Domain name
Also called: domain, internet domain or web address
A domain name is the address of a Web site on the Internet. The domain name was created to provide a recognizable and easy-to-remember alternative to the numeric IP addresses of any computer or server connected to the Internet.
Domain names consist of a freely selectable section and an extension. Examples of domain extensions are .nl, .com, .net and .eu. The official designation for these domain extensions is top-level domain. The available top-level domains can be divided into generic extensions and national extensions.
Sample domain name: onlinemarketingagency.co.uk
Who manages a domain name?
Each extension has its own register(registry) that is managed centrally. Companies(registrars) are affiliated with this registry where you can register a domain name, provided it is still free of course.
Cost of a domain name
For domain registration, the domain owner pays an annual fee to the registrar. Often these companies also offer hosting. Only domains that are still free can be registered. Because the number of interesting domain names is not infinite, existing domains can sometimes be taken over for a fee to the current owner.
Findability of domain names
Because you generally only choose a domain name once, it is advisable to think carefully about the name you want to use. For example, companyname.co.uk or productname.co.uk are very obvious and also practical in communication. Incorporating a potential keyword in a domain name can also have a positive impact on the findability of a website.
What does a domain name need to meet?
When choosing a domain name, it is important to comply with a number of rules. These ensure that your domain name is technically correct and unique. Below are the most important guidelines:
- Use only letters (a-z), numbers (0-9) and hyphens (-).
- A hyphen may not be at the beginning or end of the name, nor immediately following each other.
- The length of a domain name must be between 2 and 63 characters (excluding extension).
- Each domain name must be unique; check in advance if the name is available.
- Special characters such as spaces, underscores (_) and punctuation are not allowed.
- Avoid misleading terms or prohibited words according to registry rules.
With these guidelines, choose a domain name that is technically appropriate and professional looking.
Domain name system:
Domain names and IP addresses are technically linked together through through the domain name system(DNS). Using the DNS system, domain name holders can define their own subdomains within their domains.
