What is Domain? All About Domain Name

Do you know what a domain name is? It’s like a name for a website, and it helps people find websites easily. But there are different meanings for the word “domain.”

In this article, we will explain what a domain is, how many types there are, why they are used, and how you can make money with them. We will also talk about the cost of getting a domain and renewing it each year, how to buy one, and the different types of domains.

By the end of this article, you will have all the answers you need about domains. So, make sure to read it all carefully from start to finish.

What is a Domain Name and Why Does it Matter?

When you make a website or a blog, one of the first things you’ll need is a domain name. Think of it as the special name that tells everyone what your website is called.

For instance, the website you’re on right now is called www.drawwithpappu.com. Many other websites, like Facebook and Google, also have their own unique domain names. For example, Facebook’s domain is facebook.com, and Google’s domain is google.com.

Now, when you look at a domain, you might see some extra things like “https,” “http,” or “www” in front of it. But which part is the actual domain? And what do those extra things mean?

In this article, we’ll explain what a domain is and help you understand the meaning of “https,” “http,” and “www” in domains.

What Does HTTP Mean and Why Does It Matter?

Have you ever seen ‘http’ in a website’s address? It stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol, which is a fancy way of saying it’s a set of rules for how things work on the internet.

You don’t have to type ‘http’ when you visit a website. Your browser does it automatically. When you click on a link on a web page to go to another page, that’s called ‘hypertext.’

But sometimes, you might see ‘http’ in the website address along with a black lock icon on the left side. That means the website isn’t using SSL (Secure Socket Layer), which keeps your information safe when it’s sent over the internet.

If you see ‘Not Secure’ after clicking on that lock icon, it means the website might not be safe for your data. So, let’s learn more about ‘https’ and why it’s important.

What Does HTTPS Mean and Why Does It Matter?

HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, and it’s the safe version of HTTP. When you see ‘https’ in a website’s address, it means that the website is secure.

HTTPS does something cool – it hides your information while it travels between your computer and the website. It does this by using something called SSL (Secure Socket Layer) to encrypt the data.

This encryption makes sure that no one else can see the information that’s being sent between your computer and the website. So, if you visit a blog or website, check if it starts with ‘https’ in the address. If it does, that means your data is protected by SSL.

You’ll also see a green lock icon in your browser’s address bar. When you click on it, you’ll see the word ‘SECURE.’ That’s a good sign that the website is safe.

Now, let’s explore what ‘www’ means.

What Does ‘www’ Mean and Why Was It Used?

‘www’ stands for ‘world wide web,’ and we used to type it before a website’s name when we were younger. It was like a magical gateway to the internet.

Back then, we thought ‘www’ meant something special on the internet, so we added it before the website’s name. But nowadays, you don’t really need to type ‘www’ before a domain name.

You can visit a website directly by typing its domain name without ‘www.’ It’s not a rule; it’s just a habit from the past. So, next time you visit a website, you can skip the ‘www’ if you want!

What is a Subdomain? Understanding Domains, Subdomains, and Extensions

When you add something in front of a domain name, it becomes a subdomain. Let’s take an example with a domain:

Domain Name: example.com

Now, if we add something before this name, it becomes a subdomain. Like this:

Subdomain: blog.example.com

In this case, ‘blog’ is added before the domain name, making it a subdomain.

The Main Part: Domain Name

The most important part of a domain is the Domain Name because it carries the identity of the website. You can choose any name you like. It could be your name, your company’s name, or your organization’s name. For instance:

Website: www.example.com

Domain Extension

A domain isn’t complete without an extension. The extension is what comes after the dot (.) at the end of the domain name. It’s called the Domain Extension. There are many extensions in use, but some of the popular ones include:

• .com
• .net
• .org
• .info
• .co

There are more extensions, but these are the ones people use the most. Now that you’ve learned about domains, subdomains, and extensions, let’s explore why having a domain is important.

What Does a Domain Do?

A domain has an important job on the Internet. It’s like giving a place a name and address. This name is unique and helps people find a website or an online organization.

Here are some of the important things a domain does:

1. Identifying Websites: The domain name tells your computer where to find a website when you want to visit it.
2. Email Address: A domain gives a special address for sending emails, so people can email each other.
3. Server Location: It helps find the server where a website is stored on the Internet.
4. Extra Services: Domains can also have extra things like security certificates, hosting services, and email setups.

