If you’re new to the internet or thinking about starting a website, you might have heard the term “domain name” and wondered what it actually means. Don’t worry — you’re not alone! This guide explains domain names in plain, easy-to-understand language.
What is a Domain Name?
Think of the internet like a giant city. A domain name is simply the street address you type into a map to get to a specific house or shop.
In technical terms:
- Domain name = the address
Examples:example.comormyshop.co.uk. When you type this into your browser, it tells the internet which website you want to visit. - It’s not the website itself
The domain name points to the computer (server) where the website lives. The website’s pictures, text, and videos are stored on that server. - Unique and registered
Only one person or business can own a specific domain at a time. You get one by registering it with a domain registrar, usually for a small yearly fee.
A Simple Analogy: Mailing vs Browsing
Think of it like postal mail:
- Postal mail: Your name + street address → the mail carrier delivers to the right house.
- Internet: Your browser + domain name → the internet routes you to the correct server.
Parts of a Domain Name
Every domain name has a few key parts:
- Subdomain (optional):
www— like a room inside the house. - Main name:
example— the name you choose. - Top-level domain (TLD):
.com,.co.uk,.org— like the neighbourhood or country code.
So www.example.com breaks down into:
- Subdomain:
www - Name:
example - TLD:
.com
How Domain Names Work (Very Simply)
- You type a domain into your browser.
- A system called DNS (Domain Name System) looks up which server IP address matches that domain.
- Your browser connects to that server and displays the website.
Tips for Choosing a Domain Name
- Keep it short, easy to spell, and memorable.
- Pick the right TLD (e.g.
.co.ukif your business is UK-focused). - Buy from a reputable registrar and enable auto-renewal to avoid losing it.
- Consider domain privacy to keep your contact details hidden from the public.
Final Thoughts
A domain name is your website’s online address — simple, but extremely important. Choosing the right domain can make your website easier to find, more memorable, and more trustworthy to visitors.