Every website needs an address that people can remember.
Instead of asking visitors to remember a numerical IP address, websites use domain names such as:
example.com
A domain name is the human-readable address used to access a website or other internet service.
But a domain name is more than just the text people type into a browser.
Behind it are registrars, registries, DNS records, nameservers, renewal rules and security settings.
This guide explains everything beginners need to know about domain names.
What Is a Domain Name?
A domain name is a human-readable name used to identify an internet resource.
For example:
webdesigningpune.net
can be easier for people to remember than an IP address.
When someone enters the domain in a browser, DNS helps translate the domain information into the technical information needed to reach the appropriate service.
Domain Name vs Website
These are not the same thing.
Domain:
The address people use.
Website:
The actual content and application visitors access.
Hosting:
The infrastructure where the website runs.
For example:
Domain: example.com
Hosting: Server environment
Website: WordPress files, images, database and content
What Is a Domain Extension?
The ending of a domain is called a top-level domain, or TLD.
Examples include:
.com.org.net.in.co.info
There are also many newer domain extensions.
The right extension depends on your website, audience and branding.
What Is a Registrar?
A domain registrar is a company through which domain names can be registered and managed.
ICANN explains that a registrant enters into an agreement with the registrar when registering a domain. The registrar provides management functions such as registration, renewal and transfer.
When choosing a registrar, look at:
- Registration price
- Renewal price
- Transfer policies
- DNS management
- Security controls
- Support
- Privacy options
- Account security
How Does Domain Registration Work?
A simplified process looks like this:
1. Search for a domain
Example:
mybusiness.com
2. Check availability
If available, you can proceed with registration.
3. Register the domain
You provide the required information and pay the applicable registration fee.
4. Manage DNS
You configure nameservers and DNS records.
5. Connect hosting
Your domain is pointed toward your hosting environment.
How Long Does a Domain Registration Last?
The registration period depends on the TLD and registrar terms.
Domains need to be renewed according to the registration agreement.
Keeping your contact and account information current is important because domain management can involve renewal and transfer notifications. ICANN provides registrants with information about renewal, transfer and domain management responsibilities.
How to Choose a Good Domain Name
A good domain should generally be:
- Easy to remember
- Easy to spell
- Relevant to your brand
- Simple to communicate
- Appropriate for your audience
Avoid unnecessary complexity.
For example, a domain with several hyphens, numbers and unusual spelling can be harder to communicate verbally.
Should You Choose .com?
.com is widely recognized, but it isn’t automatically required for every website.
Other extensions can make sense depending on:
- Location
- Organization type
- Brand
- Industry
- Availability
For an India-focused website, for example, a .in domain may be relevant.
What Is DNS?
DNS stands for Domain Name System.
DNS provides the system used to associate domain names with technical information needed by internet services.
Common DNS records include:
- A
- AAAA
- CNAME
- MX
- TXT
- NS
For example, an A record maps a hostname to an IPv4 address, while AAAA is used for IPv6.
What Are Nameservers?
Nameservers are authoritative DNS servers that provide the definitive DNS information for a domain.
When you change the nameservers at your registrar, you are changing which DNS provider is authoritative for the domain.
Cloudflare describes authoritative nameservers as the servers that provide the final DNS response for a domain.
What Is a Subdomain?
A subdomain is a domain name created under your primary domain.
Examples:
blog.example.com
shop.example.com
support.example.com
Subdomains can be used for separate sections, applications or services.
Domain vs Subdomain
Domain:
example.com
Subdomain:
blog.example.com
A subdomain is part of the overall domain structure.
What Happens When a Domain Expires?
Domain expiration can cause serious problems.
Depending on the TLD and registrar policies, an expired domain can go through different stages before being deleted or becoming available again.
Potential consequences include:
- Website becoming unavailable
- Email disruption
- Loss of domain ownership
- Additional restoration costs
Set up renewal reminders and enable automatic renewal where appropriate.
How to Protect Your Domain
Your domain is an important digital asset.
Use:
- Strong registrar password
- Multi-factor authentication
- Updated account information
- Registrar security controls
- Automatic renewal where appropriate
- Secure email account
- Transfer protection where available
ICANN specifically provides guidance about protecting domains against unauthorized transfers and domain hijacking.
What Is Domain Transfer?
A domain transfer moves a domain registration from one registrar to another.
For example:
Registrar A → Registrar B
You can transfer a domain if the applicable policy and eligibility requirements are satisfied.
ICANN states that domain holders have the right to transfer domain registrations between registrars subject to the applicable transfer policy.
Can You Change Hosting Without Transferring Your Domain?
Yes.
This is an important distinction.
You can keep your domain at the same registrar while moving your website to another hosting company.
You may simply need to change:
- Nameservers
- A record
- CNAME
- Other DNS settings
This can be much easier than transferring the domain registration itself.
Domain Privacy
Depending on the TLD, registrar and applicable policies, some registration information may be publicly accessible or subject to specific disclosure rules.
Review the privacy and registration-data policies applicable to your domain.
Do not assume that every domain extension follows exactly the same rules.
Domain Name Checklist
Before registering a domain, check:
- Is the spelling correct?
- Is the name easy to remember?
- Is the extension appropriate?
- What is the renewal price?
- Who is the registrar?
- Are DNS controls available?
- Is account security adequate?
- Can the domain be transferred?
- Is automatic renewal available?
- Are there trademark concerns?
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