Having a strong online presence is essential for any business, brand, or individual looking to make an impact. One of the first steps in establishing your online identity is registering a domain name. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about domain name registration, from the basics to more advanced topics. Let’s dive in!
What is a Domain Name?
A domain name is your website’s address on the internet. It’s what people type into their browser’s address bar to find your site. Think of it as your online home address. For example, in the URL “www.example.com,” “example.com” is the domain name. WWW – is something synonymous with the websites for many people, however it is no longer actually part of the web-address structure. “http://” however is, and in modern browser standards it’s actually “https://”.
TLS/SSL Certificates
An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate encrypts data transferred between a user’s browser and your website. It is essential for security and is indicated by “S” in “https://” in your URL. TLS (Transport Layer Security) is the latest standard in the world of connection protocols but you will still see them used interchangeably. They are something that is usually provided by the hosting in a form of free encryption or a paid service in certain cases.
How Domain Names Work
- Basic Structure: A domain name consists of two main parts: the second-level domain (SLD) and the top-level domain (TLD). In “example.com,” “example” is the SLD and “.com” is the TLD.
- Purpose: Domain names provide a human-readable address for accessing websites instead of the numerical IP addresses used by computers.
- Registration: To use a domain name, you must register it through a domain registrar. This process includes choosing a name, checking its availability, and purchasing it for a specified period, typically one year.
- Domain Renewals: Once purchased, the domain name is under your control but you do not own it for a lifetime, so timely registration renewals are something you are responsible for.
Does a Sub-Domain Need to be Purchased Separately?
No, sub-domains do not need to be purchased separately. When you register a domain, you have the ability to create sub-domains for free. A sub-domain is a prefix added to your main domain name. For example, “blog.example.com” is a sub-domain of “example.com.”
Setting Up Sub-Domains
- DNS Settings: Sub-domains are configured through your domain’s DNS (Domain Name System) settings.
- Purpose: They are often used to organize content, such as creating separate sections for blogs, stores, or support.
What is DNS? Who is in Control?
The Domain Name System (DNS) is like the internet’s phonebook. It translates domain names into IP addresses, allowing browsers to load the correct website. It routes your email to the proper host and can be used to verify connections and domain ownership. For example, Google may give you an option to add a TXT record to DNS in order to verify your domain is under your control.
Where is my DNS?
The DNS is usually hosted by the domain registrar or your hosting provider. The lever which controls who does is called “NameServers”. There are usually 2-3 nameservers (primary and secondary) and in some instances can be even 3 or 4 lines. Not to worry, they are provided by the host and will be easy copy/paste job. They are just a domain name e.g. “ns1.dnshosting.com” and “ns2.dnshosting.com”.
How DNS Works
- DNS Records: These are entries in a DNS database that provide information about a domain, including its IP address.
- Control: DNS records are managed either by the domain registrar or can be switched to another DNS provider like a web host or services like CloudFlare.
Who is the Registrar?
A registrar is an organization accredited to sell domain names. They manage the reservation of domain names and ensure that they are unique.
Major Registrars
- ICANN: The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) oversees global domain name registrations.
- Popular Registrars: Companies like GoDaddy, Namecheap, and Google Domains are well-known registrars. They often act as resellers under ICANN’s guidelines, ensuring protection and regulation for end-users.
- Resellers: That would be us… Knowledgeable. Approachable. Personable. With a local reseller you don’t need to know any of the technicalities of domain registration. Your domain registration is just an email or a phone call away.
Expired Domain and Registrar Switch: What Can Be Done?
When a domain registration expires, the owner typically has a grace period to renew it before it becomes available to the public again.
Handling Expired Domains
- Renewal: It’s crucial to renew your domain before it expires to avoid losing it.
- Migration: If you’re switching registrars, ensure your domain is unlocked, and you have the authorization code for the transfer. You can transfer an active domain, but an expired domain must often be renewed before moving. In some cases, there is a chance to have the domain migrated even if it recently expired.
Domain Extensions: Appropriate Use and Alternatives
Domain extensions (TLDs) are the suffixes at the end of domain names, like .com, .net, or .org. Each has different uses and connotations.
Common Extensions
- .com: The most popular and versatile, suitable for commercial entities.
- .net: Often used by network services or infrastructure sites.
- .org: Typically used by non-profit organizations.
- .edu: Usually registered for educational organizations such as schools and colleges
- .gov: Reserved for government agencies
New Extensions
- .io, .photography, .travel, .museum, etc.: These new TLDs can be niche-specific and help make your domain more descriptive. The list of these is very long, find the one that describes your area of activity and grab it before it’s gone.
Premium Domains: Why Are They So Expensive?
Premium domains are high-value domains that are short, memorable, and often carry significant branding potential. They are expensive because they are in high demand and considered valuable digital real estate.
Multiple Domains: Is It Good to Reserve Multiple Domains or Extensions for My Site?
Reserving multiple domains or extensions can be a smart strategy for protecting your brand and preventing competitors from acquiring similar domains. It can also help you reach different audiences or markets.
Benefits of Multiple Domains
- Brand Protection: Prevents others from using similar domain names.
- SEO Strategy: Can help with search engine optimization by targeting different keywords.
- Audience Reach: Different TLDs can appeal to different demographics or geographic regions.
Domain Privacy Protection
When you register a domain, your contact information becomes publicly accessible through the WHOIS database. Domain privacy protection services can hide this information to protect your privacy.
Let’s wrap it up.
Registering a domain name is a crucial step in establishing your online presence. Understanding the basics, from choosing the right domain name and extension to managing DNS settings, can help you navigate the process with confidence. Whether you’re starting a blog, setting up an online store, or creating a portfolio, a good domain name can make all the difference. Happy registering!
