A Beginner’s Approach to What is a Domain Name & How It Works 2022.

What is a domain name and how does domains work? This is one of the frequently asked questions by my audience: and if you’re new to starting a blog or creating a website, then you should have heard that domain is an essential component of a site.

Well, it’s not new that many newbies still find it confusing domain name against a website or web hosting services. So, if you are new to building a website, then this terminology might sound too techy.

In this guide, I will be guiding you through the answer to what is a domain name, how domains work and other subject relating to this topic, to help you gain insight and choose the appropriate domain name for your site.

Let’s quickly look through the topics we’ll be covering in the post.

1. What is a domain name?
2. How domains work?
3. How is domain name different from website and web hosting?
4. What are the different types of domain names?
5. Who is responsible for the domain name system?
6. How to choose a domain name?
7. How to buy a domain name?
8. FAQs about domain names

Now let get started;

What is a Domain Name?

Domain name is an online address that’s ascribe to your website that allow people to access your website whenever they input your URL on the search engine search-bar.

To simplify the definition, the name of your domain is the street address to your home –when you give someone your address (domain name) they will be able to locate your house (website).

To really explain this further:

The web is a very large network of computers that are linked with one another through a global network of cables. Every one of these computers on this network can relate with each other using a specific address.

So, because these computers are very many and as a result, will be difficult to identify each simultaneously: there’s need to identify each of them, to solve this problem of identification, each computer is assigned to an IP address.

What is an IP address?

An IP address is a series of numbers and period, arranged in accordance to a specific code that helps to identify a particular computer on the internet.

A normal IP address takes a form like this:

67.235.88.1

Even as an IP address is assigned to every computer on the internet for identification, it’s difficult to remember. Let say, you were given two different websites for reference and research purpose, and these numbers were given to you – imagine what you’ll go through, especially if you misplace these number.

So, to really solve the problem of these numbers as assign to computer, domain name was invented. Domain names are now assigned to IP addresses of various networks (websites) to easily identify and memorize them.

Currently, every website is assigned an IP address and that’s why, if you need to visit any website, you don’t need to input a long series of numbers to make your way through. Instead just type in the website’s domain name in your web browser like marketingweblog.com and you’re good to go.

How Do Domain Names Work?

For you to understand how domain names really work, let’s look at the event that took place when you enter it in your web browser.

The process I’m about to explain in this guide happens within some seconds.

When you enter a domain name in your browser, the following happens:

1. The browser sends what you asked for to a worldwide network of servers that form the Domain Name System (DNS).
2. These servers afterwards search for the name servers that’s connected with the domain you requested and forwards the request to those name servers. For example, if a website is hosted on Bluehost, then its name server information will be like this:

ns1.bluehost.com

ns2.bluehost.com

• These name servers are computers that are managed by your hosting company.
• The hosting company will forward your request to the computer where your website is stored. This computer is called a web server. It has special software installed (Apache, Nginx are two popular web server software).
• The web server now fetches the web page and pieces of information associated with it.
• Lastly, it then sends this data back to your browser – you get to visit the website.

What is The Difference Between Domain Name, a Website and Web Hosting?

Now let’s look at how a domain name is different from a website and web hosting. But define what a website is.

What is a website?

A website is collection of pages that’s made up of files designed using a programming language like HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language), images, content and website builder software.

HTML pages, contents – video, text, graphics and website builder software are all component of website.

So, the differentiate between these three terms, let me us this illustration:

Your domain name is the web address of your website that’s hosted on a web hosting service – where your website lives.

A more detailed explanation:

So, your house address (domain name) is the address to your house (website) that’s located on a land (web hosting).

The actual computer where your website’s files are stored is called the server – offered as a service by a web hosting company.

So, to create a website, you will need a domain name and a web hosting.

Now you can see how these three terms are related.

On the other hand, it’s crucial to bear in mind that they are two discrete services, and you will need to buy them from two different companies.

Currently, you might be thinking that how can these, work together, if you buy them from two different companies.

All you need is to edit the settings of your domain name, then enter it into the Name Server (defines where to send user requests for your domain name) Information which your web hosting company provides.

I always recommend you buy both the domain name and the hosting from the same company – it’ll help you manage them easily on the same account.

We recommend getting both your domain name and hosting from the same company. This allows you to easily manage them under the same account.

What are The Different Types of Domain Names?

Domain names exist in a lot of different extensions. But the most common one is .com. Moreover, there are many other alternatives like .org, .net, .tv, .info, .io, .blog, and more. However, I always recommend using .com domain extension.

Let look at the types of domain names in detail.

1.                 Top Level Domain – TLD

Top level domain or TLD are general domain extensions listed at the greatest rank in the domain name structure.

Around hundreds of TLDs are available, but then again the most popular ones are .com, .org, and .net. Other TLDs, for example, .biz, .club, .info, .agency, and many more are less importantly known and I don’t advise you use them.

2.                 Country Code Top Level Domain – ccTLD

Country code top-level domain (ccTLD) are domain name that’s assigned to a specific country, ending with a country code like .uk for the United Kingdom, .de for Germany, .in for India, .fr for France.

CcTLD are used by websites that want to target audiences of a particular country.

3.                 Sponsored Top Level Domain – sTLD

Sponsored top-level domain (sTLD) is a class of TLDs that has a sponsor. characterizing a particular audience served by the domain extension.

