2. The domain registrar is a company that sells domain name registrations to individuals and businesses. They act as intermediaries between ICANN and the end-user, handling the registration process and providing customer support.  

3. The domain registrant is the individual or organization that owns a domain name and processes domain registration. They’re the ones that use the domain name for their website or other online services.  

The registry and the registrar ensure that the Internet’s naming system remains organized and efficient, which allows registrants to find and register unique and available domains.  

Tips on how to choose a domain name  

Choosing the right domain name is critical to making a solid first impression online. A well-thought-out domain helps people find your site quickly and remember it. Here’s how to make sure your domain stands out:  

Keep domain names short and simple 

Choose a domain name that’s easy to spell and remember. Avoid complex words or long phrases that can lead to typos or confusion. Shorter names are more accessible to recall and share, making them more effective in driving traffic.  

Make domain names memorable 

Think of a catchy, unique name that leaves an impression. A memorable domain name can set you apart from competitors and make people more likely to revisit your site.  

Use brandable domain names 

Your domain should reflect your brand’s identity and purpose. A brandable domain feels professional, reinforces your business’s expertise, and builds trust with visitors.  

Choose the right domain name extension 

Pick an extension (.com, .net, .org, etc.) that suits your target audience. For example, .com works well for a global reach, while .io is popular in the tech industry. Your extension can tell visitors about your industry or location.

Consider a domain name generator 

If you’re stuck, use a domain name generator for inspiration. These tools can help you brainstorm ideas and explore creative options for your domain names.  

With these tips, you’re well on your way to selecting a domain that reflects your brand and attracts your audience.  

Where to get domain names  

Finding the right place to register your domain name is essential for establishing your online presence. Here are some tips to help you choose the best provider, even if the name you want has already been taken.  

Choose a trusted domain provider 

There are many reliable domain registrars where you can purchase a domain. Popular options include Domain.com, Web.com, and Bluehost. Each offers a variety of domain extensions, along with additional features like privacy protection, email hosting, and security options. Pricing, customer support, and services vary, so look at each provider’s packages to find one that meets your needs.  

Explore alternatives if your domain is already registered 

If your desired domain has already been taken, don’t worry—you still have options. Many registrars offer domain brokerage services, which help you negotiate with the current owner to buy the name. You can also consider a similar name or a different domain extension. For example, if .com is unavailable, you might find the .net or .io version open.  

Where to find free domains  

Some hosting providers, like Domain.com, offer free domain names for the first year when you purchase a hosting plan. This can be a cost-effective way to get your site up and running. You can also find free domain options through platforms like WordPress.com, though these typically come with branded subdomains (like yoursite.wordpress.com) unless you upgrade.  

Choosing the right domain provider and considering your alternatives can secure a domain that aligns with your brand and helps you reach your audience effectively.  

What to do after a domain name registration 

Once you secure your domain name, it’s time to take a few key steps to turn that domain into a fully functioning online presence. Here’s what to do next:  

Connect your domain to a web hosting service 

After purchasing your domain, you’ll need web hosting to get your site online. Choose a hosting plan that matches your needs, whether it’s shared hosting for a primary site, managed WordPress hosting for a WordPress site, or online store hosting if you’re building an Ecommerce site.  

Set up a custom email address 

A custom email (like [email protected]) boosts your professionalism and credibility. Most hosting providers offer options to create custom emails through their control panel, and it’s an easy way to build trust with clients or visitors.  

Secure matching social media handles  

Consistent branding across platforms is essential, so check for matching social media handles on sites like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook. Claiming these handles early will help you build a cohesive brand presence.  

Take these steps and build a strong, recognizable online presence that leverages your domain effectively.  

Managing your business domain names  

Managing your domain names well helps keep your websites secure, accessible, and under your control. Here are some straightforward tips to make domain management more accessible and safer:  

Keep all your domain names in one place 

If you own multiple domains, managing them on a single platform is best. Having everything with one provider saves time, reduces confusion, and makes keeping track of your settings easier. This way, you can quickly access your domains and make updates as needed without switching between accounts.  

Turn on auto-renewal  

Auto-renewal ensures your domain renews automatically before it expires, so you don’t have to worry about missing deadlines. If a domain expires, your website could go offline, or someone else could register it. Most registrars offer auto-renew as a simple way to protect your domain from unexpected lapses.  

Use domain expiry protection 

Domain expiry protection is an extra layer of security that can keep your domain safe even if a renewal issue comes up, like a missed payment or an email notification that went unnoticed. This feature can prevent accidental domain loss, giving you extra peace of mind that your domain is secure.  

Keep your domains organized and protected to build your online presence without worrying about losing your valuable web addresses.  

Register a domain name for your online business 

Every website needs a unique domain name, just like every building in a city has its own address. Your domain name makes it easy for people to find you online, guiding them right to your digital doorstep. Managing your domain effectively keeps your online presence secure and accessible.  

Ready to claim your spot on the web? Head over to Domain.com to find and buy your perfect domain name today!