So, you’re ready to get your business on the internet and explore all the cool possibilities online. First you need a domain name. It is like your home address but on the internet. A domain name example is our domain clubunbrick.com. It is the address you type into a web browser to visit a website. Without it, we would have to use the site’s internet protocol (IP) address. Memorizing long strings of numbers just to visit a website would be frustrating and impractical. Getting a domain name is as simple as turning on a light switch. Before you can truly master your domain, let’s look at a simplified explanation of the Domain Name System (DNS).
Domain Name System
The Domain Name System (DNS) is the yellow pages of the internet.
When you type a website address like www.clubunbrick.com into your browser, your computer doesn’t actually know where that site is. Computers communicate in numbers. What it really needs is the IP address (like 91.134.53.112), which is a unique set of numbers that identifies a computer (server) on the internet.
Your computer will ask a DNS Resolver (usually operated by your internet service provider) if it knows the IP address. The resolver gets the IP address from the authoritative server and sends it back to your browser, which connects to the correct IP address, and the website loads. This happens in a fraction of a second.
The DNS translates human-friendly domain names into computer-friendly IP addresses.
Why You Need a Domain Name
Here are 3 good reasons why you need a domain name for online success:
- Brand Identity – Your domain is your unique brand name, helping clients find and remember you. It could be your personal name, business name or just a pseudonym. You can get as creative as you want.
- Business email – Create custom emails with your domain name for a credible image for you and your team. This gives a professional presentation when sending emails to your prospects and clients. You can say goodbye to your personal@gmail.com email.
- Trust and Authority – You establish yourself as a trusted source of information, goods or services and differentiate yourself from free domain holders such as mydomain.wordpress.com or mydomain.blogspot.com.
Also Read: How to get a free business email in 2025
Choose a Domain Name
Brainstorm some ideas for your domain name. Maybe you already have one in mind. If you need some ideas to spark your creativity, you can use the logo.com AI business name generator to come up with some ideas based on keywords that describe your business or product. Additionally, they also help you generate quick logos you can use on the fly!
After you settle on a name, it’s time to do a domain name search to confirm availability of your chosen name.
Domain Name Search
A domain name needs to be unique. No two websites can have the same exact address.
You can do a quick search to check for domain name availability of your chosen name. You can use a tool like Truehost Domain Search to look up your chosen name and see which domain extensions (like .com, net, or .org) are available.
When doing your search, keep these tips in mind:
- Keep it short and simple: Short names are easier to remember and less likely to be misspelled.
- Avoid hyphens and numbers: They can confuse people and are easy to forget.
- Stick to common extensions like .com if possible. They are the most trusted by users.
What Are Domain Name Extensions?
Domain name extensions are the letters that come after the dot (.) in a web address. For example, .com, .net, or .org. They help users recognize the purpose or origin of a website at a glance.
There are two main types of domain extensions:
Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs)
These are the most popular and widely recognized domain extensions. They are generally a safe and default choice for most businesses and brands. Some common examples include:
.com— Commercial businesses (most trusted and popular).net— Originally for networking businesses, now widely used.co— Short for “company,” often used when .com is unavailable.io— Popular with tech startups and software companies.shop— Perfect for e-commerce stores.blog— Ideal for bloggers and content creators
If your preferred .com domain isn’t available, one of these alternatives can still work well.
Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs)
If your business primarily serves a specific country, using a country code extension can strengthen local trust. Examples include:
.co.keor.ke— Kenya.ca— Canada.uk— United Kingdom.au— Australia
ccTLDs can signal to customers that your products or services are targeted to their region.
All domain extensions are considered equal when it comes to SEO performance. What matters more is your overall website quality. However, according to a study by Semrush, your domain extension can influence how users perceive your brand — which may even affect your click-through rates. Pick a familiar, relevant extension that fits your brand identity. This can boost user trust and engagement.
Buy A domain name
Once you’ve decided on the perfect domain, it’s time to register it. You can do this through a domain registrar or a web hosting company like Namecheap, GoDaddy, Bluehost or Truehost. You aren’t really buying it but only licensing the use of the domain name for a set period of time (normally one year minimum), kind of like paying rent.
Technically, you’re not buying the domain outright. You’re leasing it for a period of time, usually starting at one year minimum. Think of it like renting a digital storefront. If you don’t renew when it expires, someone else could claim your spot.
Domain Pricing
Here are a few things to consider for the cost for a domain name:
- The average cost of a top-level domain (like .com) is around $10 per year, though this can vary depending on the extension and the registrar.
- Renewals are typically priced the same or slightly higher
- Optional add-ons, like domain privacy protection or SSL certificates may cost extra
An SSL certificate (the “padlock” you see in browsers) encrypts data and signals security to your visitors. It is a huge requirement. Make sure you choose a domain registrar that includes for free in their hosting plans.
What About Web Hosting?
Buying a domain is just the first step. To actually launch your website, you need web hosting. This is the service that stores your website files and keeps your website visible to your potential clients and visitors.
The cost depends on your hosting provider and your site performance needs. Most web hosts (including GoDaddy, Bluehost, and Truehost) offer bundled packages that include both domain registration and hosting.
Types of Hosting
- Shared Hosting: The most affordable option, where you share server resources with other websites. It’s like having roommates; very cost effective, but shared bandwidth
- VPS or Dedicated Hosting: This is for growing businesses that need more resources and control, but also more expensive
Truehost offers flexible plans to fit different needs, especially for small businesses or startups.
Maybe you are not quite ready for your own domain. You can get a free domain name and a free landing page with Kit (Formetly ConvertKit). A simple landing page is a quick and easy way to promote your services and start marketing, without any upfront cost.
Build Your Website
Now that your domain and hosting are set, it’s time to build your website or landing page.
You don’t need to be a coder. Most web host offer no-code website builders or pre-installed content management systems (CMS) like:
- WordPress – The most flexible and widely supported CMS. Great for blogs or small businesses.
- Joomla – More technical, but powerful for complex websites
- Website builders like Wix, Squarespace, or Shopify – Drag and drop ease, ideal for creatives, portfolios and e-commerce
Website Building Options
- No-code builders: Use templates and themes to launch quickly
- Webflow: Offers more advanced design control without needing to code
- Custom Development: If you need unique features, you can hire a developer or build it yourself (if you have the skills).
Once your site is built, simply upload your files to your hosting platform — and just like that, you’re live!
Setting up your online presence doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a good domain name, reliable hosting, and the right tools, you can build a website that reflects your brand and connects with your audience. Start small, stay consistent, and grow your online footprint at your own pace.
