WHAT IS A DOMAIN?
A domain is a unique name on the internet associated with a specific website. In simple terms, it’s the address by which people can find a site.
For example: WWW.DESIGN.EE, where “design” is the website’s name (domain), and “.ee” is the domain zone. Let’s say you’ve created a new online shop specializing in selling coffee. Choosing the name “CoffeeWorld” for your site, you decide to register the domain www.coffeeworld.com. This way, your website becomes easily accessible for coffee lovers worldwide. Here, “coffeeworld” acts as a unique identifier for your online resource, while “.com” emphasizes the commercial nature of your business. By remembering this straightforward address, your customers can quickly navigate to your site and order their favorite coffee, or learn about new offerings.
WHY DO YOU NEED A DOMAIN?
A domain ensures that your potential clients and visitors can effortlessly find your website online. Think of it as the distinct address of your “home” in the virtual world, where people can visit and learn about your business or service.
…For instance, imagine your business is a cafe. In the real world, your cafe is located on a specific street and building number. In the internet realm, its “location” is determined by the domain. How would you tell friends where your cafe is without an address? Similarly, without a domain, it would be challenging for your website to attract online visitors.
WHAT IS IT MADE OF?
A domain (or domain name) has two primary parts: the name (e.g., “bean”) and the domain zone (e.g., “.com”). So, the full domain name (www.bean.com) encompasses the name, a dot, and the domain zone.
…For example: Let’s say you want to create a website for your coffee shop called Bean. In this case, “Bean” will be your domain name and “.com” will be its zone. As a result, the full domain of your website might look like this: www.BeanBrew.ee. This way, people will immediately know that your site is associated with a company or brand called “Bean”. This address will help customers easily find you on the Internet. Or quickly find out information about your business.
HOW TO CHOOSE A DOMAIN?
Choosing a domain is like selecting your unique name on the internet. It should be easy to remember, short, and ideally reflect your business name or the essence of your website.
…Example: If you aim to create a site for selling hand watches, consider a domain that easily connects with your product and is memorable. “Time.com,” for instance, could be a good choice. “Time” is easily read, memorable, and directly associated with the product – watches. Plus, having “.com” as a domain zone can also be beneficial. Many users might default to inputting this domain, seeing it as the most common and reliable. Adopting this approach ensures optimal visibility for your site, helping potential clients quickly locate your online business.
HOW TO CHECK IT BEFORE REGISTRATION?
Before registering, ensure that the domain you’ve chosen is available. To do this, you can use domain checking services on domain registrar websites or use specialized platforms.
…Example: Imagine you want to launch an online store for organic products and you’re considering the domain “OrganicStore.” To check its availability, go to a registrar site like zone.ee or any other platform. They offer search and domain-checking features. Enter your desired name into the search bar “OrganicStore.com”. You will see if it is free or there are alternative offers. It’s critical to not only confirm the domain’s availability, but also consider how well it matches your business. Is it easy for potential clients to recognize it?
WHAT TO KNOW WHEN BUYING A DOMAIN?
It’s essential to understand that you’re leasing the domain and to be aware of any hidden fees: registration duration, renewal terms, and additional services (like personal data protection, email accounts, etc.).
…Example: Let’s say you’ve picked “FreshBouquets.com” for your online flower shop. Before you make a purchase, check with your domain registrar to determine how long you are leasing the domain name for (usually 1 to 10 years). Find out the terms of the renewal and whether there is an automatic renewal at the end of the lease term. Also check to see if there are any additional fees for any services. For example, installing an SSL certificate, professional email delivery, or DNS management. Knowing all these details will help you avoid unwanted surprises. This will ensure that your domain runs smoothly for you and your business.
HOW TO REGISTER?
To register a domain, you’ll need to select and check its availability. Then, go to a domain registrar, complete the purchase process, and follow the setup instructions for the domain.
…Example: Suppose you want to register a domain for your online education startup named “EduFuture.” You start by checking the availability of the domain. Using online services, check “EduFuture” and select the preferred domain extension, for example “.ee” (if your project is local and linked to Estonia). It turns out that the domain “EduFuture.ee” is available! Now you go to the website of the domain registrar or hosting company (they usually offer domain registration too). You begin the purchasing process: add the domain to your cart. Fill out all the necessary data and pay for it and the domain is yours. Follow the registrar’s further instructions. Set up a domain and point it to the desired web server. Thus, your new educational project “EduFuture” now has its own unique Internet address. This will help users easily find you and avail your services.
SO, WHAT IS A DOMAIN?
It’s your unique internet address that helps people find your site. It’s not just a technical component; it’s your online identity. It acts as a unique address directing visitors straight to your site or online resource. This element is crucial for any online venture: from a personal blog to a large-scale e-commerce store. Paying close attention to the selection, availability check, and registration process of a domain is a key step in building your online presence. Think over a domain name taking into account your target audience and the specifics of the project. This will attract attention to your resource. If you decide to buy a domain, another question will arise: “What is hosting?”
