Anatomy of a Business Domain Name

Every business website needs a domain name, and the one you choose matters. Understanding the structure of a domain name and how each piece of it works can inform the domain name you eventually choose, ultimately improving it in the long run. A good domain builds credibility, helps people find your business, and makes your brand more memorable.

What is a domain name?

A domain name is the snappy, easy-to-remember online address that leads people to your business website. It’s what visitors type into the search or browser bar to find you. Without a domain name, you can not have a website. Consider it your first step to getting online. You’ll register your domain name through a domain registrar, a company that handles the registration and renewal of domain names.

Your domain name is connected to your website’s IP address through the Domain Name System (DNS), a sort of digital phone book that matches your domain name with the correct server (the computer that houses and processes your website), allowing people to find your site. This system is managed by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).

Have you thought up the perfect domain name to build your website on? Northwest can help you get started. Register a domain name with us today, and enjoy 90 days of our email and web hosting services at no additional cost.

URL vs domain name

While a domain name is a simple phrase assigned to your IP address through the DNS, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the complete address for a specific web page on your site, which includes a domain name, plus some additional details. Here are the pieces that make up a URL:

• Your domain name
• A security protocol identifier, like https, which shows the site is secured with an SSL certificate
• A page path, separated by slashes, that shows the exact page someone is on

Here’s an example of URL on the Northwest website: https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/blaugg-blog

In this URL, https is our security protocol, our domain name is northwestregisteredagent.com, and the page path (/blaugg-blog) takes you to the home page for our blog.

Different parts of a domain name for business websites

Domain names are like onions. Onions have layers; domain names have layers. You get it? Each layer of your domain name plays a role in your business identity, influencing how your business is perceived online, how customers find you, and how your site is organized.

Learning each piece is just as important as knowing the steps to start your business, as it can empower you to choose a domain name that not only looks great, but is easy to manage behind the scenes as you build your website. Let’s break down the components of a domain name.

Subdomain (3LD)

A subdomain, sometimes referred to as a third-level domain (3LD), is anything that comes before the primary customizable part of your domain name.

For example, in the URL shop.yourbusiness.com, shop is functioning as a subdomain or 3LD if you want to get even more technical.

Subdomains can help you segment different parts of your online operations without buying new domains for every project. They’re helpful, but overusing them can lead to a confusing experience for visitors. Remember: you’re running a business, you aren’t organizing a game of digital hide-and-seek.

Second-level domain (2LD)

A second-level domain (abbreviated to 2LD) is the core part and personality of your domain. It’s the words, business name, or branding that make up your domain name. And, it’s what most folks are likely to remember and associate with your brand.

In funbusinessname.com, funbusinessname is your second-level domain, also called a 2LD.

For small businesses, this is your online nameplate. Keep it short, sweet, and easy to spell. Also, try to ensure it’s as close to matching your business name as possible, or at the very least, referencing it.

Top-Level domain (TLD)

Finally, a top-level domain (TLD), sometimes called a domain extension, is the part of a domain that follows the final period but precedes the page path.

In yourbusiness.com/cart, .com is the TLD or domain extension, which is also the most common and trusted TLD available. Although .com domains are the gold standard and you should secure one if it’s available, many other TLDs have gained popularity and familiarity in recent years.

For example, .shop, .info, and .net are all trustworthy and recognized domain extensions. Industry-specific extensions, like .photos or .football, can be even more beneficial depending on the nature of your business. If you aren’t sure which to settle on, make sure you understand your TLD options well, and consider securing more than one.

Getting your business online

When you register a domain name, you’re creating an online business identity that can have a massively positive impact on your business. Understanding each piece of the puzzle ensures that you’re making informed decisions and will help you get the most out of your online presence. Pick a domain name that works for your business, supports your brand, and helps people find you, and we’ll see you online.