What is a Domain Name? Everything You Need to Know

A domain name is like your website’s unique street address on the internet, guiding visitors straight to you. Whether it’s a memorable name or a descriptive one, having a custom domain boosts your online visibility, builds credibility and strengthens both your domain name and brand’s identity.

Without a domain, people would have to rely on hard-to-remember IP addresses to find your site. Selecting the right domain name can make all the difference in how people find and remember you.

Ready to dive in? Let’s explore how internet domain names work, why they’re essential and how to pick the perfect one for your site. 

What is a domain? 

A domain name is the web address that people type into their browser’s URL bar to reach your website. 

Think of it this way: if your website is home, your browser’s address bar, the domain name is its street online address. 

The internet is a massive network where millions of computers connect and communicate. Each computer has its own IP address, which is essentially a unique set of numbers that identifies it online, like 192.168.1.1. 

However, remembering a string of numbers like that for each website you want to visit would be a hassle. Domain names were created to make things simple. 

Now, instead of typing in a complex IP address, you can reach a website by entering a memorable name, like bluehost.com, in your browser. 

How do domain names actually work? 

Let’s break down what happens when you type a domain name into your browser. 

When you enter a domain name your browser sends a request to a global network of servers called the Domain Name System (DNS). 

These servers check the DNS records for that domain to find the correct name servers, or DNS servers, linked to it. 

For instance, if your site is hosted by Bluehost, its name server records might look like this: 

• ns1.bluehost.com 
• ns2.bluehost.com 

These name servers are managed by your hosting provider, which directs the request to the specific computer the hosting server, where your website files are stored. This is known as a web server and runs special software (like Apache or Nginx). 

The web server gathers the website’s data and sends it back to your browser, which then displays the web pages to you. 

Domain name system and IP address 

Domains make it simple for people to find websites by using memorable names made up of letters, numbers, or words. Each domain, however, hides a more complex system. 

It involves an Internet Protocol (IP) address. These are unique number strings. Computers use them to identify and communicate with each other across the Internet. 

Because these IP addresses are challenging to remember, domains act as easy-to-use aliases. The Domain Name System (DNS) links domain names to IP addresses. It helps web servers quickly find and deliver the website you want. 

Today’s DNS is very efficient. It uses advanced caching and security protocols. This boosts speed and protects against cyber threats. Theis’s evolution keeps domains fast, accessible and safe as the internet grows. 

Structure of domain names 

The structure of a domain name has three main parts: the top level, the second level and the third level or subdomain. 

Top level domain (TLD) 

The top level domains, or TLD, is the final segment of a website address. For example, the TLD in “example.com” is “.com.” 

There are three main types of TLDs, each serving different needs and often with specific registration criteria. 

Generic top level domains (gTLD) 

Generic TLDs are open to all and used for a wide range of purposes. Some of the most popular gTLDs include: 

• .com – Originally intended for commercial sites, it’s now the most common TLD, used by nearly half of all website domains. 
• .net – Initially for networking sites, it’s a solid alternative to .com, suitable for various industries. 
• .org – Commonly used by non-profits and community organizations, it’s the second most popular TLD after .com. 

In addition to these classics, industry-specific TLDs like .tech, .shop and .travel are gaining popularity. Because these are newer, it’s often easier to find your desired name with one of these domain extensions first, helping visitors understand your site’s focus from the start. 

Country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) 

Country-code TLDs represent specific countries or regions, using two-letter extensions based on country codes. For example: 

• .in – India 
• .uk – United Kingdom (often with an optional .co for commercial sites, as in .co.uk) 

Businesses targeting local markets often choose ccTLDs to establish a regional presence. For example, BBC uses bbc.co.uk in the UK and bbc.com for its international site. 

Here are some popular ccTLDs: 

• .us – United States 
• .mx – Mexico 
• .de – Germany 
• .it – Italy 

Some ccTLDs have specific requirements. For instance, only U.S. residents and businesses with a presence in the U.S. can register .us domains. Review the registration policies before choosing a domain registry or ccTLD. 

Sponsored top level domains 

Sponsored TLDs are supported by private organizations to serve specific groups or communities. These include: 

• .gov – For U.S. government agencies, managed by the U.S. General Services Administration. 
• .edu – Exclusively for accredited U.S. educational institutions. 
• .mil – Reserved for the U.S. Department of Defense. 
• .travel – For businesses in the travel sector, such as hotels, airlines and tourism services. 

While some sponsored TLDs used to be exclusive, a few have opened over time. For example, .asia is now available for individuals and businesses worldwide. 

Managing top level domains 

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) oversees all TLDs. ICANN is responsible for: 

• Reviewing and approving applications for new TLDs. 
• Ensuring new TLDs foster online choice, innovation and competition. 
• Monitoring domain registries, like Verisign, which manages .com and .net. 
• Accrediting domain registrars, such as Bluehost.com. 
• Setting policies and coordinating rules within the domain system. 

Second level domain (SLD) 

The second-level domain, or SLD, is the part of the domain that appears just before the TLD. For example, in “www.example.com,” the SLD is “example.” 

