Your domain name is more than a URL—it’s the virtual storefront where online shoppers discover your brand and products. When they type your domain into their web browser, they’re directing it to a specific location on the web: your store.
A memorable domain name can set you apart from the competition, keep your brand in consumers’ minds, and dramatically improve your online presence.
Learn everything you need to know about the different types of domains, including what they are and how they work.
What is a domain?
A domain (or domain name) is a web URL (short for uniform resource locator) or address. Domain names appear after the “http://” or “www.” in a URL string or after the @ symbol in an email address.
Every domain name links to a unique set of numbers called an IP address. When you enter a domain name into your browser, it sends a request to the Domain Name Server (DNS)—an automated digital directory—to retrieve the domain name’s matching IP address, which your computer uses to connect to the site. This entire process happens in seconds.
How do domain names work?
Domain names are unique digital addresses that are easy to remember and use. When you enter a URL into your browser, your device sends a request to the global Domain Name System (DNS) network of web hosts. The DNS network then finds the unique IP addresses associated with typed-in domain names and sends the device to those virtual destinations or websites. When someone enters your domain name into their browser, they will be directed to your web page.
A domain name is unique to its website; no two websites or businesses share the same one. For example, http://website.com and http://website.org are separate entities because their .org and .com endings, or top-level domains (TLDs), are different.
What are the different parts of a domain name?
The basic building blocks of a URL are:
- Hypertext transfer protocol (http://): Technically not part of a domain, this section communicates between web browsers and servers.
- Top-level domain (TLD): TLDs such as .com, .edu, .gov, and .org help readers identify what kind of website they’ve landed on.
- Root domain: This is the domain name, plus its TLD, e.g., website.com or website.org. The root domain of the personal care brand by Humankind’s is byhumankind.com. In this example, “byhumankind” is the domain name, and “.com” is the TLD.
Some domains include www. and others don’t. You might also see domains with prefixes such as “shop” or “blog,” e.g., shop.website.com or blog.website.com. These prefixes indicate a subdomain or a branch of a primary domain that’s dedicated to a specific purpose or topic.
Who manages domain names?
Several organizations and mechanisms work together to ensure that the internet functions the same worldwide. They coordinate domain names and IP addresses so computers can find each other, connect, and direct users to their desired destinations.
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)
ICANNmanages domain names. Although it doesn’t reserve domains or assign IP addresses to customers directly, it coordinates how IP addresses are doled out.
Domain registrars
Go to a domain registrar, also called a domain provider, when you’re ready to purchase a domain name. If it’s available, the registrar will reserve the name and assign it a unique IP addresses. Domain providers include Shopify, OpenSRS, Hover, and GoDaddy. Some registrars also serve as web hosts, although this is a separate function.
When you buy a custom domain name to design your ecommerce website—a Shopify-approved move—you may get to include it in your email address. So instead of “sally@gmail.com,” you can use “sally@yourbusinessname.com.”
Domain name server vs. hosting provider
Domain name servers and web hosting providers perform essential but different functions.
Domain name server
Sometimes called a DNS host, a domain name server operates like an automated phone book. It connects the URL you type into your browser to its corresponding IP address and sends you there.
Hosting provider
Also known as web hosts, web hosting providers secure the files that comprise your website, giving internet users something to view at your address. Shopify’s list of ecommerce hosting services can help you choose a web hosting provider that can deliver on your traffic and performance needs.
Types of domains
There are more than 362 million domain names registered worldwide, and growing.
Here are some of the most-used domain types today:
Top-level domains (TLDs)
When the internet first took off, .com was the standard TLD. As domain registrations increased, other options were introduced.
Generic TLDs
Generic top-level domains (so named because they aren’t country-specific) are the most common and commonly sought TLDs. These include:
- .com: Dotcom TLDs represent nearly half of registered domains and eight of the top 10 most popular root domains. While .com is standard, choices like .shop, .store, .boutique, or .clothing can work for many stores.
- .org: Short for “organization,” .org is a popular top-level domain among nonprofits and charities. With prices roughly on par with .com top-level domains, it’s a possible alternative if your desired .com domain is taken.
- .net: While not as popular as it once was, many advertisers and network operators still use the .net extension.
Sometimes, a domain name is simply the name of the brand. Shopify merchant Mikokos, for example, uses mikokos.com as its domain.
Some brands supplement their domain names with other words or phrases, either because their preferred domain name isn’t available or to create a more descriptive URL. Swimsuit brand Viera, for example, adds the word “swim” to its domain name: vieraswim.com.
Sponsored TLDs
In addition to generic top-level domains, there are also a handful of sponsored TLDs, so named because they support specific communities such as academic institutions or governments. These include:
- .edu: This TDL is for accredited postsecondary institutes within the US, such as colleges and universities. It’s a prestigious and exclusive designation managed by Educause, the only registrar for .edu TDLs.
- .gov: This free top-level domain is intended for American government organizations only. Although there are technically ways for private companies to acquire a .gov TDL, you won’t find one on any reputable domain registrar.
Other top-level domains are available. For example, Cash App uses cash.app, a TDL sponsored by Google and available to its developer community.
Country code TLDs (ccTLD)
In addition to generic top-level domains, many countries use country code domains. Today, there are 308 country code top-level domains in use.
For example, Canadian websites often use .ca, while Australian ones use .com.au. Country code top-level domains can be useful if you serve customers in a particular region, but you needn’t limit yourself. Many larger organizations, such as Allbirds, have multiple ccTLDs to tailor their ecommerce experiences regionally. Allbirds.co.uk. (the UK’s ccTLD) is a different experience than Allbirds.com.au (the Australian ccTLD).
