The basics of website domain names

A domain address, put plainly, is a string of text that takes you to a specific destination on the web. A domain name is the easy-to-remember, plain-language label for a specific IP Address—the numerical value computers use to find and access specific server locations on the internet.

Setting up a domain name is one of the first and most important steps in creating a website for you business. For example, our domain name is accelerateux.com.

What is a domain name used for?

While a domain name is primarily known as the text string that represents your website, there are a few additional uses that often come in handy for a business.

Business email addresses

A domain name is used to set up a custom email address. This is a low cost, easy way to establish professional channels of communication and to ensure business emails don’t get blocked as potential scams.

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Redirects

While only one destination can be assigned to each domain name, multiple domain names can take users to the same destination through redirects. A redirect sends a user from one domain name to the destination associated with another domain name.

Redirects can be used for a variety of reasons. For example, businesses may purchase similar domain names that redirect to the primary location. For example, accellerateux.com contains a common typo of our brand name, and automatically redirects to accelerateux.com if someone enters the typo by mistake.

What is a domain name vs. a URL?

It’s not uncommon to see these terms used interchangeably. While technically different they serve a related purpose. While a domain name is the text string that represents your website as a whole, the URL is the full web address that points to a specific page or asset within the website.

The components of a URL

Protocol: https://www.accelerateux.com/blog/placeholder-link-to-post-here

This defines the style of communication used between the browser and your website. You may sometimes see this shortened to http:// which is the unencrypted version of https://. While choosing between the two protocols used to be optional, it is now required to use https:// or browsers may block access to your website or warn visitors that it is not secure. While http:// can still be typed in as a web address doing so should always redirect to the https:// version.

This defines the style of communication used between the browser and your website. You may sometimes see this shortened to http:// which is the unencrypted version of https://. While choosing between the two protocols used to be optional, it is now required to use https:// or browsers may block access to your website or warn visitors that it is not secure.

Domain name: https://www.accelerateux.com/blog/placeholder-link-to-post-here

The domain name is the readable identifier for your website. This is commonly a business’s name, or variation of its brand name. Domain names are unique and owned by you. Buying a domain name, even if you’re not ready to launch your website or business yet, reserves it for your use.

Path: https://www.accelerateux.com/blog/the-basics-of-website-domains-what-they-are-and-how-to-get-one

The path is the part of the URL that lets the browser know exactly where specific content is located. In the case of this example, the post you’re currently reading is within the “blog” folder of the accelerateux.com domain.

How to purchase a domain name

Domain names can be purchased from a variety of companies known as domain registrars. You can buy pretty much any domain name from any registrar, and while it’s not uncommon to find cheap deals on your first year of owning a domain after that point the price is relatively consistent no matter where you go.

We recommend picking a DNS provider that is reputable, offers good customer service, and is easy to use. If you own or plan to purchase multiple domains it’s a good idea to use one DNS provider so it’s easier to manage them all in one place. We’ve used a lot of different providers over a the years, and are big fans of Squarespace Domains for its ease simplicity and ease of use.

How to connect a domain name to a website

In order to connect your website to a domain name, you have to tell the domain registrar where your website lives. This process is similar across platforms, but each hosting provider or website builder has unique identifying information that you will need to define for the domain. Make sure you follow the instructions provided by your specific website builder or hosting platform.

Self-hosted websites

If you’re developing a custom website, or using a self-hosted service you will need to purchase a hosting plan in addition to your domain. Most hosting providers also sell domains, but not every DNS provider offers hosting. Ultimately, the hosting provider you select should be determined by the technical and support needs that your project requires.

Managed websites

Many modern website builders offer managed hosting. While some platforms give you an option to self-host, “DIY” platforms such as the Squarespace Website Builder or Wix require you to host your website within their platform.

These platforms may offer a free domain with your subscription. While this is tempting, we recommend purchasing your domain separately to give you full control over it and allow you to set up email accounts and other functions more easily.