Domain Name Full Tutorial
What is Domain Name?
A domain name is a unique address that identifies a website on the internet. It’s a string of characters that is used to access a specific website, such as “google.com” or “facebook.com”.
Domain names are used to simplify the process of accessing websites. Instead of having to remember an IP address, which is a series of numbers that identifies a server on the internet, users can simply type in a domain name to access a website.
Domain names are made up of two parts: the top-level domain (TLD) and the second-level domain. The TLD is the part of the domain name that comes after the last dot, such as .com, .org, or .net. The second-level domain is the part of the domain name that comes before the TLD, such as “google” or “facebook”.
Domain names can be registered by individuals, businesses, or organizations through a domain registrar. Once a domain name is registered, the owner has the exclusive right to use that domain name for a specific period of time, usually one to ten years.
What is Domain Extension?
A domain extension, also known as a top-level domain (TLD), is the part of a domain name that appears after the dot, such as .com, .org, .net, .edu, etc.
The purpose of a domain extension is to categorize and organize domain names on the internet. Different domain extensions are typically used for different types of websites and businesses. For example, .com is commonly used for commercial websites, .org for non-profit organizations, .edu for educational institutions, and so on.
There are hundreds of different domain extensions available, and new ones are being created all the time. In addition to generic TLDs like .com and .org, there are also country-code TLDs (ccTLDs) like .us for the United States, .ca for Canada, and .uk for the United Kingdom.
When choosing a domain extension, it’s important to consider the purpose and audience of your website. Some domain extensions may be more appropriate for certain types of businesses or industries, while others may be more appropriate for personal or hobby websites.
What is SubDomain?
A subdomain is a subset of a larger domain name. It is essentially a prefix that appears before the main domain name, separated by a dot. For example, “blog.example.com” is a subdomain of the “example.com” domain.
Subdomains are often used to organize different sections of a website or to create separate websites within a larger domain. For example, a company might use “store.example.com” to host an online store, “blog.example.com” for a company blog, and “support.example.com” for customer support.
Subdomains can also be used to create unique web addresses for different departments or regions within an organization, such as “sales.example.com” or “asia.example.com”.
Each subdomain can have its own content, design, and functionality, but it is still part of the larger domain. Subdomains can be created and managed through a domain registrar or hosting provider.
What is URL
A URL, or Uniform Resource Locator, is the address that is used to identify and locate resources on the internet. A URL is made up of several parts that specify the protocol used to access the resource, the domain name or IP address of the server hosting the resource, and the location of the resource on the server.
A typical URL might look something like this:
https://www.example.com/index.html
In this example, “https://” specifies the protocol used to access the resource (in this case, the secure version of the HTTP protocol). “www.example.com” is the domain name of the server hosting the resource, and “/index.html” is the location of the resource on the server.
URLs can be used to access a wide variety of resources on the internet, including web pages, images, videos, and other types of content. URLs can be entered into a web browser’s address bar or used as links on web pages and in other documents.
Domain Names Types
There are several types of domain names, including:
Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs): These are domain extensions that are not tied to a specific country or region, and include extensions such as .com, .org, .net, and .info.
Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs): These are domain extensions that are tied to a specific country or region, such as .us for the United States, .uk for the United Kingdom, and .ca for Canada.
Sponsored Top-Level Domains (sTLDs): These are domain extensions that are operated by private organizations or companies for a specific industry or interest group. Examples include .gov for government agencies, .edu for educational institutions, and .aero for the aviation industry.
Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs): These are domain names that use non-ASCII characters, such as accented letters or characters from non-Latin scripts. This allows for domain names in non-English languages, such as Chinese or Arabic.
Brand TLDs (bTLDs): These are domain extensions that are operated by a specific brand or company, and are not available for public registration. Examples include .google and .bmw.
Second-Level Domains (SLDs): These are the main part of a domain name that appears before the top-level domain. For example, in “example.com”, “example” is the second-level domain. Second-level domains can be registered by individuals or organizations and can include both gTLDs and ccTLDs.
Third-Level Domains (TLDs): These are domains that appear before the second-level domain, separated by a dot. For example, in “www.example.com”, “www” is the third-level domain. Third-level domains are often used for subdomains, such as “blog.example.com” or “store.example.com”.
What is DNS?
DNS stands for Domain Name System, which is a system used to translate domain names into IP addresses.
When you enter a website URL into your web browser, the DNS server looks up the IP address associated with that domain name, and then directs your web browser to the correct server that hosts the website.
This process is important because domain names are easier for people to remember and use than IP addresses, which are a series of numbers that represent the unique address of a server or device on the internet. DNS allows users to enter a domain name and access a website without needing to know or remember the associated IP address.
DNS operates through a network of servers that are distributed around the world. These servers work together to maintain a database of domain names and their associated IP addresses. When a user enters a domain name into their web browser, the DNS server closest to the user’s location is typically used to look up the IP address and direct the user’s web browser to the correct server.
What is Domain Registrar?
A domain registrar is a company or organization that manages the registration of domain names. Domain registrars are accredited by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to register domain names under specific top-level domains (TLDs), such as .com, .org, .net, and others.
When you want to register a domain name for your website, you would typically go to a domain registrar to check the availability of the domain name and to complete the registration process. The registrar will charge a fee for the registration, and then maintain a record of the domain name and its associated registration details, such as the name and contact information of the domain owner.
