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Jargon-Busters #1: Understanding Domain Names - DailyBlogTips

Jargon-Busters #1: Understanding Domain Names - DailyBlogTips

Jargon-Busters #1: Understanding Domain Names

Posted: 14 Jul 2014 07:24 AM PDT

When you're new to blogging, there are a lot of technical terms to get your head around.

In fact, before you even get your blog online, you'll have to understand three big ones:

  • "Domain names"
  • "Web hosting"
  • "Installing WordPress"

If you feel a bit confused about what those mean, don't panic. I'm going to explain them in a three-part series, with no technobabble!

And so you know, here at DailyBlogTips we always recommend:

  • Having your own domain name
  • Using quality web hosting
  • Running your website on WordPress

In today's post, we're going to look at the first of these – having your own domain name.

What is a Domain Name?

A domain name is what someone types into their internet browser to find your website. Our domain name, for instance, is www.dailyblogtips.com. ProBlogger's domain name is www.problogger.net.

A domain name might end in .com, .net, .org, or a country code like .ca (Canada). You might also hear a domain name being called a "URL" or "web address".

While a domain name is registered, no-one else can register it. So if the name you'd like is already taken, you won't be able to register it. (You might be able to buy it off the person who owns it, though, or you might find that they let the registration lapse.)

Tips:

  • A .com domain name is normally best, as that looks most reputable. If you can't get a .com that you like, try .net.
  • Keep your domain name short. Long domain names are hard to remember, hard to spell over the phone, and tricky to fit onto business cards!
  • Check whether your chosen domain name is registered at who.is. (You could also type it into your browser to see if a website appears, but if there's no website there, it still might be registered by someone.)
  • If you're putting two or more words together, watch out for any unintended combinations.
  • Expect to pay around $10 – $15 per year for your domain name. If you want to buy a domain name that's already registered, it could cost you much more. Because of this, some bloggers like to secure their chosen domain name months or even years before they plan to use it.

Where to get it:

Plenty of companies allow you to register domain names. Most also offer web hosting, and you may want to keep things simple by registering your domain name with your web host (look out for the next part in this series). Otherwise, GoDaddy is a good place to register domain names.

Further Reading:

9 Ways to Find a Domain Name for Any Site (Fred Perrotta, DailyBlogTips)

5 Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Domain Name (Ruan Oosthuizen, Firepole Marketing)

Do You Make These 6 Domain Name Mistakes? (Darren Rowse, ProBlogger)

 

Do you have any questions about domain names? Or do you have a crucial beginner-friendly tip or piece of advice that I've missed? Drop a comment below…

 

Wanna learn how to make more money with your website? Check the Online Profits training program!

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