by Stephanie Ly

Created on: April 02, 2010   Last Updated: April 03, 2010

The first thing any website owner must do before setting up their actual website is to think of and register a domain name. A domain name is the name of the website followed by a suffix such as dotcom (.com). Domains are unique to each other and identify one or more IP addresses. An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique identifying number assigned to every computer connected to the Internet. Domain names are a key feature to a website as they are the only identification that an Internet user has to your website. As a result it would be wise to understand the different types of domains before you start your website so that you do not choose the wrong type of domain name.

Top level domain names

Examples of top level domains are google.com or craigslist.net. As you can see here, this form of domain name has one suffix at the end of the name. The most widely used type of top level domain is dotcom (.com), which stands for commercial, however dotcom domain names can be owned by either business or personal website owners. Other forms of top level domains include: .net (networks), .org (non profit organizations), .info (information), .gov (government), .edu (education), .mil (military).

Second level domains

This form of domain name refers to domains with 2 suffixes at the end. An example of a seond level domain is google.com.au. Second level domain names usually are linked to a country or area. This may be a good choice for local businesses or sites related to a certain country.

We all know that dotcom domain names are the most popular. They have been embedded in the minds of internet users by default. However, dotcom is a very saturated market and if you have a local business or your site is relevant to only people within a certain region then you may choose to register a second level domain which will then provide you with more targeted visitors.

Third level domains (subdomains)

An example of a subdomain is books.yahoo.com. Subdomains are domains of larger domain names. This form of domain name incorporates prefixes instead of suffixes. Subdomains are usually more distinguished by their description. Subdomains are helpful and allow users to easily navigate through a site.

Registering Domain Names

This can be done through a domain registrar or a web hosting service provider who will register your domain name with ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers). Prices generally vary from $7 to $35 for a 1 year registration. There are some web hosts that will register your domain name for free with their hosting plans, so if you are planning to host your website with a web host you may consider this option.

Choosing the right domain name for your website of business is an important step of the initial process. Many experienced online marketers and entrepreneurs would agree that the right (or wrong) domain name can affect the success of your online presence and business. It is therefore important that you understand the significance of choosing the best and most appropriate domain name for your website.

Learn more about this author, Stephanie Ly.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.