What is a domain name? A Complete Beginner’s Guide

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What is a domain name? A Complete Beginner’s Guide

Disclosure: We’re reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, see our Disclosure page. Thanks.

A domain name is the address of a website on the internet. It’s the string of characters that people type into a web browser to access a specific website. For example, www.google.com or www.amazon.com are domain names.

Here’s a complete beginner’s guide to domain names in 2025:

1. What is a Domain Name?

A domain name is like a unique “home address” for a website. It makes it easier for people to visit a website without needing to remember the website’s numerical IP address (a long string of numbers). Instead of typing in something like 192.168.1.1, you use a memorable domain name like www.example.com.

2. How Do Domain Names Work?

• Domain Name System (DNS): Think of DNS as the phonebook of the internet. It translates the human-readable domain names into IP addresses, which are used to locate and communicate with websites.
• Parts of a Domain Name: A domain name has two main parts:
  • Second-Level Domain (SLD): The part before the “.com” (e.g., in “example.com,” example is the SLD).
  • Top-Level Domain (TLD): The part after the dot (e.g., in “example.com,” .com is the TLD).

3. Types of Domain Names

• Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs): These are the most common TLDs like .com, .org, .net, etc. They are not specific to any country or organization.
• Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs): These are domain extensions based on a country’s code, like .uk for the United Kingdom, .ca for Canada, .in for India, etc.
• New gTLDs: These are newer domain extensions, such as .tech, .blog, or .store.

4. How to Choose a Domain Name

When picking a domain name, consider these tips:

• Short and Memorable: Keep it short, easy to spell, and easy to remember.
• Avoid Special Characters: Stick to letters, numbers, and hyphens. Avoid spaces, symbols, or unusual characters.
• Reflect Your Brand or Purpose: The domain should ideally represent the website’s content or your business.
• Avoid Copyright Issues: Make sure your domain doesn’t infringe on someone else’s trademark.

5. Where to Buy a Domain Name

You can register a domain name through various online platforms known as domain registrars. Some of the popular registrars include:

• GoDaddy
• Namecheap
• Google Domains
• Bluehost

6. How to Register a Domain Name

Here’s a simple process to register a domain name:

1. Search for Your Domain Name: Use a domain registrar’s search tool to check if your desired domain name is available.
2. Choose Your Domain: If the domain is available, you can select it and proceed to register.
3. Create an Account with the Registrar: You’ll need to provide contact information and payment details.
4. Pay for the Domain: Most domain names are registered on a yearly basis, with prices typically ranging from $10 to $50 per year, depending on the TLD.

7. How Much Does a Domain Name Cost?

• Typical Costs: A standard .com domain usually costs between $10 and $20 per year.
• Premium Domains: Some domain names can be more expensive, especially if they are short, memorable, or contain highly desirable keywords.
• Domain Auctions: If a domain is already registered but available for sale, you may need to bid in a domain auction, which could raise the price significantly.

8. What Happens if Your Domain Name Expires?

If you don’t renew your domain name before it expires, it will become available for others to register. There’s often a grace period where you can still renew it, but after that, you risk losing ownership of it.

9. Domain Name Privacy

When you register a domain, your personal contact details (name, email, address) are often displayed in a public database called the WHOIS registry. However, you can opt for WHOIS protection or domain privacy services, where the registrar’s contact information is used instead of yours, providing some level of anonymity.

10. Transferring a Domain Name

You can transfer your domain to another registrar if you wish. The process typically involves:

• Unlocking the domain at your current registrar.
• Requesting an authorization code.
• Providing the code to the new registrar.
• Completing the transfer process (which can take several days).

11. Why is a Domain Name Important for Your Website?

• Brand Identity: A unique and professional domain name is a big part of your brand’s identity.
• SEO (Search Engine Optimization): A good domain name can help with search engine rankings, especially if it includes keywords related to your business.
• Trust and Credibility: People are more likely to trust a website with a custom domain rather than one using a generic platform URL (e.g., example.wordpress.com).

12. Can You Own a Domain Name Forever?

Technically, no. Domain names are leased, not owned. However, as long as you continue to renew your registration, you can keep your domain name indefinitely.

In 2025, domain names remain essential for creating an online presence, whether you’re starting a personal blog, launching a business, or setting up an e-commerce store. With the increasing number of websites, choosing a good domain name can be competitive, so early registration and creativity are key!