In short, a domain is like an address book for the Internet. It helps identify websites and keeps their location.”

Additional Information on Domain Structure

A domain name usually has two parts, like in our website name: ‘DrawWithPappu.com.’

• ‘DrawWithPappu’ is the first part, which is specific to the website.
• ‘.com’ is the second part, known as a top-level domain extension.

The top-level domain extension is the last part of the domain name. It’s used by domain registrars to organize websites online. That’s how domain names work on the internet.

Why Do We Need Domains and What Are They?

Let’s dive into the main question: why should you use a domain, and what happens if you don’t?

In simple terms, a domain helps you access a website. But can you access a website without a domain? Yes, you can! I’ll explain how.

There are millions of websites out there. When you want to visit a specific one, how do you do it? Do you know?

The secret is something called an ‘IP Address.’ It’s like a special code that helps find and access a website. Your web browser on your phone or computer uses this code to locate websites.

Now, you might be thinking, if you can use an IP address to access a website, why bother with domains? Well, here’s why:

An IP address looks like this: 190.230.472.002. For example, Google’s IP address is 172.217.168.238. If you type these long numbers into a browser and search, you can go to the website directly. But here’s the challenge – can you remember all these numbers?

You use Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and many other websites. Can you remember all their IP addresses? It’s impossible!

This is where domains come to the rescue. Instead of remembering those tricky numbers, you simply type in a domain name and search in your browser. The browser does the hard work of finding the right IP address for you. Domains make this task super easy.

Types of Domains

Now, let’s talk about the types of domains. While there isn’t a simple 2 or 3-category breakdown, we can practically divide domains into four main parts:

• TLD Domain
• gTLD Domain
• SLD Domain
• ccTLD Domain

We’ll explore each of these types in detail to clear up any confusion about domains.

What is a TLD Domain?

TLD stands for Top-Level Domain. Think of it as the last part of a website’s address, like the ending of a book. TLD domains are those top-level extensions that you often see at the end of web addresses. Some familiar TLDs include (.com), (.net), (.info), and (.org).

Understanding gTLD Domains

Now, let’s talk about gTLD, which stands for Generic Top-Level Domain. These domains don’t point to a specific country. Instead, they are more generic and used for various purposes. Just like TLDs, some common gTLDs are (.com), (.info), and (.org).

Exploring SLD Domains

SLD, or Sub Level Domain, refers to the part of a domain that comes before the top-level extension. Confused? Don’t worry; it’s simpler than it sounds. Imagine a website like www.blog.example.com. In this case, “blog” is a subdomain, and that’s what we call an SLD.

Deciphering ccTLD Domains

ccTLD stands for Country Code Top-Level Domain. These domains are tied to specific countries. When you see a web address with an extension like (.bd) for Bangladesh, (.pk) for Pakistan, or (.us) for the United States, you’re looking at a ccTLD Domain. These extensions are like a virtual flag, indicating the country a website is associated with.

Why Country Domains Matter

Country domains are essential when you want to target a specific audience in a particular country. They help websites tailor their content and services to local audiences.

What About Expired Domains?

Now that you know about different types of domains, let’s talk about expired domains. When someone owns a domain but doesn’t renew it, that domain becomes expired. These domains can be appealing because they might already have some online history and reputation.

However, there are potential downsides to expired domains. They could have been penalized by search engines, involved in illegal activities, or hosted inappropriate content. So, if you’re considering buying an expired domain, do your research to avoid any unwanted surprises.

Why Should You Own a Domain Name?

Have you ever wondered why people bother buying domain names? I did too, and I discovered something interesting.

Here’s the deal: When you buy a domain name, it’s like getting a special, one-of-a-kind phone number. Just like nobody else can use your phone number, once you own a domain, nobody else can use that exact same domain name.

Let’s say you buy a SIM card, and you get a unique phone number. That number is exclusively yours. Well, owning a domain is kind of like that.

Now, you might be wondering, “Okay, but why should I bother buying a domain?” Well, there are a few good reasons:

1. For Your Blog or Website: If you have a blog or a website, owning a domain can give it a unique and easy-to-find address on the internet.
2. Investment Opportunity: Some folks buy domains with the hope of selling them later at a higher price. It’s like a digital investment.
3. Just for Fun: Believe it or not, some people buy domains simply because it’s a fun hobby. If you get a domain in your own name, that’s perfectly fine too!

