What is a domain name?

A domain name is your website name. A domain name is the address where Internet users can access your website. A domain name is used for finding and identifying computers on the Internet. Computers use IP addresses, which are a series of number. However, it is difficult for humans to remember strings of numbers. Because of this, domain names were developed and used to identify entities on the Internet rather than using IP addresses. 

A domain name can be any combination of letters and numbers, and it can be used in combination of the various domain name extensions, such as .com, .net and more.

The domain name must be registered before you can use it. Every domain name is unique. No two websites can have the same domain name. If someone types in www.yourdomain.com, it will go to your website and no one else’s.

gTLD: Generic Top Level Domain

A generic top-level domain (gTLD) is a top-level domain (TLD) category that is easily recognized by a suffix attached to a domain name. These are used by the Internet’s Domain Name System (DNS), with oversight by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), which is now controlled by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).

Examples of of well-known gTLDs are com, org, info, net, and biz. Generic and restricted TLDs created during the early DNS days require proof of eligibility for domain name registration. These TLDs are .gov, .mil, .int and .edu.

TLD: Top Level Domains

Top-level domain (TLD) refers to the last segment of a domain name, or the part that follows immediately after the “dot” symbol. TLDs are mainly classified into two categories: generic TLDs and country-specific TLDs. 

A top-level domain recognizes a certain element regarding the associated website, such as its objective (business, government, education), its owner, or the geographical area from which it originated. Each TLD includes an independent registry controlled by a specific organization, which is managed under the guidance of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).

ccTLD: Country Code Top Level Domains

A country code top-level domain (ccTLD) is a top-level domain name that is used to define the domain for a particular country or a geographical area. Every country has a domain name reserved for it; this is generally denoted by a ccTLD, which is generally two letters long.

Every country, geographical area, sovereign state or a dependent territory has its own two-letter code that defines its country code top-level domain.

Some of the most common ccTLDs are:

  • .uk for the United Kingdom
  • .us for the United States
  • .ca for Canada
  • .in for India
  • .au for Australia

In summary

Generic top-level domains (gTLD) don’t have a geographic or country designation. That is, they are not targeted to any country or location. They are neutral. For example, .com, .org, .net, .info etc.

While, country code top-level domains (ccTLD) have geographic or country designation. That means, a ccTLD is targeted to a particular country or region. For example, .in, .co.in, .fr, .de, .co.uk, .com.au etc.

So, ideally, if you want to target a particular region or country, you should go with ccTLD. Else go with gTLD.

Benefits

Branding

When we mention getting quality, targeted traffic to your website it is down to the Branding being boosted with the selected domain name. The domain name will exactly match what it is that you do meaning it will also exactly match what people are typing in online when searching you. This is fantastic Branding for your business and will put you leaps and bounds ahead of your competition. Owning this direct message stating what it is that you offer then opens the door for you to maximise your branding by displaying this message / domain name on all your other business materials; company vehicles, shop / showroom widows, business cards etc.

Traffic

As everyone knows, the most important thing for any business online is generating as much traffic to the website as possible. Using your new Generic Domain Name will not only increase the level of traffic to your site, it will ensure it is QUALITY, TARGETED TRAFFIC. This means the hits will be much more likely to turn into business & new customers for you as these increased numbers are of people actively searching online for exactly what you offer at that time.

Customers

Once you are set up with your new domain name you will be getting found daily by people searching for exactly what you do. We are putting you directly infront of numerous potential customers constantly so the results will speak for themselves. You will not have to chase or worry about where your next customer is coming from as you are who they will find when searching online for what you offer.

Authenticity

With your carefully selected domain name you are instantly separating yourself from competition and standing out from the crowd. Use this authentic clear message of what you do and display it on your business cards, vehicles, premises windows and so on. You can’t stand out any more than by owning an exact match to the words typed in by potential customers online who are actively looking for your offered products or services.