For example, .edu for education-related organizations, .gov for the United States government, .mil for the United States military, and more.

Who is Responsible for Domain Name System (DNS)?

The ICANN is responsible for the domain name system (dns). ICANN stands for internet corporation for assigned names and numbers.

ICANN oversees the dns. It’s a non-profit organization that generates and put into operation the policies for domain names.

ICANN grants authorization to companies called Domain Name Registrars to sell domain names. These domain registrars are permitted to make modifications to domain names registry on behalf of you.

Functions of a Domain Name Registrars

1. Sell domain names.
2. Manage its records.
3. Renewals.
4. Transfers to other registrars.

Therefore, as a domain name owner, you are to tell your registrar where you want to send the request. Also, you’re responsible for renewing your domain registration.

How to Choose a Domain Name for Your Website?

More than 3,000 domain names are registered every day and presently, there’re about three hundred and fifty million already registered.

This scenario suggests that almost the suitable ones are at present registered or would be registered in a little while. This has puts a great deal of pressure on new users to come up with creative names for their domain for their website.

If you have challenge picking a domain name, you can use this free AI-powered tool – help you come up with a creative company name ideas and let you know if it’s available.

Tips to Choosing a Domain Name for your website

Now, I’ll be giving you some tips to choosing a domain name for your website.

1. Always go with a .com domain name – it’s the most popular, quick to remember, and can be promoted easily.
2. Ensure it’s short and simply to remember.
3. Make it easy to spell and pronounce.
4. Shun using numbers or hyphens.
5. Use domain name generators to come up with smart domain name ideas.

Learn more tips to choosing the best domain name for your new website.

How to Buy a Domain Name?

To buy a domain name you need to first sign up with domain registrars. A typical domain name cost $10 per year. So, some common domain name companies are:

1. NameCheap.com
2. GoDaddy

However, purchasing domain does not by design get you hosting service. For this reason, you’ll also need a website hosting account.

A lot of the WordPress hosting services includes domain registration services as well. This lets you manage both the domain and hosting services in one account, and you also don’t need to bother about altering the name server settings for your domain.

Frequently Asked Questions About Domain Names

Throughout my blogging journey over the years I’ve assisted thousands of beginners create their first websites. Also I’ve received nearly every potential question regarding domain names that you can imagine.

So, I’ll be answering some of the most frequently asked questions on the subject of domain names.

Now, let get going..,

1. What is a subdomain?

A subdomain is mainly a child domain in the main domain name. For example, shops.marketingweblog.com is a subdomain of marketingweblog.com.

As soon as you buy a domain from a registrar, you have the go-ahead to craft subdomains for it yourself.

Websites usually use subdomains to create child-sites in the same domain name. For instance, if you have a business website, you can create a subdomain for your blog or your online store like store.yourdomain.com or blog.yourdomain.com

2. Can I buy more than one domain name?

The answer to this question is Yes. You can buy as many domain names as you wish.

3. Can I move my website to another domain name?

Yes, other things you can do are:

1. You can move your website to another domain name.
2. You can point your domain name to your host server.
3. You can also keep both domain names pointing to the same website.

On the other hand, search engines count it as duplicate content and this may upset your search rankings.

4. Can I cancel my registration of a domain name?

A number of domain services providers let you to terminate your domain registration at any time. Whereas, should you cancel your registration, it will be available for others hoping to use the same name to register.

On the other hand, a few number domain name registrars allow you to easily let your domain registration expire.

Above all, most domain registrar will not give you any refund. Nevertheless, some of the registrars do have refund policies which you might be required to talk over with them before terminating your registration.

If you don’t turn on the auto-renew feature, then your domain name will simply expire once the registration period you have paid for is reached.

5. Can I sell a domain name?

At hand, is a massive request for good branded-custom-domain names. So, yes, you can sell your domain name. Domain names are similar to real estate for web.

Buying and selling domain names is a multi-million-dollar business. As domain names are so inexpensive, intelligent business persons are continuously eyeing for great domain name ideas to acquire to themselves.

If you want to sell your domain name, then there are many marketplace websites like Namecheap, GoDaddy, and others where you can register your domain for sale.

6. What is domain privacy? Do I need it?

ICANN insist on general public registering domain names to make available their email, physical address, phone number, and other private info to be made accessible publicly.

Domain Privacy is another add-on service advertised by domain registrars. It allows you to display proxy information as an alternative of your real personal information.

If you don’t need a domain privacy, then you don’t need to buy it. But, if you are worried about privacy, then you can buy this service for a small cost.

Final Take on Domain name and How it Works.

You can see that domain names are very important for brand identity and online marketing because they you’re your business credibility. One of the first steps in creating an online presence is to choose and register a domain name.

In the present day, customers accept that every business should have some kind of web presence. And not having a web presence decreases a business’s authority in the eyes of prospective and existing customers.

Any website you visit online is stored on a web server and has an exact web address, known as an IP address. And this IP address is wrapped as domain name.

Why choosing your website domain, be creative about it, and ensure to make use of the TLD extensions – .com, .net, .org.

Also, buy your domain and host in one place – Bluehost or Dreamhost are the best host services available. Let your business be branded with a unique custom domain name.

I hope this guide help you. Please share with your friends and family and don’t forget to drop your though about how domain works. Thanks