Domain name is a website’s identity. It matters to a brand’s identity and location just as much as its physical address. While we know that websites come with different names, not everyone can tell which is domain name.
In this post, we will walk you through a thoroughly detailed guide of everything you should know about a website domain name.
At the end of this guide, we assure you that you will be more knowledgeable about what is domain means and how to choose one.
What is a Domain Name?
Domain Meaning: A domain name is a string of text or characters that people type in the browser to access your website.
In other words, a domain name is an address with which your website can be located.
For example, www.exabytes.com is a Domain Name. Thanks to domain name search lookup (DNS), a domain name is a user-friendly website identifier, especially compared to an internet protocol address.
Unlike a domain name, which is the text that’s easy to remember, an IP entails a series of numbers that identify a particular computer on the internet.
The alphabetic or alphanumeric texts of a domain name are easier to remember than the numeric texts of an IP.
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What is a Subdomain?
A subdomain is an added part to your main website domain name. Subdomains are produced to arrange and also browse different sections of your website.
You can produce numerous subdomains or child domains on your main website domain.
For example blog.yourwebsite.com
In this instance, ‘blog’ is the subdomain, ‘yourwebsite’ is the primary domain as well as ‘. com’ is the leading level domain name (TLD).
You can utilize any text as your subdomain, however, you intend to make sure it’s simple to read and recognize.
Related article: What is Subdomain & Subdirectory
How Domain Names Work
A domain name works in sync with a browser. When people enter your website’s domain name in a browser, it sends a request to a global network of servers that constitute the Domain Name System (DNS).
These servers search for name servers that are associated with the domain and forward the request to the servers involved.
Once the server is located by the DNS, its location is sent back to the client’s browser.
What are the Types of Domains?
Domain names are made up of two major parts: a top-level domain (TLD) and a second-level domain (SDL).
Structure of a Domain Name
- Top-Level Domain
- Country-code top-level domains (ccTLD)
- Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs)
- Sponsored top-level domains (sTLD)
- Second Level Domains (SLD)
Top-Level Domain
Sometimes known as domain suffixes or extensions, TLD is the last section of domain names.
They convey the purpose of a website. This is additional information added to the beginning of a website’s domain name.
There are hundreds of TLDs as approved by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the body that controls registries that make TLDs available.
The five most used and popular top-level domains are .com, .org, .co, .us and .net.
Country-code top-level domains (ccTLD)
Just as the name suggests, ccTLD is used to indicate the country within which a website is registered.
For example, .sg is ccTLD for Singapore, while .uk is the ccTLD for the United Kingdom.
To create an SG domain name, you only need to provide your Singpass number.
Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs)
Next, let’s introduce the generic top-level domains (gTLDs). This is even more of a meaning than a real sort of domain. It’s just a different variation of a TLD, so you might practically categorize this kind of domain as a TLD as well.
The common aspect of this domain extension refers to the types of use-cases that these domain names are meant for.
Take a look at an example. Army organizations can utilize the ‘. mil’ extension, while educational institutions can utilize the ‘. edu,’ as well as ‘. org’ is planned for usage by charitable companies.
A great deal of gTLDs can be registered even if you don’t satisfy the requirements, but also for some like ‘. mil’ and ‘. edu’ you must fit the basic requirement.
Sponsored top-level domains (sTLD)
This part of the domain name is used by an agency. For example, .post is an sTLD that’s reserved for post servicing companies.
Second Level Domains (SLD)
SLD second-level domain is the part of the domain name that comes before the top-level domain.
It is the most memorable part of the domain name, from which a website can be recognized.
For example, in www.exabytes.com, “exabytes” is the second-level domain.
There are also country code second-level domains, for example:
- .org.sg – Who owns an organization in SG.
- .com.sg – This is open for Malaysian businesses or entities.
- .gov.au – Government agencies across Australia use this.
Where to Get a Domain Name
Domain names are managed by domain registries that assign the reservation of domain names to registrars.
You will have to buy a domain name from a registrar and use a hosting provider to manage the website. Some companies, such as Exabytes SG, provide both services.
Generate your idealist domain name in 3 minutes, just describe your business in one or two words. Then, type it into our domain name generator tool.
Where to get a free domain name? Do you register the intellectual property of trademark, patent, and design for your business through IPOS’ IP2SG system on or after 9 June 2016? You are welcome to claim .SG or .COM.SG Domain for FREE!
Related: I have bought a domain name, now what?
How to Find Who Owns Domains
A domain name owner is a person that owns the rights to a website once they have actually officially signed up for it and offered all of the necessary individual info to an accepted registrar.
Actually, you might try to purchase your wanted domain that has actually currently been taken by someone.
Initially, you can examine the domain whether it’s being utilized to host a website, and also you could also find the owner’s contact information or links to approach on the landing page.
The easiest solution to find a domain name owner is by searching WHOIS databases, you may use any WHOIS lookup tool to check available domain name or to discover the contact information of a domain owner.
These are public and free available search tools that provide information of domain registration history and domain registrar.
After that, send out an e-mail to approach them that you have an interest in buying the domain name.
Last but not least, if the domain name owner rejects to offer or supplies a greater price that you can not afford. Consider various other domain name extensions such as.sg,. my and.org for far better possibilities.
Related article: Who Owns A Domain Name?
Is a Domain Name Different from a URL?
The Universal Resource Locator (URL) is a website address that contains the domain name of a site alongside additional information, such as the path and transfer protocol.
For example, in the URL ‘https://www.exabytes.sg/domains/sgdomain’, ‘exabytes.sg’ is the domain name, while ‘HTTPS’ is the secure connection to the website.
How to Keep a Domain Name Secure
Keeping your website secure should be paramount when looking for a domain name. Exabytes Domain Privacy Protection helps you to prevent people from gaining access to your phone number, address, and other private information while registering a domain.
A surefire way to keep your website’s domain name secure is by buying one from a reputable company.
Be sure that the company that you’re buying from has measures in place to notify you the second your domain name expires.
Also, ensure that there are no hidden policies that might enable the company to buy your domain when it expires.
How to Choose a Memorable Domain Name
It just a few tips you need to bear in mind before getting a domain name. There are numerous new domain name extensions available today.
Due to .com is still the most established, memorable, and credible domain name extension. We will always suggest choosing a .com domain name.
To make a perfect and more recognizable brand name, think about a premium numeric domain name as a branding idea before purchase.
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Need more ideas to choose a domain name? Check here to read the domain name guide on choosing a good website name.
In Closing
There you have it. These are what you need to know about a domain name in 2024. You can’t have a website with an identity without a domain name.
Now that you know all there is about domain names, you can get one today and give your website an identity.
Don’t hesitate to search for the right domain extensions and register the domain name you want. Start with our free domain name generator or transfer your domain to Exabytes and enjoy free 1-year web hosting for your online business.
For more information, try domain search with us and check domain availability to buy a website domain.
Newly Established companies are welcome to claim your free domain name packages such as FREE .SG or .COM.SG Domain Name.
