What is a Domain Name? Everything You Need To Know And More

The question “What's a website domain name?” may seem like a no-brainer for some, but it’s an important topic to clarify, especially for those who are just getting into the world of domains. 

This article is the ultimate guide to learning the basic knowledge of domain names, how they work, and why they’re essential for businesses.

What is a domain name for a website?

What are domain names used for? Simply put, they are the text a user types into a browser's search bar to access particular websites on the Internet. Domain names map to an IP address, which is an alphanumeric address that computers use to access a specific website. 

 A Domain name is a unique reference that is easier for people to remember than IP addresses. A domain usually comprises a website or business name paired with a domain extension, such as .com, .org, and .net.

How does a domain name work?

Since IP addresses are difficult to remember, the domain name system (DNS) was created to convert numerical addresses into names. The DNS works like a phone book, where almost all registered domain names are stored. 

When a user types a website’s domain name into a search bar, the browser sends a request to root the DNS server. It then searches its database and points to the server where the correct IP address is located.

The browser then uses the address to find the hosting server, get the website data, and then finally show the specific page requested by the user. 

Structure of a domain name

A domain has a simple structure of three parts separated by a dot. These identifiers go from general to specific when read from left to right. 

Top-level domain (TLD)

The top-level domain, or TLD, is the final part of a web addreAn excellentgood example of a TLD is the “.com” part of the domain name “google.com.”

Also called domain suffixes or domain extensions, TLDs are managed by an organization called the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). 

Second-level domain (SLD)

The second-level domain, or SLD, is located just before the extension. It is the “google” part of the domain name “google.com.” 

SLDs are the customizable and memorable part of the domain name, so businesses should use their brand as the SLD. The maximum length for an ideal SLD is 63 characters, but it’s best to stick to the shorter side of this limit to make a domain name easy to remember.

Those who want to buy a domain name should use the SLD to find information on a domain’s ownership and availability through the ICANN lookup tool.

Third-level domain

Also called a subdomain, this part comes before the main domain. It is the “www” part of the domain name “www.google.com.” The “www” in a URL signifies that a site is part of the World Wide Web. 

Third-level domains are also used for localization within large websites. An example.com is “en.wikipedia.org,” where the subdomain “en” pertains to the English version of Wikipedia. 

The different types of domains

TLDs can be further subdivided into three types.

Generic top-level domain (gTLD)

Generic top-level domains are the most common kind of domain extensions and are used for general purposes. Popular examples of gTLDs are the following:

• .com: The most popular TLD that almost half of the websites use on the Internet.
• .net: An alternative to .com, .net is ideal for businesses regardless of the sector.
• .org: The second most popular TLD after .com, .org is associated with non-profit organizations.

Country-code top-level domain (ccTLD)

Country-code top-level domains or ccTLDs represent a country or a region. They are composed of two letters based on country codes. 

gTLDs and ccTLDs can be combined to create extensions like .co.uk and .com.au, which are extensions for sites based in the United Kingdom and Australia, respectively.

Sponsored top-level domain 

As its name implies, Sponsored TLDs are sponsored by a private entity to serve a specific community. Some popular examples include the following.

• .gov: An extension that can only be used by the United States government agencies.
• .edu: Exclusively used by higher education institutions in the United States. 
• .mil: This extension is reserved to access websites related to the United States Department of Defense.

What is a domain name extension?

A domain extension is the same thing as a top-level domain. Both terms refer to the same thing: the final part of a web address found after the last dot.

The right extension can help attract the right audience. For example, ccTLDs could be used by businesses based in a specific region or who want to target consumers living in a specific country.  

Domain vs. URL – What’s the difference?

The terms domain name and URL are often used interchangeably. However, they refer to different things. So, what is the difference between a domain name and a URL? 

Domain names identify a website on the internet, while a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) is a specific address of a page within a domain. It includes additional information, such as the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP and HTTPS).

• Domain: google.com
• URL: https://www.google.com

What is a URL?

To elaborate further, a URL is a string of characters in a browser that identifies an item on the Internet.It is used so a web server can display a specific page to an end user.

Each item on the web, be it an image or an article, has a unique URL where it can be located. A URL is more descriptive than a domain name, which is usually just an element within a URL.  

What are the parts of a URL?

• URL protocol: The part of the URL that communicates with a browser to access a collection of web pages. Most web addresses will use either HTTP or HTTPS.
• Subdomain: The subdomain is an optional part of a URL that precedes the domain name. Websites use subdomains to test web development or separate a site into segments.
• Domain name: This part includes the TLD and the SLD.
• Subdirectory or folder: This is the part that appears after the domain name that houses a specific folder within the main site.
• Path or file name: The path begins with a forward slash and appears after the subdirectory. It defines the exact resource the browser should display.

Who manages domain names?

Domain registries are the ones responsible for managing domain names. A registry is the one that delegates the reservation of names to registrars.

There are currently 300 million domain names registered on the Internet. Those who want to create a website can add theirs to the roster and register their domain with their chosen domain registrar. 

How to find and buy a domain name

After answering the question, “What is a domain?” and learning how it works, it's time to learn how to search for and buy one. 

Consider these simple tips to find the perfect domain you want and to see if it is available for registration.

• Stick with simple names. An easy-to-remember, memorable, human-friendly domain is ideal for a business.
• Avoid names with numbers and hyphens. These characters will make it difficult for people to find a website. 
• Use keywords. Combine the business name with words that are relevant to the sector a business belongs in.
• Include the location. If a business only services a specific location, adding a place to the domain name is recommended.
• Register different domain extensions. In addition to a .com domain, consider registering for other TLDs like .net, .org, and .info. 

After choosing a name, proceed to buy and register it by following these steps. 

1. Pick a trustworthy registrar. Some notable ones to use to register a domain name are Hostinger and GoDaddy.

2. Type the memorable domain in the registrar’s name search bar. 

3. If the desired domain name is available at the right price for registration, add to cart and proceed to checkout.

4. Choose the domain registration period. 

5. Pay for the domain and complete the registration process. 

How to keep a domain name secure

Once a domain is registered, the domain registrar is responsible for reminding owners about registration renewal and expiration dates. Staying updated on this information will help owners avoid losing access to their domain.

Some registrars also offer privacy protection when users register a domain. This includes hiding the domain owner’s personal information in the WHOIS directory and putting a proxy email address and contact information in the public database to protect the owner's identity. 

The importance of domain names for businesses

 A domain name is more than just a random address that people use to find a business online. It’s an essential part of digital marketing that will let potential clients and consumers know that a company exists. 

A domain is also a prerequisite to creating a website, where customers can buy and get more information about the products and services a business offers. 

Next steps: What to do after picking your domain name

Picking and purchasing a domain name is the beginning of building an online presence. Take the following steps moving forward.

• Get a professional email address that uses the domain name. This small detail can help a business appear more trustworthy to customers.
• Attach a website to the domain. Consumers are becoming more computer-savvy and conducting research on products before making a purchase. 

Guide to domain names:  Conclusions

Domains work to make it easier and faster for people to visit your website. It’s also a vital part of branding and online marketing strategy. 

That said, it’s essential to understand domain names, how they work, and how to acquire them, whether for personal or business purposes. Hopefully, this comprehensive guide has been helpful in explaining the basics of domains and more.