A domain name is your website’s address on the internet. It’s what people type into their browser to find you—like yourbusiness.com. Think of it like the street address for your digital storefront.
Without a domain name, customers would have no easy way to reach your website.
How Domain Names Work
When someone types your domain name into their browser:
- The browser looks up where your website is hosted
- It connects to your hosting server
- Your website loads for the visitor
The domain name is simply the human-friendly label that points to your website’s actual location.
Parts of a Domain Name
A domain name has two main parts:
- Second-level domain (SLD): the name you choose (example)
- Top-level domain (TLD): the extension (.com, .org, .net, etc.)
Together, they form your full domain name: example.com.
Do You Own Your Domain Name?
Not permanently. You rent it from a domain registrar (like Google Domains or GoDaddy). As long as you renew it each year, it stays yours.
Tips for Choosing a Good Domain Name
- Keep it short and easy to spell
- Match your business name when possible
- Avoid hyphens and numbers
- Choose a trusted extension like .com
- Make it memorable
Related Digital Literacy Topics
Need Help Choosing or Managing Your Domain?
I can help you pick the right domain name, set it up correctly, and make sure it’s connected to your website the right way.
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