Domain registrars also typically offer additional services such as domain name transfers, domain name privacy protection, and website hosting. Some popular domain registrars include GoDaddy, Namecheap, and Google Domains, among others.
How to Buy Domain Names?
To buy a domain name, you can follow these steps:
Choose a domain registrar: There are many domain registrars to choose from, so research to find one that fits your needs and budget.
Search for available domain names: Use the domain registrar’s search tool to check the availability of the domain name you want. If your preferred domain name is not available, the registrar may suggest alternative options.
Select a domain name and check out: Once you find an available domain name you want to purchase, select it and proceed to checkout. You’ll need to provide your contact information, payment details, and any additional services you want to add to your purchase, such as domain privacy protection.
Verify your purchase: After completing your purchase, you’ll typically receive an email from the domain registrar asking you to verify your contact information and domain ownership details.
Manage your domain: Once your domain purchase is verified, you’ll be able to manage your domain through the domain registrar’s control panel. From there, you can set up DNS records, connect your domain to a website hosting provider, and renew your domain registration as needed.
It’s important to note that some domain names may be more expensive than others, depending on factors such as the length of the name, the popularity of the TLD, and whether the domain is already registered by someone else. Additionally, it’s a good idea to choose a domain name that is easy to remember, relevant to your business or brand, and easy to spell and type.
What is Blacklisted Domain, Expired Domains, Addon Domains, Premium Domains ?
Blacklisted Domain: A blacklisted domain is a domain that has been flagged as spam or associated with suspicious activity. This can happen if the domain has been used for phishing or distributing malware, or if it has been identified as part of a botnet.
Expired Domains: An expired domain is a domain that has not been renewed by the owner before its expiration date. These domains can be registered by someone else after a certain period of time, typically between 30 to 90 days after the expiration date. Expired domains can be valuable if they have existing backlinks or traffic.
Addon Domains: An addon domain is a domain that can be added to an existing hosting account. This allows website owners to host multiple websites under a single hosting plan, each with their own domain name.
Premium Domains: Premium domains are high-value domain names that are typically short, memorable, and easy to spell. They often have keywords related to a particular industry or business niche, and can be sold for a premium price. Premium domains can be valuable for branding and SEO purposes.
20 Tips How to Choose Domain Name for Business Website
Choosing the right domain name for your business website is crucial as it can impact your online branding, SEO, and overall user experience. Here are 20 tips to help you choose a great domain name:
- Keep it simple and easy to remember. Avoid complex or lengthy domain names.
- Use keywords related to your business or industry to make it easier for search engines to find you.
- Choose a domain name that is easy to spell and pronounce. This makes it easier for people to share your website with others.
- Avoid using numbers, hyphens, or special characters in your domain name as it can make it harder to remember and spell correctly.
- Make sure your domain name is unique and not similar to any other well-known websites or brands.
- Consider using your business name as your domain name. This can help with branding and recognition.
- Choose a domain name that is easy to type on a keyboard or mobile device.
- Consider using a country-specific domain extension if your business operates in a specific country.
- Avoid using trademarked names or phrases in your domain name to avoid legal issues.
- Use a domain name that accurately reflects your business or industry.
- Avoid using slang or jargon in your domain name as it can be confusing to those unfamiliar with it.
- Consider the length of your domain name. A shorter domain name is often easier to remember and type.
- Make sure your domain name is available and not already registered by someone else.
- Choose a domain name that is easy to pronounce and sounds good when spoken aloud.
- Consider the future growth of your business when choosing a domain name. Avoid using a name that may limit your business expansion.
- Use a domain name that is easy to read and understand, even at a glance.
- Avoid using abbreviations unless they are commonly understood within your industry.
- Consider the cost of the domain name, including renewal fees and any associated costs.
- Choose a domain name that aligns with your brand and messaging.
- Finally, ask for feedback from friends, colleagues, or even your target audience to get their thoughts on your domain name ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Domain Names
Here are some frequently asked questions about domain names:
What is a domain name?
A domain name is a string of characters used to identify a website on the internet. It typically consists of two parts: the actual name, and the top-level domain (TLD), such as .com, .org, or .net.
How long can a domain name be?
Domain names can be up to 63 characters long (not including the TLD).
How much does a domain name cost?
The cost of a domain name can vary depending on the registrar, the TLD, and the availability of the domain name. Some domain names can be purchased for just a few dollars per year, while others can cost thousands of dollars or more.
How long does it take to register a domain name?
Domain name registration is typically completed within a few minutes to a few hours, although it can take up to 48 hours for the registration to propagate throughout the internet.
Can I transfer my domain name to another registrar?
Yes, you can transfer your domain name to another registrar at any time. However, some registrars may charge a fee for domain transfers.
What is domain privacy protection?
Domain privacy protection is a service offered by some domain registrars that hides the contact information of the domain owner from public records, such as WHOIS databases.
What is a subdomain?
A subdomain is a domain that is part of a larger domain. For example, in the URL “blog.example.com”, “blog” is a subdomain of “example.com”.
Can I buy an expired domain name?
Yes, you can buy an expired domain name if it becomes available for purchase. However, it’s important to research the history of the domain before buying it to avoid any potential issues, such as penalties from search engines.