A website domain is the CPU of a business. Whether it’s a new startup or a proficient business, you need a web domain; a robust online presence. It’s the first thing visitors and potential customers look out for when searching and deciding to purchase with you. Also, with the increase of online businesses, marketing dynamics have changed, but with a domain name, you can increase your sales chances and a lasting brand image.
What is a website domain? While this is a buzzword that’s casually thrown around, not everyone knows what it means and does. That’s where we come in. We will explain a domain name, its operation, and its importance. Let’s get started.
What is a website domain?
A domain is the name of a website. It comes after ‘www.’ in a web address, and it’s how customers find you online and distinguish you from other business owners. It is the address a browser uses to find your website. Examples of domain names include YouTube.com, Wikipedia.com, walmart.com, etc.
With your domain name, someone can easily find you online. But how exactly does it work?
How do domains work?
Every internet user has heard about a website domain. But how exactly does it work?
Usually, when you browse the internet, punch in a domain name into the address bar of your web browser. The technology behind it then does its thing, and you find the website you’re looking for.
Why is it important?
- Credibility: Every customer wants to buy from a reliable and credible source. They are wary of scammers and fraud. But a business that has a domain name gives your company a professional look. With a domain name, you’ll prove that your business is trustworthy and deserving of its money. If you publish your site through a free web-hosting site, you’ll get a random URL such as www.yourbusiness. However, a domain name gives your company a distinct identity.
- Mobility: Like your name, it doesn’t change regardless of location. Owning a domain name lets you take your name with you if you transfer web hosts or change your in-house server. If you don’t have a domain name, you will have to get a new URL, and it will destroy the SEO you have built up.
- Brand image: A domain name enhances your brand awareness. When your brand name resonates with your domain name, it further strengthens your brand image, making it easy for customers to believe, remember, and return to your company. It will further generate traffic to your website and build your reputation. That will lead to sales generation and customer retention.
Different types of domains
A typical domain name consists of three major parts. They are top-level, second-level, and third-level domains. When selecting an ideal domain for your company via domain check or other options, it is essential to ensure that each part adequately describes your business, fits your niche, and improves your brand. Here are some of the different types of domain options to choose from:
Top Level Domains (TLDs)
A top-level domain is called an extension or domain ending. It is the last part of a web address to the right of the last dot after the primary domain name. For instance, if the domain is www.Wordpress.com, the TLD is “.com.” However, there are TLDTLDsat don’t represent a country. They are called generic TLD, or gTLD. You have to meet some requirements to get certain generic TLDs. E.g.: .edu domains are for accredited educational institutions only.
Country-Code TLDs
This two-letter domain extension represents a geographical location, sovereign state, or a specific county. For example, .us is for the United States, .eu is for the European Union, .au is for Australia, and .uk is for the United Kingdom. However, it’s not restricted to the indigene of a country. Some countries now allow foreigners to register domain names with their codes.
Second level domains
Often referred to as the domain title, this is the central part of a domain name. It is a mix of words that best describe a business or website. For instance, if the domain is www.Wordpress.com, ‘WordPress’ is the SLD.
Subdomains or third-level domains
It is a part of the URL before the SLD. It indicates the kind of server the domain will connect to when accessing website data. The most common subdomain is ‘www.’ However, domain owners can create subdomains that best represent their niche. Here is an example; ‘blog.website.com.’ The term ‘blog’ shows what the domain is about and effectively creates brand awareness.
What is the difference between a domain and a URL?
While domain and URL are interchangeable, they don’t connote the same meaning. Here is the difference:
A domain name is an internet resource name that locates a brand online. It makes it easier to access a website. On the other hand, a URL (uniform resource locator) is a distinct identifier that locates the files on the internet.
Simply put, a URL is a string of information that provides people with a complete address of the web page on the internet. At the same time, a domain name is a part of the URL.
Conclusion
A website domain will change your business outlook from amateur to pro. Thus, you should begin your search for the perfect domain name. It is essential to register your domain name today. Learn how to register your domain here.