Domain Registration

What Is a Domain Name?

A domain name is a website’s equivalent to a physical address. It consists of a name and an extension. It helps users easily find your website and eliminates the need to memorize the site’s internet protocol (IP) address. On top of all, domain names are key to the internet infrastructure.

How Do Domains Work?

A domain name and a web hosting server are the two main elements of a website. All domain names connect to their corresponding IP addresses and point to the specific servers hosting the site.

When a user enters a domain name into a browser, a global network of Domain Name System (DNS) servers will look for its associated IP address and web server. This web server stores the website’s data, including its files, database, and HTML code.

Next, the matching web server will pick up the requested data from the domain’s hosting service and return the request to the browser.

Once the browser receives the data, it will convert it into a web page for the user.

Why Get a Domain Name?

Let’s review some of the reasons why you need a new domain name for your business or project:

  • Website memorability – your audience can technically visit your website by entering its IP address. However, it is difficult to remember since it consists of a string of random numbers. Domain names make a site more accessible to users.
  • Effective branding – a well-thought-out domain name helps convey your project or business’ values and mission.
  • Credibility – websites with custom domain names look more professional than those with a free subdomain, such as yourwebsite.websitebuilder.com.
  • Custom email addresses – a domain name lets you create professional domain email accounts, like name@yourdomain.com. It also makes your presentation consistent throughout different online channels.
  • SEO – a memorable domain name with relevant keywords will positively impact your website’s SEO, improving its rankings on Google.

Domain Name Types

Different domain types can reveal more information about a site. Here are some of the most common types of domain names:

TLD: Top-Level Domain

A top-level domain is a general term for a domain extension. It’s the part that comes next to the name. For example, in the domain name VONSUNG.IO, “.io” is the top-level domain.

Various TLDs (top-level domains) are available online, but .com domains remain the most popular, with over 47% of all sites using them. While it’s commonly used for commercial businesses, other projects can utilize the .com TLD to improve website credibility.

Another advantage of popular extensions is that they can drive high organic traffic, as users often write them by default. Here are other popular TLD choices:

  • The .net domain  – businesses working in the networking landscape can choose this TLD. That said, .net is a great alternative to .com, regardless of your niche.
  • The .biz domain – another .com alternative. It’s a good choice for a business domain name.
  • The .org domain – it’s the go-to TLD for non-profit organizations.
  • The .xyz domain – referring to the X, Y, and Z generations, this domain extension is a more affordable alternative for anyone wanting to build their online presence. This TLD is also popular for testing sites.

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) manages TLD distributions. ICANN’s responsibilities include:

  • Evaluating and approving applications for new TLDs.
  • Managing and monitoring domain registries.
  • Developing and coordinating policy within the domain name system.
  • Ensuring the introduction of new TLDs aligns with the organization’s mission to enhance innovation, competition, and consumer choice online.

Check your domain availability from VONSUNG.IO