Folllow Digibit Media on the socials
Email support@digibitmedia.com.au Call Now! 1300 427 604
Folllow Digibit Media on the socials
Email support@digibitmedia.com.au Call Now! 1300 427 604

​What is a Domain Name and How Do They Work

0

Are you considering creating your own website or starting a blog but are intimidated by the prospect? There is a lot to learn and consider for those who are new to web design – but don’t worry! In this article, we’ll go over the first step in any web project: choosing a domain name.

Continue reading to learn what a domain name is and how they work in detail. We will define technical terms such as IP addresses, Domain Name System (DNS), and top level domains (TLDs). We will then discuss how to choose a domain name, where to buy one, how much you can expect to pay, and much more. Are you ready to get started?

​What is a Domain Name?

Simply put, a domain name is your website’s address. It is the name that people will type into their browser’s URL bar to find your website.

For example, the domain name for this website is www.digibitmedia.com.au

Domain names can be obtained from a domain registrar or your hosting provider. They are also frequently made available for free by hosting companies or website builders.

​How Do Domain Names Work?

Domain names are important because they allow computers to locate the server where your website is hosted. Website files can then be downloaded from that server, allowing users to view your site in their browsers.

However, to fully comprehend this process, you must first understand what an IP address is and how the Domain Name System allows computers to translate domain names into IP addresses. Let us find out more…

​What is an IP Address?

Every computer and server has its own IP address, which is a string of numbers separated by full stops. These IP addresses are used by computers to connect and communicate with one another, as well as to find and retrieve web data.

An IP address looks similar to this: 66.220.144.0.

Most humans, however, are incapable of remembering strings of numbers, which is where domain names come into play. When someone wants to open a website, they simply type the domain name into their browser rather than an IP address.

The domain name is then converted by the Domain Name System into an IP address, which is the address of the server that hosts the website. The server can then be quickly contacted and the user’s website served.

To better understand this, let’s take a closer look at how the Domain Name System works…

​What is the DNS?

Domain names are part of the Domain Name System, which is a much larger network (DNS). The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers manages the DNS (ICANN). This non-profit organisation is in charge of the ongoing maintenance and management of the DNS, as well as the creation of policies and the regulation of domain registrars.

The DNS is a vast network of servers located all over the world. These servers have a distributed database of IP addresses and function as an address book, converting domain names to IP addresses. Servers can then be found, and websites can be requested and delivered to browsers.

​How Does the DNS Work?

When you enter a domain name into your browser, the computer will first check its cache to see if it has previously requested that domain. If this is not the case, it will contact the local DNS server (which is usually provided by the internet service provider (ISP)). If once again, no records of this domain name are found in the ISP cache, the computer will need to locate the name servers associated with that domain.

To accomplish this, the local DNS server will divide the domain name into sections. For example, www.digibitmedia.com.au would be divided into three sections:.com, make a website, and www. The.com section, known as a top level domain (TLD), will be investigated first; the local DNS server will connect to a root name server to determine which server holds the domain information for this TLD. Once this is determined, it will contact the next server to determine which name server holds information on the second part of the domain name (digibitmedia).

Your website’s hosting provider manages the name servers. They store DNS records for specific domains and map domain names to IP addresses. Your hosting company will forward the request to the computer where your website is hosted once the computer has located the name servers for your website. The web page is then delivered to the browser that initiated the request.

Although simplified, the preceding should provide you with an understanding of how DNS works. Let us now look at the various types of domain name extensions that are available…

​Different Types of Domain Name Extensions

All domain names consist of a website name (for example, makeawebsitehub) and a top-level domain (ie – .com). Domain name extensions vary greatly, and it is beneficial to understand the various types of top-level domains available so that you can purchase the correct one for your project.

Top-level domain options include…

  • Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs)
  • Sponsored Top-Level Domains (sTLDs)
  • Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs)

The DNS is a hierarchical system, and you can incorporate additional levels of domain extensions, such as second and third-level domains, into your domain (which we will cover further on in this article)

​Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs)

It is best practice to use a reputable TLD in your domain name, such as.com,.org, or.net. However, given the sheer volume of domain names registered to date, it may be difficult to find an appropriate name with one of these extensions. If this is the case, you could consider using a different, lesser-known TLD. Some examples of generic TLDs are…

  • .com (commercial)
  • .org (organizational)
  • .net (network)
  • .biz (business)
  • .info (information)

The IANA (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority) website contains a comprehensive list of TLDs. (The IANA is in charge of all TLDs.)