You may encounter restrictions on ccTLDs; for instance, the .eu appendage is intended for European businesses and citizens.
Second-level domains (SLD)
Your second-level domain, the text before the .com (or other TDL), is important. Most ecommerce sites will choose their company name; For instance, “Shopify” is the second-level domain in the URL shopify.com.
Second-level domains can include letters, numbers, and hyphens, but they are easier to remember, faster to type on mobile devices, and convey more authority if they only contain letters.
Third-level domains
A third-level domain is a prefix used to organize content; www. is the most common one, but you’ve likely seen others. You can use a third-level domain to indicate location, language, purpose, etc. If you’ve ever browsed Wikipedia in North America, you’ve likely landed on en.wikipedia.org—in this case, en. indicates site content delivered in English.
Subdomains
Synonymous with third-level domains, subdomains are prefixes that organize a site into different sections, indicating purpose, audience, location, language, and more. For example, Hubspot uses the subdomain blog.hubspot.com for its educational content and offers.hubspot.com for its free downloads.
What are domains used for?
Maintain brand ownership
A good domain name is one your customers learn quickly. Many will assume your domain name is yourbrandname.com, so owning this domain—or at least a close variation—can help you maintain brand ownership. Just don’t forget to renew the domain name to ensure continuous use.
Independent UX/UI designer Dave Smyth suggests turning on auto-renewal: “Once a domain expires, it goes through a slow deletion process before being released for re-registration. There are lots of unscrupulous companies that snap up recently expired domains with a view to extorting owners whose domains have unintentionally lapsed. Once a domain has been registered again, it may be impossible to get it back in future, so keep on top of auto-renewals for important domains.”
Establish credibility
Your domain is your business’s virtual home, and the foundation of other important points of contact, such as your email address. Establish credibility by choosing a domain name that matches your brand or describes your business. Consider the TLD’s impact, too: one study found that .com is the most trusted appendage, and 33% more memorable than the alternatives.
Improve search engine visibility
A custom domain name conveys credibility. Since that’s a quality search engines like Google seek when directing search queries, choosing a unique, suitable name for your site can increase its visibility.
A custom domain allows you to include keywords in your website address, helping users and search engines understand your site’s intent. For example, skin care company Satya uses the domain name satyaorganics.com to demonstrate that its products are organic.
How to choose a domain name
Brick-and-mortar retailers enhance their curb appeal to entice customers. A good domain name is like a pleasant storefront, inviting visitors to your ecommerce store.
When choosing your domain name, look for one that is:
- Available: Run a domain name search to see if your idea is available. The Whois database can tell you if the name you want is available. If it’s taken, but isn’t being used, you may be able to find out who owns it and negotiate a price.
- On budget: Available or not, domain names generally aren’t free. While some hosting providers include a “free” domain name with the purchase of hosting, basic domain names cost around $10 to $15 a year. Common words and phrases—like headphones.com—are typically more expensive than uncommon words. A little creativity goes a long way when choosing a domain name that suits your website budget.
- Memorable: Your domain name is what people type into their browser to find your website. Ensure yours is easy to remember and easy to spell.
- On brand: Your internet domain name represents your brand, so be sure to include your company name in it. For instance, fashion designer Tery D’Ciano’s website is at terydc.com.
“It’s not well-advertised,” says Dave Smyth, “but most domain providers will let you return a domain for a refund within a short period. This is handy if you want to secure a couple of domains, but you’re not sure which one you’ll use.”
Launch your domain with Shopify
To set up an online store, you need a domain registrar, DNS servers to host your domain, a website design, and email and customer support functionality, among other ecommerce software features. Choosing tools that simplify and centralize business management will make site setup easier.
With domain registration from Shopify, you can buy a new domain and immediately connect it to your online store, no complex setup, third-party apps or website builder required.
Read more
- What Is a TLD? Top-Level Domains Definition and Guide
- What Is Web Hosting? Web Hosting Definition and Guide
- What Is a ccTLD? Definition and Examples of ccTLDs
- What Is an SSL Certificate- Definition and Explanation
- What is DNS? A Complete Guide to How DNS Works
- What Is a CDN and How Do CDNs Work?
- 10 Most Popular Domains
- How To Choose the Best Domain Name in 2024 (7 Tips & Tools)
- Domain Price - How Much Does a Domain Really Cost?
- How to Turn a Hobby into a Business in 8 Steps
What is a domain name FAQ
What is a domain for a website?
A domain is a web address people enter into a browser to access a specific website. It connects a user’s device to the domain name system, or DNS, which matches names to IP addresses and directs users to websites through web servers.
What is the difference between a domain name and a website?
A domain name is used as a user-friendly web address that enables internet users to find and access your website, which consists of your web pages and the content you’ve published on them.
How expensive is buying a domain?
The cost of buying a domain varies widely and depends on several factors, including how unique your business name is, whether you’re using a generic or country-specific top-level domain (.com, .org, etc.), and whether someone already owns your desired domain.
How do you keep a domain name secure?
To keep a domain name secure, follow these best practices:
- Use a reputable domain registrar.
- Use an SSL certificate.
- Opt for WHOIS privacy protection.
- Lock your domain name.
- Enable two-factor authentication on your account.
- Configure automatic domain renewal.
- Review your details regularly.
What is the difference between a domain name and a URL?
A domain name is the site’s general address (e.g., shopify.com), whereas a URL contains extra information to take people to a specific page. For example, the URL shopify.com/blog would take you to the Shopify blog, hosted on the Shopify domain.