Different Types Of Domains
The DNS uses an inverted-tree hierarchical structure to manage its distributed database system. On this structure, a dot serves as the root domain and sits at the top of the framework. Below the dot, the domain name space is divided into different levels depending on their position in reference from the root domain.
This results in different types of domains, all of which serve a different purpose:
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Top-level domains
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Third-level domains
Use A Domain You Own That Is Registered Elsewhere
If you are prompted to verify ownership, skip the remaining steps in this section and follow the instructions later in this page. Then try again.
How To Buy A Domain Name
When I purchased my first domain name, I did everything wrong. There wasnt a whole lot of information out there, and I didnt even know that I could buy a domain andbuild a website in the same place. All I knew was that I was going to start a new business, and I needed to be on the World Wide Web.
I didnt know:
The good news is that I struggled with all of this already, so you dont have to!
Need to choose a domain name?
Read our article Whats a Domain Name?. Think through your options. Follow the dos and donts. And when youve found your domain name, read on
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The Difference Between Domain And Hosting
To create a website you need both a domain name and web hosting. Because of their codependent nature and the fact that – more often than not – theyre provided by the same company, there is often a lot of confusion around the purpose of each of them and how they relate to each other.
The easiest way to understand what is web hosting and how it differs from a domain name is to imagine your website as an apartment complex, where each apartment is a different page of your site. For this building to exist, youll first need a piece of land to construct it on. On the internet, the land upon which you build your website is known as web hosting. All the files and data that make up your site – think of them as the foundations of the apartment complex – are stored on web servers that send them out to people who visit your site.
In order for people to be able to visit your site, however, theyll need to know where to find it. Like we saw early on in this guide, you could technically just share your sites IP with them and call it a day. Then again, we could technically just share geographic coordinates instead of giving names and numbers to every street and building. As you might have already guessed, domain names serve as the address of your metaphorical apartment complex.
And, of course, the street people take to visit your virtual apartment complex represents the internet.
Why Your Domain Name Matters
Your domain name is as much a part of your brand as your business name or logo. Even if youve nailed your branding in every other respect, if theres something about your domain name that puts potential customers off, theyll likely go elsewhere.
The opposite is also true. If your web address is accurate and as fun to say as it is to use, people will be eager to check it out and share it. First impressions matter, and sometimes your domain is the initial experience people will have of your brand.
Its also not easy to change your domain name after your site is online. You can do it, but it can be time-consuming and does have consequences. It can lead to a loss of traffic and unnecessary downtime. In other words, life will be a lot easier if you take your time now and come up with a name you love.
Related: A Beginners Guide to Domain Registration
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How Do I Choose The Best Domain Name
Great question! Here’s a few core things to consider when choosing your new domain name:
Dont Get Analysis Paralysis
Chances are that if you want a domain name, someone else probably wants it too. If youre sure about your choice, go ahead and buy the domain.
This is especially recommended if its reasonably inexpensive. Plus, if you come up with something better later on, you can always let the registration lapse. You dont want to end up in a dispute because you didnt act fast.
Read Also: Find Mail Server For Domain
Keep Your Domain Name Short Brandable And Memorable
If you already have a brand name, try to register it as your domain. This makes it easier for people to find you online and connect your business to your website. Regardless of the name you choose, it should be easy to remember and type.
Aim to:
- Keep your domain name under 15 characters
- Avoid slang
- Avoid words with complex spelling and meanings
For example, the Los Angeles County Museum of Arts online store could have used thelacountymuseumofartstore.org. Do you see something off here? Beside the domain being too long, what stands out are the words fart storenot the best look for a brand selling stuff online.
Instead, the brand chose thelacmastore.orga short, sweet, pronounceable domain name people will remember.
Some brands, like Biko, also get creative with their domain name by making it relatable, yet clear. The domain name ilovebiko.com puts shoppers in the right mindset once they land on the page.
You get the idea. Above all, make your domain name simple and brandable so people can find you online.
How To Get A Free Domain With Your Web Hosting
Some web hosts offer a free domain name when you sign up for a hosting plan. You may have to pay for renewal at the end of the first year, but its not typically expensive. You also wont have to worry about migrating your domain if you register it through your hosting provider.
At DreamHost, we offer a free domain name when you sign up for one of our Shared or DreamPress hosting plans. Once youve selected the right option for you, just click on Register a new domain.
Youll be prompted to search for your desired domain name. Simply add your domain to your cart and complete the checkout process!
Related: Didnt Get Your Domain Through DreamHost? Heres How to Transfer
Read Also: Finding Out Who Owns A Domain
Can I Buy A Domain Name Without Hosting
Yes, you can. Domain registration and web hosting are two different services. You dont need to buy or have a hosting plan to register a domain name.Check if your preferred domain name is available, then buy and register it at a domain name registrar.Whether you have a website or not, the domain name will be yours as long as you renew the registration before it expires.