So, there you have it – owning a domain can be useful, a potential investment, or even just a cool hobby. It’s like having your own piece of the internet!

How to Buy a Domain Name?

Buying a domain these days is a breeze. There are plenty of companies in Bangladesh that offer domain registration at affordable prices. Plus, you can even pay using BKash, which makes it super convenient.

Now, let’s explore some local and international domain providers to help you get started.

• Bluehost:
  • Bluehost is not only a hosting provider but also offers domain registration services.
  • They provide a seamless experience for purchasing and managing domains alongside hosting.
• HostGator:
  • HostGator is known for its web hosting services but also offers domain registration.
  • They provide domain options for various needs, from personal websites to businesses.
• Name.com:
  • Name.com is a straightforward domain registrar with a user-friendly interface.
  • They often have promotions and deals on domain registrations.
• Hover:
  • Hover focuses on domain registration and management.
  • They have a reputation for excellent customer service and transparency in pricing.
• 1&1 IONOS:
  • 1&1 IONOS offers a range of web services, including domain registration.
  • They have a user-friendly website builder for those looking to create websites too.
• Google Domains:
  • Google Domains provides a simple and clean platform for buying and managing domains.
  • It’s known for its straightforward pricing and integration with other Google services.
• NameSilo:
  • NameSilo offers competitive pricing for domain registrations.
  • They provide free WHOIS privacy protection with every domain purchase.
• Namecheap (as mentioned):
  • Reiterating Namecheap, known for its affordability and reliable services.

These are some reputable domain registrars to explore when you’re looking to purchase a domain for your website or online venture. Make sure to compare prices and services to find the best fit for your needs.

Important Cautionary Steps When Buying Domains

Buying a domain can be a smooth experience, but it’s crucial to take precautions to avoid potential issues down the road. Here are some key steps to keep in mind:

1. Domain Renewal:

• Make sure to renew your domain before it expires. Losing a domain due to non-renewal can be a costly mistake.

2. Domain Trademark:

• Check if your desired domain name infringes on any trademarks. Using a domain name that violates someone else’s trademark can lead to legal issues.

3. Domain Security:

• Enhance the security of your domain by enabling features like two-factor authentication (2FA). This helps protect your domain from unauthorized access or hijacking attempts.

4. Domain Transfer:

• Understand the domain transfer process. If you decide to move your domain to a different registrar or owner, ensure you follow the proper procedures to avoid complications.

By taking these precautions, you can enjoy a hassle-free domain ownership experience and minimize the risk of losing your domain or facing legal troubles.

What is Domain Renewal? Why It Matters

Domain renewal is a critical aspect of owning a domain name, and it’s important to understand why it matters. Here’s a detailed explanation:

1. The Renewal Process:

• When you purchase a domain, you don’t own it indefinitely. Instead, you essentially rent it for a specified period, typically one year.
• To keep ownership of the domain and continue using it, you must renew it regularly, usually on an annual basis.
• Renewing a domain involves paying a fee to the domain registrar or provider to extend your ownership for another year.

2. The Risk of Losing Your Domain:

• If you forget to renew your domain or fail to do so on time, you risk losing ownership of it.
• Once a domain expires, it may go through a grace period during which you can still renew it, but there’s a risk of it being released to the public for purchase.

3. Varying Renewal Fees:

• Different domain registrars may charge different renewal fees, and these fees can vary based on the registrar’s policies.
• Some registrars offer competitive renewal prices, while others may charge higher fees.

4. Be Cautious of Scams:

• Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous companies that aim to exploit domain owners by charging exorbitant renewal fees or engaging in fraudulent practices.
• It’s essential to choose a reputable domain registrar and understand their renewal pricing structure.

5. Plan Ahead:

• To avoid surprises, it’s advisable to research and understand the renewal fees associated with your domain registrar before purchasing a domain.
• This knowledge will help you budget accordingly and ensure you can continue to renew your domain without issues.

In conclusion, domain renewal is the process of extending your ownership of a domain by paying a fee. It’s crucial to be aware of renewal fees, choose a trustworthy registrar, and stay on top of renewals to maintain ownership of your domain and avoid any potential pitfalls.

What is Domain Trademarks?

