What Is a Domain Name: A Beginner’s Guide

To create an online identity, one should first have to look for a reliable domain and hosting. Web hosting is needed to host your website, while the domain names are used to provide a unique identity to your website. It is like giving birth to your child through which they are known in the crowd.
So, before starting to create a website in Australia, one must search for unique domain names in Australia. Once selected, they can buy domain names in Australia from some reliable domain registrar. And the boom, that name will be yours.
But it is not enough about the domains. So, What exactly are the domain names, what are the different parts, how can you buy the one and tips to find the right one? That’s all we are going to explore in this article.
Let’s go!
What is a Domain Name?
Let’s easily understand the domain. Human beings and computers are different. Computers are good at responding to numbers, which is why each website has its IP addresses that are presented in numbers like 216.67.61.137.
Here, the Domain names are used to make the navigation and the search of the websites easy for human beings. The Domain Name System (DNS) translates IP addresses into memorable names.
After that, the domain is what users enter in the address bar, which goes through a DNS server and translates it to the corresponding IP address, allowing quick access to the website.
Different Parts of a Domain Name
Part of Domain Name | Examples | Description |
Subdomain | blog | Optional part that comes before the main domain name. |
Second-Level Domain | abc | It is a main part of the domain name, often representing the brand. |
Top-Level Domain | .com, .org, .net | The highest level of the domain hierarchy. |
Subdomain Separator | blog.abc.com | Dot (.) separates subdomains, second-level domains, and TLD. |
Protocol Identifier | http://, https:// | Optional part indicating the protocol for web communication. |
Path | /path/to/page | Specifies the location or path to a specific resource. |
Query String | ?param1=value1 | Optional parameters for dynamic content or data retrieval. |
Fragment Identifier | #section | Specifies a specific section within a web page. |
Tips to Select a Domain Name
- Choose an easily typed domain name; avoid slang and complex spellings.
- Keep it short to prevent typing errors and enhance memorability.
- Use keywords describing your business for search engine optimisation.
- Consider adding your location for local businesses; use geographic domain extensions.
- Opt for a catchy and memorable name; seek feedback from others.
- Research for trademarks and copyrights to avoid legal issues; assess domain value.
- Choose a relevant domain extension that suits your business.
- Protect your brand by registering various extensions and misspelled versions.
How You Can Buy a Domain Name?
- Choose a reliable domain registrar accredited by ICANN
- Use a domain availability checker tool to see if your desired domain is available.
- Explore alternative options if your preferred choices are taken (e.g., keep searching, try different extensions).
- Purchase your chosen domain through the registrar, considering annual costs and available discounts.
- Provide contact information during the checkout process for domain registration.
- Verify ownership by following the steps provided by the registrar, usually through a verification email.
- After verification, you can start using your domain for email and brand building.