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General: Domain Names Explained

Domain Names FAQ

Why Do Domain Names Exist

Websites are stored on individual computers called 'servers.' These servers are assigned a unique numerical address (IP address) to identify themselves on the internet. Because IP addresses are difficult to memorize, a 'domain name' can be registered and assigned to a certain address. When you want to visit a certain website, you have to remember its domain name instead of its IP address.

It works kind of like your contact list on your personal phone. Rather than memorizing which person is associated with each phone number, you assign a person's name to that phone number. When you want to call someone, all you have to remember is their name and contact them.

How Can Having A Domain Name Benefit My Business

  • Allows you to have email addresses associated with your business (john@your-domain.com).
  • Helps to brand and identify your business on the internet.
  • Makes your business seem more authentic and professional.

Are There Different Types Of Domains

A domain name is a website address like ipage.com or google.com. A top-level domain (TLD) is the portion that comes after the period (ipage.com). There are several TLDs customers can choose from when registering a new domain. Some are generic TLDs, while others are specific to a country (.us - United States, .ca  - Canada).

TLDs availability may vary from brand to brand, so the easiest way to determine what's available is to begin the process of registering a new domain on the brand in question and browse through the available TLDs.

  • Country Code TLD's

ccTLDs are two-letter Internet top-level domains (TLDs) specifically designated for a particular country, sovereign state, or autonomous territory for use to service their community. Examples are domainhere.us for the United States and domainhere.ca for Canada.

  • General TLD's

gTLDs can be used for general purposes. Examples are: domainhere.biz or domainhere.info

  • Sponsored TLD's

sTLDs can only be used by entities engaged within the specific industry. Examples are: domainhere.jobs or domainhere.coop

  • New TLD's

In addition to the standard TLDs (.COM, .ORG and .NET), hundreds of new TLDs such as .BIKE, .PHOTOS, .MENU are available.  The new TLDs fall into 3 different categories:

  • Uncontested (Uncontested TLDs are those where only one company applied to be the registry.)

Sample domains: .guru, .club

  • Contested (Contested TLDs are those that have multiple companies competing to operate the registry.)

Sample domains: .web, .shop, .hotel

  • Geo (Geo TLDs are those that are geographic specific.)

Sample domains: .nyc, .berlin, .london

The new TLDs are available in batches and ca

See our Domain Registration: Top Level Domains (TLDs) article.

Do I Need To Register More Than One Domain

One domain is usually enough to help people find you online. However, you can also choose to register multiple domains to protect your name and brand. For example, let's say you registered 'example.com,' but other companies could easily be related to 'example.net' or 'example.org.'

Does It Matter Where I Register My Domain

You are welcome to register and manage your domain through whichever company you choose. However, keep in mind that it is generally easiest to register and manage your domain through the same company that hosts your website.

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