This is the customizable part of the domain name and usually the most memorable. For brand recognition, businesses often use their brand name as the SLD. 

What if my preferred domain name is taken? 

If your ideal domain name is already registered, you may have the option to contact the current domain name owner and make an offer to buy it. 

Tools like ICANN Lookup allow you to check who owns a particular domain. However, many unused domain name owners keep their information private. In these cases, you can ask the domain registrar to help connect you with the owner. 

If the owner isn’t open to selling or the price is too high, consider choosing a different TLD to keep your desired name. 

Third level domain (Subdomain) 

A third level domain, often called a subdomain, is the part that comes before the main domain. For example, the “www” in “www.example.com” is technically a subdomain, historically indicating a site’s presence on the World Wide Web. 

Modern use of subdomains 

Today, including “www” is optional; most websites work seamlessly without it, often redirecting “www” to the main domain (like example.com) to simplify things. With mobile browsing on the rise, the need for “www” has diminished even further. 

Beyond “www,” subdomains are commonly used to organize website sections. For instance, Google’s developers.google.com directs users to resources specifically for developers. 

Subdomains are also valuable for localization, as seen on Wikipedia: “en.wikipedia.org” serves English users, while “de.wikipedia.org” caters to German speakers. 

Here are some common examples of subdomains that businesses might use: 

• blog.yourwebsite.com – for your blog, featuring company updates and stories. 
• news.yourwebsite.com – to share company news. 
• resources.yourwebsite.com – for downloadable content like case studies or eBooks. 
• support.yourwebsite.com – for customer support, FAQs and contact options. 

Subdomains help organize and direct users to specific content or services within a website, enhancing navigation and user experience. 

Domain name extensions  

A domain extension, also known as a top level domain (TLD), is the last part of a web address, like “.com.” 

Choosing the right domain extension is important for your website’s long-term success. Why? Because certain TLDs can shape how visitors view your site. 

For example, .edu is commonly associated with respected educational institutions, while .tech can make a brand feel forward-thinking and tech-savvy. 

Selecting the appropriate domain extension can also help you reach the right audience. Visitors on .shop or .store domains often expect to find products for sale, while those on .travel sites are likely looking for vacation options. 

If your primary audience is in a specific country, using that country’s TLD (ccTLD) can build local trust and engagement. For instance, using .pl for a Polish audience may encourage more local visitors, who may expect Polish content and the option to pay in złoty. 

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a domain extension: 

• Purpose of your site: Are you setting up an online store or creating an educational blog? 
• Target audience: Is your audience local or international? 
• Availability: Check if your desired extension is available for your domain name. 

You can explore different domain extension options using our free domain name checker to find the perfect match for your website’s goals. 

What’s the difference between a domain name and a URL?  

Domain names and URLs are often thought of as the same thing, but they actually mean different things. 

A URL, or Universal Resource Locator, is a full web address that guides users to a particular web page. A domain name is just one part of that URL. 

Typically, a URL has these parts: 

• Protocol: This can be either HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) or HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure). HTTPS tells users the site is secured with an SSL certificate. 
• Domain: Usually made up of the second-level domain and the domain extension. 
• Path: Shows up when pointing visitors to a specific page on a website. 

In simple terms, a domain name is an essential part of a URL, but it’s not the whole address. A URL points precisely to the web page you want to visit. 

How are domain names configured?  

To ensure smooth operation, domains are configured with several key components:  

Subdomains: These are sections of a website that operate under a main domain. For instance, blog.yourwebsite.com could be a subdomain for a blog, while m.yourwebsite.com might be for a mobile version. Subdomains help create different versions of your website.  

CNAME records: Short for Canonical Name, a CNAME record points a domain name to another domain. This aids in directing traffic to the correct address without using a specific IP address.  

MX records: MX stands for Mail Exchange. These records specify the mail servers for a domain, directing where to send and receive emails.  

A records: An A record maps a domain name to an IP address. If you only have a hostname and not an IP address, it helps by providing the necessary link.  

PTR records: PTR stands for Pointer. These records map an IP address to a hostname, essentially performing the reverse function of an A record.  

TXT records: These records store text-based information about a domain. They’re often used for additional details like contact information or verification purposes.  

How does DNS work?  

DNS, or Domain Name System, translates website names into IP addresses. It lets us easily access websites. When you type a web address like “example.com” into your browser, DNS works like an address book. It finds the correct IP address for that website. 

Here’s a simple breakdown: when you enter a URL, your computer sends a request to a DNS server, asking for the IP address linked to that site. 

The DNS server searches its records to find the correct IP address and sends it back to your computer. This process, called DNS resolution, enables your browser to connect directly to the website. 

DNS simplifies web browsing by letting us use familiar website names instead of long, complex IP addresses. It speeds up your connection and ensures you reach the correct site quickly. 

Without DNS, the internet would be harder to navigate, as we’d need to remember long strings of numbers for each site. DNS makes accessing websites simple and efficient. It improves our internet experience. 

Why is choosing the right domain name important?  