It’s essential to be extremely cautious when it comes to domain trademarks, as they can have legal consequences. Here’s a detailed explanation:

1. The Significance of Trademarks:

• A trademark is a legal protection for a brand, logo, or name that identifies a company or organization.
• When a company or organization obtains a trademark for a specific name or brand, it means no one else can use that name for similar purposes.

2. Risks of Trademarked Domains:

• If you purchase a domain that is already trademarked by another entity, you could face serious legal consequences.
• Using a trademarked domain without authorization may lead to legal actions, including fines and even imprisonment.

3. Importance of Research:

• Before buying a domain, it’s crucial to research whether the name you intend to use is trademarked.
• You can check official trademark databases or consult with legal experts to ensure you’re not infringing on someone else’s trademark.

4. Real-World Example:

• For instance, www.facebook.com is a well-known trademarked domain owned by Facebook, Inc.
• If you attempt to register a domain like www.bnfacebook.com or www.facebookbd.com without permission, you may face legal consequences, including fines and legal action.

5. Legal Implications:

• Trademark infringement is a serious matter, and legal authorities may intervene if a trademark owner files a complaint.
• Penalties can range from financial fines to imprisonment in severe cases.

6. Be Informed:

• It’s essential to educate yourself about trademarks and perform due diligence before purchasing a domain.
• Understanding trademark laws and respecting the rights of trademark holders is crucial to avoid legal issues.

In summary, domain trademarks are legally protected names, logos, or brands associated with specific companies or organizations. Buying and using a domain that infringes on a trademark can lead to severe legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment. Prior research and respect for trademark rights are essential when selecting a domain name to ensure legal compliance and avoid potential legal troubles.

What Does Domain Security Mean and Why Is It Important?

We all know about keeping things safe. When you buy something online, it needs to be protected. This protection is also needed for your domain when you buy one. You don’t just buy a domain for a short time, you might have it for many years.

The company you buy the domain from should make sure it’s secure. If they can’t do that, you might have trouble later on. So, it’s really important to think about this.

What is Domain Transfer?

Before diving into the world of domain business, it’s crucial to understand domain transfer. Imagine you’ve purchased a domain from a company.

Now, for some reason, you no longer want to work with that company. In such cases, you can move your domain to another company – this is what we call domain transfer.

However, here’s the catch: Some companies may not allow you to transfer your domain. They do this to keep their customers and make more money.

When you encounter such restrictive rules, you’re stuck following their terms, even if it’s not in your best interest.

So, before buying a domain, make sure to check with the company if they allow domain transfers. Keeping this in mind can save you a lot of trouble.

In the upcoming sections, we’ll explore how to buy a domain and even delve into the potential of making millions in the domain business.

How to Purchase a Domain Name?

Before diving into domain acquisition, it’s important to have a clear purpose in mind. Buying a domain without a plan isn’t a wise move. Typically, people buy domains for two primary reasons:

1. Creating Your Own Blog: If you’re looking to start your own blog, a domain name gives your website a unique and memorable web address. This can be a personal blog, a business blog, or any other topic you’re passionate about.
2. Generating Income: Some individuals buy domains with the intention of making money. This involves activities like domain flipping (buying and selling domains for profit), investing in valuable domains, or developing websites to earn revenue through ads, products, or services.

There are also hobbyists who enjoy collecting domains for fun. However, it’s crucial to determine your specific purpose before making a purchase.

Choosing a Domain for Your Blog

When you’re considering creating a blog or website for yourself, one of the first things to ponder is your domain name. Your domain name is like the online identity of your blog or website.

When buying a domain for your blog, you have various extensions to choose from. These extensions can include (.com), (.net), (.org), and many more. Selecting the right domain extension is an important step in establishing your online presence.

Making Money with Domain Investment

You might be amazed to discover that it’s possible to earn a substantial income through domain investing. But how does this income work?

Here’s how it goes: You purchase a domain for a certain amount, let’s say $10. Then, you advertise that domain in various online marketplaces with the aim of selling it in different markets.

If your domain is valuable and in-demand, someone may be willing to buy it from you at a higher price. Essentially, domain investing involves buying and selling domains for profit.

Generating Income through Domain Business

When I first learned about the domain business, I was as surprised as you might be now. I kept wondering how it’s possible to make money through domain business.