Can I Register A Domain Name Together With A New Hosting Plan
Yes, you definitely can! If you don’t have a domain name yet and you’re planning to order a new hosting package with us, we recommend registering your new domain name while purchasing your web hosting package. Just enter the domain you want to register on the top section of the Order Web Hosting form, and we will include it in your order.
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Make It Easy To Type And Pronounce
If you have a slightly unconventional name, or know someone who does, youre probably well aware of how easy it is for people to misspell or forget them all together. Tony Stank, anyone? Because of this, its crucial to come up with a name that is easy to type and pronounce.
As you start brainstorming domain name ideas, you want to avoid words that are frequently mispronounced or that require a double take before typing . Additionally, you should also refrain from abbreviations and words that can be spelled in numerous ways, for example writing 4 instead of four or having users wondering whether its ok or okay.
Once you feel satisfied with the ideas youve come up with, its time to put them to test. Run your preferred choices by a few friends to see if they can get it on their first try, and check with them a few hours or days later to see if they remember it. If they struggle, go for a different choice.
How Do I Buy A Domain Name
Its easy to get a new domain. Here are the steps:1. Decide on a domain name extension. The extension is the part at the end of the domain name .net, .biz, .org or .com, for example.2. Think about what you’d like on the other side of the dot. It could be your business name or your specialty.3. Type the domain you want into the box at the top of this page. We’ll tell you if that particular domain is available and show other you may like better.4. Pick a domain, add it to your cart and check out. You are now the proud owner of your very own domain. As long as it’s registered to you, no one else may use it.
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Free Tk Ml Cf Gq Domains
Moving onto my next method is to register a free .tk, .ml, .cf, or .gq domain name.
And when I say free, I really mean it. These domains cost nothing! Zero. Zilch. Nill!
The only catch is You will have to use a domain that nobody has heard of.
Seriously, when was that last time you clicked on a website that ended in .tk?
As for the .tk, .ml, .cf, and .gq domain extensions, they are associated with various South Pacific nations such as Tokelau, Samoa, and New Guinea.
Since these domain suffixes are lesser-known, many of these nations and registrars are offering them for free to incentivize the use of them.
For more information, also see my video where I cover each of the tips on this list in more detail!
While this is a plus, there have been several reports that note these domain extensions should NOT be used for any serious businesses or websites.
This is due to the fact that many spammers are using these free domains for malware websites.
So if you do decide to use a .tk or similar domain extension, you may run the risk of having your website de-indexed by Google or banned by other webmasters.
However, if you only want to use these free domains for playing around with and making a test website, then they still are a great free option!
How Do I Find The Best Available Domain Name
If you have an idea for the name you want, start by searching for that. If the name isnt available, well show you our best recommendations for similar, available domain names. Or, if you dont have a specific domain name in mind, just type in keywords that describe your website or project, hit search, and check out the suggestions.
Also Check: How To Transfer Godaddy Domain To Shopify
How Can I Get A Free Website
There are a number of ways to get a free website, from using site builders such as Weebly with a subdomain to using an open source content management system, such as WordPress. Those building a professional business website will find WordPress to be the best solution, which is free to use and enables you to connect a custom domain with third-party web hosting. Learn more about how to build your small business website.
How To Register A Domain On Godaddycom
GoDaddy is also known as a web hosting provider, but you can also buy a domain name from them.
Step 1: Look up a new domain name first. If you havent come up with a good name yet or are assessing different options, GoDaddy has a nice set of extra features to help you out.
You can use the Bulk Domain search to check a bunch of domain ideas for eligibility in a click. Or you can play around with their free domain name generator to get some alternative suggestions if your primary choice is already taken:
Also, if you are feeling very determined to get your desired domain for branding purposes, GoDaddy can try to broker a deal for you with the owner. But remember, the original owner may name any price they deem appropriate so in that case, youll be paying:
- Domain purchase fee to the seller.
- GoDaddy Domain Brokerage commission.
- The regular yearly subscription price for the selected domain and add-ons.
If you are running a small business, going into a heated negotiation with some cyber squatters may not be the best investment of your time and budgets.
Wait out and see if the other person forgets to renew their domain or abandons it so that you could snatch it then. GoDaddy has a Domain Backordering service where you can reserve your place in line for a specific domain. If theres more than one buyer, the domain goes on auction. If its just you only, you get it immediately.
Again, youd be pitched several upsells in case you change your mind.
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Search Domain Name Marketplace Sites
As you are searching for a catchy domain name and are open to ideas, you can check domain name marketplace sites. These are sites where domain name owners post their domain names for sale, using an eBay-type model. Often, these sites will auction off names and sometimes they offer names for a fixed price. Some good marketplace sites to check include: