Home > Empowering Tips > Top 10 FAQs about Domain Names

A domain name is a crucial component of any website or online presence, serving as the address where visitors can find you on the internet. However, navigating the world of domain names can be confusing, especially for those new to website ownership or online business. In this article, we’ll answer the top 10 frequently asked questions about domain names.

Q1: What is a domain name?

A domain name is the address of a website on the internet, such as lookafter.com or google.com. It is a unique name that identifies a website and makes it easy for users to access it. Domain names are registered with a domain registrar and consist of two main parts: the top-level domain (TLD), such as .com or .org, and the second-level domain (SLD), which is the actual name of the website. Domain names can be used for websites, email, and other online services, and can be purchased and renewed for a specified period of time.

Q2: Who invented domain name?

The domain name system (DNS) was invented by a computer scientist named Paul Mockapetris in 1983. The DNS is the system used to assign unique names to computers and resources on the internet and translates domain names into IP addresses, which are used to identify and locate specific websites and resources.

Q3: Who needs a domain name?

Anyone who wants to have a website or an online presence needs a domain name. This includes businesses, organizations, individuals, bloggers, and anyone else who wants to have a website or online platform. A domain name provides a unique address on the internet that allows users to find and access a website easily. It also gives the owner of the domain name a sense of ownership and control over their online presence. Whether you are creating a personal blog or an e-commerce website, having a domain name is an essential part of building and establishing your online identity.

Contact us to register a domain name >

Q4: Do I own a domain name forever?

No, you do not own a domain name forever. When you register a domain name, you are essentially leasing it for a specific period of time, typically one to ten years. Once the registration period expires, you must renew the domain name to continue using it.

If you fail to renew your domain name, it may become available for others to register. This can result in the loss of your website and online presence associated with that domain name. However, it is possible to purchase a domain name for an extended period of time by registering it for multiple years in advance.

Q5: How long can I register a domain name for?

You can register a domain name for a period of one to ten years, depending on the domain name registrar and the domain extension.

Q6: What is a domain name registrar?

A domain name registrar is a company that manages the registration of domain names. They provide a service for individuals and businesses to purchase and manage their chosen domain names.

Q7: What is WHOIS?

WHOIS is a protocol used to query a database of domain name registration information. It can provide details such as the owner of the domain name, the registrar, and the registration and expiration dates.

Q8: What happens when a domain name is expired?

When a domain name is expired, it means that the registration period has ended and the domain name is no longer active.

An expired domain name goes through a series of stages (i.e. Renewal Grace Period, Redemption Grace Period, Pending Delete, and Available for Registration) before it becomes available for registration again. The exact process and timeline may vary depending on the domain name registrar and the top-level domain (TLD) involved.

Additionally, while the domain is expired, the website and email services associated with the domain name will stop functioning.

Q9: Can I use a domain name for email only?

Yes, you can use a domain name for email only. This means that you can use email addresses like “yourname@yourdomain.com” for your business or personal email, even if you don’t have a website associated with your domain name.

However, having a website associated with your domain name can provide many additional benefits for your business or personal brand.

Q10: How do I choose a domain name for my organization or business?

To choose the perfect domain name, consider a short and memorable name that accurately reflects your business or brand. Let’s say you’re starting a small business that offers handmade soaps. The first step would be to brainstorm keywords and phrases that relate to your business, such as “handmade soap,” “natural ingredients,” and “aromatherapy.” Narrow down your options to a few top choices that are short, memorable, and relevant to your business. For example, you might choose “HandmadeSoapCo.com” or “NaturalSoapWorks.com”. Then, check the availability of your top choices on domain name search tools and social media platforms, to ensure that your chosen domain name hasn’t been used.