Your domain name serves as your unique web address, and it is a core part of your online identity. But what is a web domain precisely? This article breaks down how domain names work, explains their structure, and details all you need to know about purchasing a domain name and maintaining your online presence.
The Internet is an infinite universe of interconnected information, services and communities. The greatest danger for Internet users is the same one that gripped the navigators of the oceans: how to find your course, and avoid getting lost in a flood of websites? The whole process of buying a website domain can be overwhelming sometimes.
Just as a physical address allows us to find an island, or a home, so the domain name allows us to identify a specific piece of information online. However, the world is rapidly changing, and consequently, things are getting more complicated. For instance, do you know the difference between a URL and internet domain?
The traditional domain names consist of an easily recognizable string of letters, numbers and occasionally hyphens (e.g., domain.me), usually resembling some words, that uniquely identifies a website on the internet. Understanding how domains work is crucial for anyone looking to establish an online presence.
In the deep architecture of the Internet, computers use a digital IP address to locate each website (e.g.172.67.193.14). Domain names “replace,” for the benefit of the human surfer, the real IP address (Internet Protocol Address) composed of hard-to-memorize numbers.
You can think of domain names as the numbers in your cell phone’s address book (“Mom”), which replace the actual phone numbers. To function, domains rely on a system called the Domain Name System (DNS). In short, when you enter a domain name on your browser (e.g., my.domain.me), it sends a query to the DNS resolver, which, like a huge phone book, associates the name the human user has used with the corresponding IP address, and proceeds to connect your device with the requested server.
A classical domain name includes two or three parts:
The subdomain ‘www.’ (which stands for World Wide Web) is the most frequently encountered. This prefix was standard for most domain names. However, the so-called ‘naked domains,’ which do not display it, have become increasingly popular.
The domain name is the alphanumeric string used to identify a website. In contrast, the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the complete web address used by computers to access a requested website. It includes technical details such as the protocol used (e.g., http or https) and the specific path to the page you want to reach within a website.
So freename.io is a domain name. Instead, an address such as ‘https://freename.io/how-to-create-your-own-top-level-domain/’ is a URL which points to a specific page of the website hosted on the freename.com domain (namely, the FAQ section).
To sum up:
This traditional system is primarily managed by ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers). Typically, a domain is acquired through a domain registration process with licensed registrars. This often involves “renting” or “leasing” the domain, and therefore the registrar’s renewal fees and terms and conditions will apply.
The traditional way to approach domain name purchase and ownership, as we have just seen, does not allow the user to fully own a domain name. By this way, he becomes the domain registrant. Under Web2 protocols the user, after performing a domain search for an available name on an ICANN-accredited platform, selects a registration period, pays and gets the right to use the domain for a certain amount of time. Continued usage rights is contingent upon periodic domain renewal fees.
Web3 domain acquisition, which is currently thriving, operates on blockchain technology. When the user purchases a domain name, it is stored in his or her personal crypto wallet as a Non-Fungible Token (NFT). Such domains offer expanded utility, functioning as a universal username or decentralized identity across diverse digital environments.
There are some other aspects you might want to know about domain names, regarding domain hosts and name servers. In short, a domain host manages your domain’s DNS records through name servers. They are essential for translating domain names into IP addresses and enabling online services like websites and email. Website hosting is often bundled with domain registration services, providing a complete package for your online presence.
Moreover, many domain name registrars allow you to designate secondary domains within your primary account. These secondary domains, though fully dependent on the primary domain’s status (e.g. in case of suspension or non-renewal), allow those who are associated with these additional domains to access the same suite of services of the primary domain user.
Domain names establish your identity online, and they make your brand easily recognizable. Today’s businesses and projects are primarily run through the internet: having an outstanding online presence is essential for growth.
Domain names directly impact accessibility, allowing users to find and return to your site without needing to remember complex IP addresses or full URLs. A good domain name boosts credibility and professionalism. It is as fundamental as a good website architecture or strong SEO practices.
When considering what to consider when buying a domain name, there are some golden rules which you should keep in mind:
By following these guidelines and understanding the intricacies of domain names, you’ll be well-equipped to establish a strong online presence for your brand or project.