You’ve decided to turn your creative talents into a business, and now everyone is telling you to get a website – but where the heck do you start? You tentatively open Google and type ‘how to get a website’, look at the list of results or AI response, and quietly reach for the biscuit tin.
One of the things you read about is this thing called a ‘domain name’, but what is this and why do you need one for this sparkly new website that has now been added to your to-do list?
Well, I’m glad you found this page, as I’ll take you through what one is, why you need one to have a website and a few things to consider when buying one. Cuppa and biscuit ready? Let’s crack on.
What is a domain name?
A domain name, in its most basic form, is the web address of a business or organisation that has a presence on the internet. For instance, gov.uk – is the web address/domain name for the Government website here in the UK. Sainsbury.co.uk is the domain name/web address of the online grocery shop. You get the gist, yeah. It’s the name of the business, website, blog, or organisation.
Why do I need one for my website?
There are many components to a website. You have web hosting, website software, and the ability to take payments. To be able to access all of these, you need an address – a bit like a real-life building – it needs a reference so we can find the business or organisation to be able to buy services and products from. To do this, businesses and organisations need a web address, also known as a domain name. It also helps with your branding – when customers and clients type your business name into a search engine, and your website pops up.
Where does my domain name go on my website?
Your website address, aka domain name, lives on top of your website.
It’s the place that tells the magic wizardry that is Internet technology where your website lives.
Think of it like a telephone number that is unique to your home or mobile. The phone number or address points to where you have hosted your website on the Internet. Your website browser, like Chrome or Safari, calls like it like a telephone or finds the directions to it like a map, and then loads your website onto your screen.
People can find your website through a search engine like Google, or by directly typing your web address into the address bar (also known as the URL bar) of your web browser.
Why are there domain names with different endings on them, like .co.uk or .com?
A domain name is made of three main components.
One part is called the protocol – that’s the https:// bit you type into your web address bar in your browser. The second bit is the name you choose for your domain name, like ‘thecontentalchemist’ for this website. The third part is the type of level domain you have. A .com is known as a top-level domain, whereas a co.uk is known as a second-level domain.
Domains are governed by ICANN, with second-level domain name registrations and disputes managed by specific countries. In the U.K, this organisation is called Nominet.uk.
How do I buy a domain name?
You can get your domain name from a domain name registrar – like Hostinger. Navigate to their domain name search page and input the name you want to choose. They will tell you if it is already taken or not, and suggest alternatives.
Do I own my domain name once I have bought it?
Yes and no. You hold exclusive rights to use the domain name once you become the domain registrant. Your domain registrar enables you to buy/rent your domain from them and take care of the technical aspect of your domain name, like telling the Internet and people looking for your business where to find your website.
How much does a domain name cost?
The cost of a domain name depends on the type of extension you go for. A TLD (top-level domain) like a .com will be more expensive than a .co.uk. Whereas an alternative domain name like .studio will be significantly more expensive. Domain registrars often offer domain names for a low cost when you first buy them, but then you will be charged the full price when it comes to renewing your web address.
What are the best types of domain names is it best to buy for my business?
This really depends on several factors, but mostly on how you want to position yourself as a creative in business. Do you want to be known internationally? Then a .com would work best. If you want to be known predominantly in your own country, then you would choose a co.uk, for instance. That said, you also need to protect your business name online from squatters.
How many domain names do I need to buy for my creative business website?
There are people in the online business world who will tell you that you need to buy lots of different extension versions of your business name – from .com, .co.uk, .info, .io .org. This is to deter squatters or others posing as your business. Yet, it can be expensive to do this, especially when you are in the start-up phase.
While this should be a consideration, if, like me, you’re either starting and don’t have the budget to spend £100s on domain renewal fees after the first year offer, I would recommend going for the .co.uk and .com versions of your web address.
Why?
This covers the most popular extensions of your choice of domain names. You then choose which one you want to be the main web address that you will add to all your business stationery and business cards. Or just as importantly, where you tell people to go and find out more about you and your creative services.
The one you don’t use? There’s a feature your domain name registrar will have that will enable you to point the second domain to your first domain. This is called domain forwarding.
3 Things you need to think about when buying a domain name
That’s been a lot to take in, hasn’t it? There are just a few more things to take into consideration when buying a domain name, so you feel fully informed on taking the next step.
- If the desired domain is taken, make sure to search for it in the address bar to see if an existing business is already there and how similar it is to your business. If this is the case, find an alternative. You’ll confuse people, and the person who owns the domain name you want may not be too happy if it looks like you’re copying them.
- Note down – whether it’s in your calendar or diary – when you need to renew your domain name. The domain registrar will likely email you a month or so before to let you know it’s up for renewal and what to do next. Keep an eye out in the domain list dashboard and check if auto-renew is checked. It’s a handy feature if you don’t want to lose your domain name because you have forgotten when it needs to be renewed. If you’re watching the pennies – turn it off and get the renewal date noted in your diary, the month before it is due to expire!
- Make sure you are the person listed as the Domain Registrant. This means that your web address is in your or your business name. I can’t repeat this enough – do not let anyone else be responsible for your domain name – it might seem too techie, but if the person who has taken care of your website suddenly disappears, your web address and most likely access to your website will too.
Your next step
Hopefully this blog post has helped you understand what a domain name aka a web address is and the different things you need to take into consideration when choosing and buying one.
If you’re at the still thinking stage – have a search on Hostinger domain name search facility to see what web addresses you’re thinking about are available.
Ready to take the next step? Then buy the domains you want and think about getting started with web hosting for building your website on.
Need help with this? Check out the 1:1 My First Website Service with The Content Alchemist.
Best of luck on your online journey,
Steph