How to Buy a Domain Name: Domain Registration Guide
Posted: Wed Dec 04, 2024 7:12 am
How to Buy a Domain Name: Domain Registration Guide
In the 1980s, before the Internet had become the vast landscape we know today, anyone could register a domain name for free. However, by 1995, a company called Network Solutions recognized north korea b2b leads the potential of licensing the Internet space and began charging $50 per year for domain name registration, with a minimum two-year contract. Today, domain names can be highly competitive.
Contents hide
1 What is a web domain?
2 Domain Components
2.1 TLDs, or domain extensions
2.1.1 Generic Top-Level Domain
2.1.2 Sponsored Top-Level Domains
2.2 Second-level domains
2.3 Subdomains
2.4 Select the desired name
2.5 Make it memorable
2.6 Make the name directly related to your services
2.7 Avoid Trademark Infringement
2.8 Select the appropriate extension type
2.9 Check your domain registrar for availability
2.10 Brainstorming additional words
2.11 Ask the current owner
2.12 Extensions of changes
2.13 Use a domain name generator
2.14 Purchase your domain
2.15 Create your website using your domain name
3 Final Thoughts
4 How to buy a domain Questions and Answers
4.1 Related publications:
What is a web domain?
A web domain is the common name for your complex, digital Internet address. Every website on the Internet has an IP address , which is a string of numbers that serves as the coordinates of your location on the web. A domain name is a text-based name that represents a numeric IP address. When you type a web domain into your browser , it routes your request through a Domain Name System (DNS) server to get you to the right website. DNS is a complex directory that translates a text-based domain , which humans can decipher, into a corresponding IP address, which computers can decipher. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers ( ICANN ) is a global nonprofit organization that helps coordinate the provision of IP addresses through DNS, as well as performing a variety of other functions, such as accrediting registrars and developing Internet policy.
Domain Components
A web domain is made up of three main components: a top-level domain (TLD), a second-level domain, and a subdomain (known as a third-level domain). These components are listed from right to left in the URL. Note that not all URLs have subdomains.
TLDs, or domain extensions
A top-level domain (TLD), also known as a domain extension , is the part of a domain name that ends after the period. Think .com, .org, or .io. There are three main types of domain extensions: generic top-level domains , sponsored top-level domains, and country code domains.
Generic Top Level Domain
Generic TLDs include extensions such as .com, .org, and .net. Generic TLDs are either not sponsored and managed by ICANN, or are sponsored and coordinated by organizations such as private companies or non-profit organizations .
.com The .com domain extension stands for “commercial.” The .com extension accounts for more than a third of all registered domain names. Having a .com extension gives your site authority and also gives it access to the world. It has fewer restrictions than, for example, a country code extension, which usually requires that you actually operate in that country.
.org The .org domain extension means “organization” and can direct users to websites of nonprofits, charities, and other communities. Anyone can register a .org domain, but doing so can affect how others view your business. For example, conducting business using the .org TLD may appear misleading to users. The Public Interest Registry manages the .org TLD on behalf of ICANN.
.net Short for "network," the .net domain extension is another popular extension for technology sites or other general business ventures, although it is a less popular option than .com - only 3% of websites use the .net extension.
Sponsored Top Level Domains
Sponsored top-level domains include extensions such as .gov, .edu, or .post. Sponsored TLDs are managed and administered by organizations outside of ICANN.
. gov The . gov domain extension applies exclusively to websites operated by the U.S. government. Among other responsibilities, the General Services Administration (GSA) is responsible for assigning . gov domains to those who meet the required criteria.
. edu Short for education, the . edu extension is for American schools and universities. EDUCAUSE is a nonprofit association that focuses on advancing learning through advanced IT and also serves as the domain registrar for all . edu sites under contract with the U.S. Department of Commerce.
.post This specialized domain extension is for sites that deal with global postal policy. The Postal Union, an agency of the United Nations, sponsors this branch of extensions.
Country code top-level domains (ccTLDs) are top-level domains that designate a sovereign state. Examples of ccTLDs include:
The .us extension can be used by US citizens, organizations, or anyone with a presence in the United States.
.ca This extension is intended for the country of Canada and is managed through the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA).
. tv This ccTLD is for the island nation of Tuvalu. However, recognizing the power of the . tv extension, Tuvalu is using its unique position to commercial advantage by offering marketing rights or licenses for the domain to foreign companies looking to capitalize on the domain suffix.
Second level domains
Second-level domains, also known as domain names, contain the specific name of where you're going, such as "Google," "Twitter," or "NewYorker." Second-level domains are the words to the left of your TLD that people typically type into a search bar to get to your site. Long or complex second-level domains, especially those that aren't directly related to your business name, can make it difficult for visitors or potential customers to remember where your site is.
Subdomains
A subdomain is the text to the left of a second-level domain. It can help organize your site. If you have sites that require servers or software other than your main site to run, a subdomain can help you segment your content . For example, google.com refers to the main Google search engine site , while docs.google.com is a subdomain that refers to Google Docs . Other common subdomains include “blog” or “mail.”
]
support. A "support." subdomain (such as "support.businessname.com") may point to a customer support site that handles complaints, feedback, or other requests.
blog . Some sites host their blog on a subdomain. For example, "blog.businessname.com" might take you to the article hub .
Select the desired name
Some helpful tips for creating a domain name: avoid names that are too long or hard to remember, keep the name relevant, and avoid trademark infringement.
