Even More Information About Domains

Because domain names are so important to website owners, Elegant Themes developed a list of frequently asked questions so you can learn everything you need to know.

 

How is a Domain Name different from Web Hosting?

They’re two very different concepts. Your domain is the address of your website. Your website’s server, which is similar to its home, is provided by your web host. Although you have the option of purchasing both hosting and a name from the same firm, you are not required to do so.

 

What is the Top-Level Domain (TLD)?

A top-level domain (TLD), such as.com, is the last part of a domain name. When it comes to allowing users to access your site, one TLD isn’t better than the other, but there are some crucial differences. Most businesses prefer the standard .com, while those that operate exclusively in Canada might prefer .ca. This has to do with page rank as well as Google will only show .ca businesses in searches to those looking in Canada. There are ultra modern extensions such as Google’s .xyz or .app or .shop even, it all depends on the business. 

 

What is a Subdomain?

This is a URL for a single section of a website. A prefix, such as blog.example.com, is used to identify it. Search engines see subdomains as completely different websites. In fact servers can treat subdomains as separate websites as well, this could be useful for localization or specific device usage such as a mobile only site. They offer a variety of applications, particularly when it comes to structuring larger sites. 

 

How should you choose a Domain Name?

In general, your domain name should match the name of your website, brand, or company. This reduces visitor confusion and gives a much-needed level of uniformity. But don’t forget about ranking on search engines, depending on your location and type of business. A local garage can rank better when using something like MikesGarageOakville.com versus just MikesGarage.com. This has to do with local search, i.e. someone being in Oakville looking for a Garage. On the other hand if your business is more national or international then sticking close to your branding makes the most sense. 

 

Where do you buy a Domain Name?

A domain name can be purchased from any domain registrar. The top 5 largest being GoDaddy with 76.2M domains registered followed by Namcheap (12.6M), Tucows (11.9M), Network Solutions (7.5M) and Alibaba Cloud (7.3M) Many web hosts also serve as registrars, however you have the option of getting your hosting and domain from various firms. GoDaddy is where we get ours.

 

What is Domain Privacy?

At the point when you buy a domain name, you’re enrolling it as a feature of a public record. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Name and Numbers (ICANN) is in charge of keeping an index of those who claim each domain name on the web.  In any case, ICANN’s records incorporate your contact data, which might not have any desire to disclose information.  By purchasing domain privacy, you can keep your personal information hidden from view in this record.

 

Like what you’re reading? Check out our next blog where we talk about domain transfers!

 

Previously, Domain Transfer Status.

Next up, What is Domain Transfer?.

 

Amy Chung, Oakville, ON,  August 2021

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