As I delved deeper into my research on this topic, I was genuinely amazed. Here’s the basic idea: You buy a domain for 1000 rupees, and it can potentially be sold for 1 lakh rupees. It may sound unbelievable, but it’s true.

If you’re interested in earning substantial income through domain business, there are a few key factors to consider:

1. Domain Marketplace: Where and how you sell your domains matters. There are specific online marketplaces designed for buying and selling domains.
2. Domain Quality: The quality and appeal of the domain name are crucial. Desirable, memorable, and relevant domain names tend to fetch higher prices.

These are some essential aspects to keep in mind as you explore the domain business and its potential for making millions. Let’s dive deeper into each of these factors to understand them better.

Choosing the Right Domain Marketplace

Today, there are numerous online marketplaces where you can sell your domains at attractive prices. Some of these well-known platforms include:

1. Sedo
2. Flip
3. GoDaddy
4. NamePros

These websites specialize in domain buying and selling, making them ideal places to maximize your domain’s selling potential. To make the most out of your domain investment, follow these steps:

1. Select a High-Quality Domain: Ensure that the domain you’re selling is of high quality, as it’s more likely to attract buyers.
2. List Your Domain: List your domain on these marketplaces, providing details and pricing. This puts your domain in front of potential buyers.
3. Attract Buyers: With a quality domain listed on these platforms, you increase your chances of attracting buyers willing to pay a higher price for your domain.

By following these steps, you can leverage domain marketplaces to sell your domains for a significant profit.

What Makes a Quality Domain?

If you aim to earn from the domain business, having a high-quality domain is essential. But what defines a quality domain? Let’s break it down:

1. 3L/2L/4L Domain: Quality domains often have specific characteristics related to their length. These abbreviations stand for:
   • 3L: A three-letter domain name.
   • 2L: A two-letter domain name.
   • 4L: A four-letter domain name.
2. Meaningful Domain: A meaningful domain is one that is relevant to a particular niche, industry, or topic. It conveys a clear message or idea, making it more valuable and memorable.
3. TLD Extension: The Top-Level Domain (TLD) extension is the part of the domain name that comes after the dot (e.g., .com, .net, .org). Common TLDs like .com are often associated with higher quality and trustworthiness.

To illustrate, a quality domain could be something like ‘BuyCars.com.’ It’s meaningful because it relates to the automotive industry, and it’s a 2L domain with the trusted .com extension.

These three factors collectively contribute to the quality of a domain and can significantly impact its value in the domain business.

What is 3L/2L/4L Domains?

If you’re looking to profit from the domain business, it’s crucial to understand the significance of domain length. Domains with specific letter counts, such as 3-letter, 2-letter, or 4-letter domains, are highly prized and can command top prices in the marketplace.

Here’s a breakdown of what these terms mean:

• 3L Domain: A 3-letter domain is exactly what it sounds like—a domain name comprised of three letters.
• 2L Domain: Similarly, a 2-letter domain consists of just two letters.
• 4L Domain: A 4-letter domain has four letters in its name.

These types of domains are particularly valuable because of their brevity and uniqueness. If you can acquire a domain of this type, you may have the opportunity to sell it for a substantial sum, potentially reaching millions of rupees.

What is Meaningful Domain?

In the domain business, having a meaningful domain is paramount. Simply buying and selling any random domain may not yield the desired results.

A meaningful domain is one that holds relevance to a specific niche, industry, or topic. It conveys a clear and understandable message or idea. Short words or phrases that succinctly represent a concept or industry are often highly sought after in the domain market.

Domains that are both meaningful and concise tend to command higher prices and attract more potential buyers. So, when venturing into the domain business, prioritize meaningful domains to maximize your chances of success.

The Importance of TLD Extensions

As you’ve gathered, domains can have various extensions, such as (.com), (.net), (.co), (.org), and many more. But are all these extensions equally popular? The short answer is no.

In reality, despite the diversity of extensions available, not all of them enjoy the same level of popularity. Many people predominantly recognize and trust the (.com) extension. It’s a well-established fact that (.com) is the most widely used and recognized domain extension globally.

If you’re considering entering the domain business, it’s wise to prioritize top-level domains (TLDs) like (.com). Using a popular TLD increases the chances of your domain selling at a higher price, as it’s more likely to be trusted and preferred by potential buyers.