Make it memorable
In the 1980s, before the Internet had become the vast landscape we know today, anyone could register a domain name for free. However, by 1995, a company called Network Solutions recognized north korea b2b leads the potential of licensing the Internet space and began charging $50 per year for domain name registration, with a minimum two-year contract. Today, domain names can be highly competitive.
Contents hide
1 What is a web domain?
2 Domain Components
2.1 TLDs, or domain extensions
2.1.1 Generic Top-Level Domain
2.1.2 Sponsored Top-Level Domains
2.2 Second-level domains
2.3 Subdomains
2.4 Select the desired name
2.5 Make it memorable
2.6 Make the name directly related to your services
2.7 Avoid Trademark Infringement
2.8 Select the appropriate extension type
2.9 Check your domain registrar for availability
2.10 Brainstorming additional words
2.11 Ask the current owner
2.12 Extensions of changes
2.13 Use a domain name generator
2.14 Purchase your domain
2.15 Create your website using your domain name
3 Final Thoughts
4 How to buy a domain Questions and Answers
4.1 Related publications:
What is a web domain?
A web domain is the common name for your complex, digital Internet address. Every website on the Internet has an IP address , which is a string of numbers that serves as the coordinates of your location on the web. A domain name is a text-based name that represents a numeric IP address. When you type a web domain into your browser , it routes your request through a Domain Name System (DNS) server to get you to the right website. DNS is a complex directory that translates a text-based domain , which humans can decipher, into a corresponding IP address, which computers can decipher. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers ( ICANN ) is a global nonprofit organization that helps coordinate the provision of IP addresses through DNS, as well as performing a variety of other functions, such as accrediting registrars and developing Internet policy.
Domain Components
A web domain is made up of three main components: a top-level domain (TLD), a second-level domain, and a subdomain (known as a third-level domain). These components are listed from right to left in the URL. Note that not all URLs have subdomains.
TLDs, or domain extensions
A top-level domain (TLD), also known as a domain extension , is the part of a domain name that ends after the period. Think .com, .org, or .io. There are three main types of domain extensions: generic top-level domains , sponsored top-level domains, and country code domains.
Generic Top Level Domain
Generic TLDs include extensions such as .com, .org, and .net. Generic TLDs are either not sponsored and managed by ICANN, or are sponsored and coordinated by organizations such as private companies or non-profit organizations .
.com The .com domain extension stands for “commercial.” The .com extension accounts for more than a third of all registered domain names. Having a .com extension gives your site authority and also gives it access to the world. It has fewer restrictions than, for example, a country code extension, which usually requires that you actually operate in that country.
.org The .org domain extension means “organization” and can direct users to websites of nonprofits, charities, and other communities. Anyone can register a .org domain, but doing so can affect how others view your business. For example, conducting business using the .org TLD may appear misleading to users. The Public Interest Registry manages the .org TLD on behalf of ICANN.
.net Short for "network," the .net domain extension is another popular extension for technology sites or other general business ventures, although it is a less popular option than .com - only 3% of websites use the .net extension.
Sponsored Top Level Domains
Sponsored top-level domains include extensions such as .gov, .edu, or .post. Sponsored TLDs are managed and administered by organizations outside of ICANN.
. gov The . gov domain extension applies exclusively to websites operated by the U.S. government. Among other responsibilities, the General Services Administration (GSA) is responsible for assigning . gov domains to those who meet the required criteria.
. edu Short for education, the . edu extension is for American schools and universities. EDUCAUSE is a nonprofit association that focuses on advancing learning through advanced IT and also serves as the domain registrar for all . edu sites under contract with the U.S. Department of Commerce.
.post This specialized domain extension is for sites that deal with global postal policy. The Postal Union, an agency of the United Nations, sponsors this branch of extensions.
Country code top-level domains (ccTLDs) are top-level domains that designate a sovereign state. Examples of ccTLDs include:
The .us extension can be used by US citizens, organizations, or anyone with a presence in the United States.
.ca This extension is intended for the country of Canada and is managed through the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA).
. tv This ccTLD is for the island nation of Tuvalu. However, recognizing the power of the . tv extension, Tuvalu is using its unique position to commercial advantage by offering marketing rights or licenses for the domain to foreign companies looking to capitalize on the domain suffix.
Second level domains
Second-level domains, also known as domain names, contain the specific name of where you're going, such as "Google," "Twitter," or "NewYorker." Second-level domains are the words to the left of your TLD that people typically type into a search bar to get to your site. Long or complex second-level domains, especially those that aren't directly related to your business name, can make it difficult for visitors or potential customers to remember where your site is.
Subdomains
A subdomain is the text to the left of a second-level domain. It can help organize your site. If you have sites that require servers or software other than your main site to run, a subdomain can help you segment your content . For example, google.com refers to the main Google search engine site , while docs.google.com is a subdomain that refers to Google Docs . Other common subdomains include “blog” or “mail.”
]
support. A "support." subdomain (such as "support.businessname.com") may point to a customer support site that handles complaints, feedback, or other requests.
blog . Some sites host their blog on a subdomain. For example, "blog.businessname.com" might take you to the article hub .
Select the desired name
Some helpful tips for creating a domain name: avoid names that are too long or hard to remember, keep the name relevant, and avoid trademark infringement.
Make it memorable