A domain is a unique identity that’s assigned to your website. It consists of two parts: your website's name and the domain extension (such as .co.za, .com, or .org). When someone types in a domain name into their web browser, it connects them to the server you have rented from hosting companies, giving them access to your website’s pages and content.
A domain is a location on the internet where web pages can be accessed and it helps define a website’s identity. If you're looking to start your own website or blog, understanding what domains are and how they work is key to finding the perfect domain name for you.
Read our guide to understand what domains are and how they work.
Selecting and Registering Your Domain Name
When selecting a domain name, it’s important to choose one that is memorable and recognizable. The best domain names are short, easy-to-remember, and preferably contain keywords that relate to your business or website. Once you’ve chosen the perfect domain name for your website, you can register it with a domain registrar like GoDaddy. We can also register and manage your domain name with GoDaddy so that you don't have to manage the technical details.
The Difference Between Top-Level Domains
Top-level domains (TLDs) are the extensions that come after the final period of a domain name. There are dozens of TLDs available for different purposes, like .com for commercial entities and .org for non-profits. Each TLD carries its own meaning, so it’s important to carefully consider which one will best communicate the purpose of your website to potential customers. For example, a .biz domain is most suitable for small businesses, while a .edu domain should be used by educational institutions. If you are a South African website, the best top-level domain is .co.za and this ranks better in South Africa when compared to .com domains.
What is DNS and How Does is Work?
DNS (Domain Name System) is the way online services and websites are connected. It’s essentially a phonebook for domain names, transferring a domain name into an IP address. The DNS servers connect to each other through the internet as well as ISPs, making it possible for your domain name to be found all over the world. Every time you type in a domain into your browser, it searches its database of DNS servers to find out what website or service it corresponds to.
Optimising Your Domain for SEO
While a good domain name is important for branding, it’s equally important for boosting your website’s search engine rankings. To optimise your domain for SEO, you should try to include keywords relevant to your business, industry, or niche in the domain name itself. Additionally, make sure your domain name is chosen based on carefully researched keyword phrases so that it can attract organic search traffic through its visibility in search engines. Finally, consider selecting a domain extension that makes sense for your niche and website goals (e.g., .com vs .net).
About the author Jason
"I care about creating great websites that not only look good, but also serve a purpose"
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