​Sponsored Top-Level Domains (rTLDs)

There are a number of top level domains sponsored by agencies or organisations for specific purposes. These are some examples…

.gov (used by US government authorities)

  • .int (used by international organizations)
  • .mil (limited to US military entities only)
  • .edu (for use by educational institutions)

If your organization falls under one of the sponsored TLD categories, then you may need to apply to use the appropriate domain extension.

​Country Code Top-Level Domains

The country identifier TLDs are reserved for specific countries and begin with the country’s two-letter ISO code. Here are a few examples…

  • .us (United States)
  • .uk (United Kingdom)
  • .ca (Canada)
  • .de (Germany)
  • . fr (France)
  • .cn (China)
  • .br (Brazil)

If your business and target audience is based in a specific country, then it is advised to use the relevant country code TLD.

Other Domain Name Types

There are a couple of other domain types worth mentioning

  • Second Level Domains – In the DNS hierarchy, a second level domain is directly below a TLD. These are frequently used in conjunction with country code TLDs, such as.co.uk, gov.uk, or ac.uk.
  • A subdomain (also referred to as a third-level domain) is an additional part of a domain name. Subdomains are viewed as separate websites by search engines, so creating subdomains can help improve your site’s SEO, among other things. If you want to keep your blog separate from your website, a subdomain is a good option. In that case, your website’s subdomain (https://mysite.com) might look something like this: https://blog.mysite.com.

So, now you know about the domain extensions that are available. Let’s next look at how to choose a domain name for your website

​How to Choose a Domain Name

It’s not easy to find the perfect domain name that reflects your business, is easy for your target audience to remember, and whether it’s available for purchase.

Here are some pointers for selecting the best domain name for your website.

  • Use Keywords – It is recommended that you use the name of your company or other keywords that you want your site to rank for in your domain name, as this can greatly improve your site’s SEO.
  • Keep it Short and Memorable – Your domain name should be distinct and memorable. A short and catchy domain name will be easy for your audience to remember – try to keep it to no more than three words.
  • Ensure that it is simple to spell – Avoid words with multiple spellings or longer words that your audience may struggle to spell. Otherwise, your visitors may be unable to locate your website because they are unable to spell your domain name.
  • Avoid using numbers and hyphens – Once again, you want your domain name to be as easy to remember and type as possible. Adding numbers and hyphens can cause additional confusion (for example, is number two spelt 2 or two? And where has the dash gone?!)
  • Do Your Research – Investigate other websites that have the same domain name but a different extension. If a popular website is using runclub.net and you register runclub.org, you may struggle to rank your content in search engines and lose visitors to this rival site.
  • Consider the Long Term – While you can change your site’s domain name at any time, doing so can have a significant impact on your SEO and visitor numbers. As a result, you should try to select a domain name that will work in the long run.
  • Use the Right Domain Extension – As previously stated, selecting the appropriate domain extension is critical. The best TLD for most websites is always.com. If you have created a country or community/organization specific website, you should consider a sponsored or country code TLD.

It is critical to choose the right domain name. It not only helps to define your brand, but it is also the first and most likely last impression your audience has of your site. As a result, it must have an impact and help to promote your company subtly.

But don’t worry if you’re having trouble coming up with domain name suggestions. There are several useful tools available to assist with this.

​Use a Domain Name Generator

Because of the large number of domain names that have already been registered, your ideal name is often already taken. Instead of spending days and days coming up with new names, consider using a domain name generator.

There are numerous domain name generators to choose from. They operate by taking a keyword from you and generating thousands of relevant suggestions. Let’s look at a few domain name generators to get you started.

Lean Domain Search – Lean Domain Search, brought to you by Automatic, will assist you in finding domain names by combining your search phrase with other common and relevant keywords. It also indicates which ones are available for registration.

Domain Hole – You can use this domain name generator to search for, find, and purchase new and expired domain names. It includes a plethora of domain name tools, such as a name spinner, a brainstormer, and a complete availability checker.

Name Mesh – The Name Mesh library contains over six million words, so this name generator will be able to find the perfect domain name for you. Simply enter your keyword, and Name Mesh will provide a list of suggestions as well as check availability for the most popular TLDs.

After you’ve decided on an appropriate domain name for your website, you’ll need to purchase it. But how much will it cost, and where can you get it? Let’s find out more

​How Much Does a Domain Cost

The cost of a domain name varies greatly. Some domain names cost millions of dollars, while others are available for free. A regular domain name, on the other hand, will cost you between $10 and $15 per year on average.

​Free Domain Names

​

​.