A well-chosen domain name not only reflects your business identity but also plays a significant role in attracting visitors to your website. Here’s why getting it right matters.  

Reflects your brand  

A domain name that mirrors your brand name or is closely related to it helps create a sense of cohesion and professionalism.   

For instance, apple.com is a domain that perfectly reflects the Apple brand. This consistency will make it easier for customers to find and remember your website. Imagine if Apple’s domain name was something unrelated like “techgadgets.com” it wouldn’t have the same impact.  

Enhances memorability  

A memorable domain name is important for attracting return visitors and word-of-mouth referrals. A short, simple and unique domain like google.com is easy to remember and type correctly.   

On the other hand, a complex domain name with hyphens, numbers, or obscure characters can be a major turnoff. Consider the struggles people might face when trying to remember a domain like “best-plumbing-services-in-london-123.com”.  

Prevents legal issues  

Choosing a domain name that infringes on an existing trademark or brand name can lead to costly legal battles. Before you register a domain, it’s smart to check if there are any trademarks or copyrights that could cause problems. This helps you avoid legal disputes down the road and keeps your brand safe and compliant with the law.  

Supports effective marketing  

A well-chosen internet domain name can also be a valuable marketing tool. It can convey the essence of your business, product, or service and even influence search engine rankings.  

For instance, a domain like poetshouse.com immediately conveys that the website is related to poetry, making it more likely to attract the targeted audience.   

A good domain can also improve your website’s visibility in search engine results, making it more discoverable to potential customers.  

8 essential tips for choosing the best domain name for your website  

Keep it short and simple  

Choose a domain name that’s concise and straightforward. Long or complicated names can be hard for users to remember and prone to typographical errors. Keeping a catchy domain and easy to type makes it more accessible and user-friendly.  

Avoid numbers and hyphens  

Numbers and hyphens can make your domain name confusing and hard to remember. Numbers can be misunderstood (like “5” instead of “five”) and hyphens are often forgotten when typing.   

Choose the right extension  

The domain extension you choose (like .com or .org) should match your website’s purpose. For example, .com is widely used for commercial sites, while non-profit organizations often use .org. So, pick an extension that fits your business website nature and appeals to your audience.  

Be future proof  

Choose a valid domain name that will still make sense as your business grows and changes. Avoid names that might limit your future plans or become outdated. For example, a name like “bestlaptops2023.com” could become irrelevant, whereas “techgenius.com” will stay relevant over time.  

Check availability on social media  

Before finalizing your domain name, ensure that matching usernames are available on major social media platforms. Consistent branding across these channels enhances visibility and makes it easier for customers to find and engage with your brand online.  

Use a domain name generator  

If you’re struggling to come up with a name, consider using a domain name generator. These tools can also suggest creative variations based on your business keywords or niche. They help you explore available options and find a distinctive domain that resonates with your brand identity and values.  

Protect your domain 

Once you choose a domain name, register it quickly to make sure no one else takes it. Consider buying similar names or common misspellings to protect your brand. 

For example, if your domain is “bakersdelight.com,” you might also want to register “bakerdelight.com” or “bakersdelite.com” to cover different variations and prevent confusion.  

Think about localization 

If your business operates in different countries, think about registering domains to sell domain names with local extensions. 

For instance, if you’re expanding into Canada, registering “yourbusiness.ca” along with your main “.com” domain can help you connect better with local customers and show relevance to regional markets. 

How to register a domain name  

When you’re ready to secure your domain name, follow these steps for domain name registration with Bluehost. Registering your domain with Bluehost is a simple process that ensures you have exclusive rights to your desired web address.

Here’s how to get free domain registration and started: 

1. In the domain search bar, enter your desired domain name. 
2. Use the dropdown menu to select your desired domain name extension and then click Continue. 
3. If you can’t think of a name or your preferred domain name is taken, you can use Bluehost AI domain generator. Just enter a brief description of your business website and click on Generate Domains. The tool will provide you with multiple suggestions. 
4. Review the search results to see if your domain name is available. If it’s available, click on Add to Cart. Bluehost may offer additional options like domain privacy protection, which hides your personal information from the public WHOIS database. Decide if you want these extra features and add them to your cart if needed. 
5. Review the items in your cart, including the domain and any additional services you selected. Make sure everything is correct and click on Continue to Checkout. 
6. Provide your contact and billing information to complete the purchase. Bluehost accepts various payment methods, including credit cards and PayPal. 
7. Review your order summary and ensure all details are correct. Then, click on Submit Payment to finalize the domain registration. 
8. After completing the registration, you will receive a confirmation email from Bluehost with details about your new domain. You can manage your domain through the Bluehost control panel. 

Conclusion  

Securing a domain name is more than just claiming a web address, it’s about establishing your online identity and reaching your audience effectively. 

Whether you’re launching a new business, showcasing your portfolio, or creating a personal blog, a memorable domain is your gateway to the online world.   

With Bluehost, buying a domain is streamlined and straightforward. By choosing it as your hosting provider, not only do you simplify the process of acquiring a domain, but you also unlock a host of features and support to build and grow your online presence.

FAQ’s about domain names