May 9, 2023

How Does A Domain Name Work?

written by

Joe Uddeme

Joe Uddeme

How Does A Domain Name Work?

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There aren’t many people today who don’t know what a domain name is – but few actually understand how they really work. In this post, NameExperts.com Director Joe Uddeme explains what’s going on behind the scenes.

 

A domain name is what you type when you want to visit a website. For example, you type “Google.com” into your web browser, and it takes you directly to Google to search for stuff. But a lot happens behind the scenes to ensure the domain name you type takes you to the correct website.

In fact, it’s all pretty complicated – and interesting, too. If you want to buy a premium domain name worth in the tens or even hundreds of thousands, having clear insight into what you’re actually paying for might be a good idea. This article will explain what happens and demystify how the world of URLs and the web works.

Key takeaways:

  1. Understanding the different components of a domain name
  2. Proven ways to buy a domain name
  3. Domain name facts and FAQs

Typewriter with words 'name search' on piece of paper to illustrate article about what makes a domain name

 

How A Domain Name Leads You To A Website On the Internet

The Internet is an extensive network of computers connected to each other via cables; each computer on this network can communicate with others. Every computer is identified by a unique Internet Protocol (IP) address, which consists of four numbers separated by periods, e.g., 192.168.1.2.

Graphic showing the elements of a domain name

Each website is hosted by a specific computer or server. When you want to visit that website, you need to point to the IP address of the computer hosting it. But IP addresses are difficult to remember. Imagine you had to memorize the unique IP addresses of all the websites you visit; that’ll be impossible, which is why domain names were invented.

A domain name is a human-readable name pointing to a specific IP address on the web. Whenever you type a domain name into your browser, it queries a vast database called the Domain Name System (DNS) and gets the corresponding IP address of the website you want to visit.

The Domain Name System is akin to a phonebook in your home containing your friends’ names and phone numbers. You don’t remember all your friends’ phone numbers; you just need to know their names. Whenever you need a specific number, you check for the name and get it.

This is precisely what the Domain Name System accomplishes; you type a domain, and it gives the correct IP address to your web browser. Your browser fetches the data from the server using that IP address and shows it to you.

 

Parts Of A Domain Name

A domain name has three main parts: top-level domain (TLD), second-level domain, and subdomain.

Graphic explanation showing the components of the nameexperts.com domain name

1. Top-Level Domain

The top-level domain (TLD) is the last segment of text in a domain name. The most popular TLDs you should be familiar with include

  • .com
  • .net
  • .co
  • .edu
  • .org

Yet, there are over 1,500 TLDs you can choose from. A lot of them are assigned to specific countries, such as;

  • .uk (United Kingdom)
  • .tv (Tuvalu)
  • .br (Brazil)
  • .ca (Canada)
  • .cn (China)
  • .de (Germany)

There are many other random TLDs such as .website, .book., .dog, .attorney, and .band. A popular one today is the .ai domain name, which has been a hit with tech companies.

2. Second-level domain (SLD)

This is the middle part of the domain name. It is a unique word or phrase identifying the website you want to visit. This part of the domain plays the biggest role in branding an online business. It’s also important in search engine rankings.

3. Subdomain

A subdomain is the part that comes before the main domain. They are attached to the main domain and separated by a period, e.g., blog.example.com, support.website.com.

Subdomains function like independent websites but are attached to the main site. For instance, you can have an online store or a blog attached to your main business site.

 

Who Manages the Domain Name System (DNS)

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is the agency responsible for managing the global domain name system. It is a nonprofit organization that enacts policies for creating and managing domain names. It permits companies called domain registrars to sell domain names on its behalf.

Technically, you don’t own any domain that you use. You’re leasing it from ICANN (via your domain registrar) and controlling it as long as you renew the registration. If your registration expires, another person can take control of the domain – although with a little effort it’s possible to secure a domain name forever (sort of).

 

How To Buy A Domain Name

To buy a domain, you can head to any domain registrar’s website and check if someone else has not registered the domain name you want. If so, you can immediately pay for it and start using it.

If the domain name you want has already been registered, don’t fret. You can hire a domain name broker to help you trace, contact the owner, and negotiate a possible purchase. Domain brokers have experience arranging domain sales, so they’ll help you pay a fair price for the domain you want.

 

Tips For Choosing A Domain Name

  • It should be short and simple. Longer domain names are more difficult to remember. Try and choose a strong domain name that will match your business goals and ambitions.
  • Avoid using hyphens and numbers in the domain name.
  • Use keywords related to your line of business. This helps improve your branding and search rankings.
  • A .com TLD should be your first option. If that isn’t available, use other popular TLDs such as .co and .net. The more popular the TLD is, the easier it will be to promote.

Google search box to denote the importance of a domain name

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Domains

How long can I register a domain name for?

The maximum registration period for a domain name is 10 years. But you can renew it every 10 years and keep control of the domain.

What is a premium domain name?

They are high-quality domains that people often buy to flip for a higher price later. Demand for premium domains is high, and the price increases over time, making them good investments.

Can you sell your domain name?

Yes, you can sell your domain name anytime you want to. You can do that yourself or enlist a domain broker to find a buyer for the best price.

How do you find the owner of a domain?

You can identify a domain’s owner by querying the public WHOIS database, which contains contact information about the registered owner of every domain.

What happens if I don’t renew my domain name?

Registrars usually give a 30-day grace period in which you can reclaim the domain. Your domain will be auctioned on the market if that period runs out.

 

About the author

Joe Uddeme is Director and Principal of Name Experts, one of the world’s leading domain name brokerage services. He has overseen domain name sales and acquisitions totaling more than $150 million and is renowned worldwide as a go-to expert in buying and selling premium domains. Contact us at: [email protected]

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