  • Hostinger – A budget host, Hostinger offers a free domain to anyone who signs up for one of their Premium or Business hosting plans.
  • DreamHost – Qualify for a free one-year domain name with DreamHost by signing up for one of their annual hosting packages (Starter plan not included).
  • GoDaddy – Another popular hosting company, GoDaddy offers a free domain with all their plans. Simply sign up on a 12, 24, or 36-month contract – the domain will remain free for the entire length of the selected package.
  • Bluehost – This popular hosting provider offers a free domain name for the first year if you sign up for an initial term of 36 months

If you choose an all-in-one website builder solution, such as Wix or Squarespace, you will discover that these platforms all allow their users to create as many free subdomains as they want. With Wix, for example, a subdomain will look something like this’mysite’.wix.com. Although this is a good starting point, if you want your business to appear professional, you will need to purchase an actual domain name later on.

​Regular Domain Pricing

If your hosting package does not include a free domain name, you will need to purchase one. As previously stated, the average cost of a domain name is between $10 and $15 per year. However, the cost of a domain name varies depending on several factors. These are some examples…

  • Popularity – If you have chosen a popular domain name phrase, it may have already been purchased with the intention of reselling it at a higher price. You must decide whether this domain name is worth the money.
  • Domain Extension –  The more reputable domain extensions (.com,.net,.org) will typically cost more than some of the newer TLDs (.me, .be, .club).
  • Domain Registrar –  The prices of domain names vary depending on the domain registrar. If you buy your domain name directly from your website builder or hosting provider, you will almost always pay more than if you buy from a third-party registrar.
  • Length of Term – If you register a domain for a longer period of time, some domain registrars will charge you less (eg – 24 or 36 months).

So you now have an idea of how much you can expect to pay for a domain name. So, where do you go to get one?

​Where Should You Buy a Domain Name?

Domain names can be purchased from a variety of third-party domain registrars and hosting providers. All domain providers are registered with ICANN, which helps to ensure credibility. The main distinctions between registrars are the services they provide in addition to domain names, such as email and WhoIs protection.

Here are a few domain registrars that we would recommend

Domain.com – Choose from over 25 country code TLDs or the most popular TLDs. All purchased domain names include a free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate, domain ‘transfer lock’ protection, and DNS management control.

Name Cheap – This well-known domain registrar already manages over 10 million domains globally. All domains purchased include free WHOIS protection, two months of email, 24/7 support, and other benefits. There are also several extremely cheap TLDs available for those on a tight budget.

GoDaddy – GoDaddy is not only a well-known hosting provider; it is also the world’s largest domain registrar, managing over 78 million domains globally. Purchase a.co.uk domain for as little as $0.99, or a.com or.net domain for as little as $12.17.

Google Domains – if you are looking to quickly and easily register a new domain, then this may be the registrar for you.

​What Else Should You Consider When Purchasing a Domain?

Once you’ve found a domain registrar and a domain name that works for your project, you’re almost ready to buy. Before you do, here are a few other things to think about.

  • Set Your Domain to Auto Renew – When you buy a domain name, you can usually choose the length of the term (generally 12 or 24 months). When the term expires, your domain registrar will typically send you a series of emails reminding you to renew the domain name. However, if you do not do so, you will not only lose your domain name but it may be purchased by someone else as well. As a result, setting your domain to auto-renew gives you peace of mind that your domain will remain registered to you indefinitely.
  • Domain Privacy – When you register a domain, your personal information is stored on the WHOIS register and is accessible to anyone. Paying a premium for domain privacy ensures that your information is not accessible to the general public. (Some domain registrars include this service in the price of the domain name.)
  • Buy up Other Domain Extensions – Depending on your budget, you may want to purchase the other major TLDs as well. If your new domain name is getblogging.com, you should also consider getblogging.org, getblogging.net, getblogging.co.uk, and so on. This will prevent visitors from mistyping your site’s TLD and competitors from setting up similar sites and hijacking your traffic.
  • Buy the Misspellings of Your Domain – If your domain name has obvious misspellings, it may be worth purchasing these. Misspelled domains can be redirected to your website, ensuring that you do not lose traffic due to spelling errors made by visitors!

​Final Thoughts on Domain Names

As you can see, registering your new domain name is a relatively simple process. The most difficult part is deciding on a name, especially since so many domain names have already been taken. So, start brainstorming – enter some keywords into a domain generator, share your ideas with friends and family, and make a firm decision on your new domain name.

You are now ready to begin building your website after registering your domain name.