Understanding the different components of a domain name can help you choose and register the right one for your website. A domain name is what helps users access your website. It’s a unique identifier that allows you to build a website and discoverable business online.
"Selecting the right domain name for your business is paramount; It's the first impression you make on your audience. A well-chosen name communicates your brand identity, values and purpose. It's the pillar of your brand's foundation, influencing customer perception, market positioning and, ultimately, your success in the competitive landscape.” Daniele Pitkowski, Product Marketing Manager–alternative flows at Wix
Domain names essentially function within a larger system known as the Domain Name System (DNS). This system translates human-friendly domain names into IP addresses, enabling browsers to locate and load websites.
What are the different parts of a domain name?
Domain names are composed of several key components, each playing a distinct role in the structure and functionality of a website. Familiarizing yourself with these parts can enhance your understanding of how domain names operate and help you register the right domain name for your brand.
Top-level domain (TLD)
The top-level domain (TLD) is the suffix at the end of a domain name, such as .com, .org, or .net. It indicates the type or category of the domain.
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A well-chosen TLD can improve your brand credibility and perception making it vital for businesses to select an appropriate one. Depending on domain name availability you may find it difficult to secure a .com domain as these tend to be the most well-known and popular. As competition for domain names increases, many businesses are using alternative TLDs, such as .biz or .store.
Second-level domain (SLD)
The second-level domain (SLD) is the part of the domain name that precedes the TLD. It often represents the brand or business name, playing a crucial role in establishing the online identity of a brand or business.
An effective SLD can strengthen brand recognition and memorability. Businesses should choose an SLD that aligns with their brand values and messaging.
For example in the domain, www.wix.com — ‘wix’s is the second-level domain.
Subdomains
Subdomains are prefixes added to a domain name to organize content within a website. They appear before the SLD, separated by a dot.
Businesses might use subdomains for different purposes, such as creating separate sections on their websites for blogs, stores or support pages. This helps in structuring content efficiently while maintaining a cohesive brand presence.
For example in the domain, www.support.wix.com — ‘support’ is the subdomain.
Understanding the structure of a domain name within a URL.
This section breaks down the components of a URL and illustrates how domain names fit into this framework.
A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) consists of several parts, including the protocol, domain name and path. The domain name is central to the URL, guiding users to the website they are searching for.
Learn more: Domain vs URL
URLs begin with protocols like HTTP or HTTPS. HTTPS is preferred for its security features, encrypting data between the browser and web server. This protocol is crucial for protecting user information and establishing trust. Seeing the HTTPS in a url and before a domain name should let a website user know they’re safe using a particular website.
Let’s illustrate this with the following example: https://www.example.com/blog.
Here, https is the protocol, www is a subdomain, example.com is the domain name (with example as the SLD and .com as the TLD), and /blog is the path.
In this example, each part serves a specific purpose. The protocol ensures secure communication, while the subdomain organizes content. The SLD represents the brand, and the TLD categorizes it within the Internet's hierarchy. Understanding these elements helps in constructing effective URLs that enhance user experience and SEO performance.
How to choose the right domain name (and structure for your business)
Choosing a domain name is a critical step when building your website. It requires careful consideration to ensure it aligns with your brand and business goals.
When choosing a domain name, aim for simplicity and relevance. A short, easy-to-spell name enhances memorability. Incorporate keywords that reflect your business or industry to improve brand and product recognition. Get started with a domain name generator for inspiration.
The choice of domain extension, or TLD, can impact how your business is perceived. Traditional extensions like .com are widely recognized and trusted, while newer options like .tech or .store can convey specific industry relevance.
"If your desired domain is already taken, consider using alternative extensions like .net, .shop or .info. These can still effectively represent your business. Another strategy is to add relevant keywords to your domain name like industry or location. This way, you can create a memorable and relevant domain for your business." Keren Friedlander, Product Marketing Manager at Wix