What is a domain name?
A domain name is your address on the internet. Just like your business has a physical address, your website has a domain name — for example, yourbusiness.com. It is what visitors type into the browser to find you.
How does it work technically?
When someone types yourbusiness.com in their browser, here is what happens:
- The browser asks a DNS server (Domain Name System) for the address
- The DNS server responds with an IP address (e.g., 185.93.2.34)
- The browser connects to that IP address and loads the website
Think of it as a phone book. You remember the name (the domain), and the DNS system looks up the number (the IP address). You do not need to understand the technical details — just know that the domain name is the human-friendly name for your website's location.
What is a TLD?
TLD stands for Top-Level Domain — it is the ending after the dot. The most common ones:
| TLD | When to use it |
|---|---|
| .com | The universal choice. Works for any business, anywhere in the world. |
| .dk | You target Danish customers specifically. Signals trust and locality. |
| .eu | You target the European market. |
| .co.uk | You target UK customers specifically. |
My advice: Choose .com for international reach. If you operate in a specific country, also register the local TLD (like .dk or .co.uk) so nobody else takes it.
7 tips for choosing the right domain name
1. Keep it short
johnsons-plumbing-services-london.com is too long. johnsonplumbing.com is better. Short domains are easier to remember, type, and share verbally.
2. Make it memorable
The domain should be easy to say over the phone without spelling it letter by letter. If you have to explain it, it is too complicated.
3. Avoid hyphens if possible
johnsons-plumbing.com is okay, but johnsons-plumbing-london.com gets cumbersome. The fewer hyphens, the better. None is best.
4. Match your business name
The simplest choice is often the best: use your business name as your domain. It makes it easy for customers to find you, and it strengthens your brand.
5. Avoid trademark conflicts
Check that the domain does not resemble an existing trademark too closely. Look up registered trademarks in your country's trademark database to avoid potential legal issues.
6. Check social media availability
Before buying the domain, check if the same name is available on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Consistent branding across platforms makes it easier for customers to find you.
7. Think SEO — but do not overdo it
A domain with a relevant keyword can help slightly (e.g., londonplumber.com). But brand names work just as well in the long run. Do not pick a boring keyword domain at the expense of a strong brand name.
Where to buy a domain
Popular and reputable domain registrars include:
- Namecheap — Competitive prices, good interface, honest pricing
- Cloudflare Registrar — At-cost pricing, no markup, great for tech-savvy users
- Google Domains (now Squarespace Domains) — Simple and straightforward
- GoDaddy — The biggest registrar, though watch out for upsells
A .com domain typically costs 10-15 EUR/year. Country-specific TLDs vary in price but are usually in the same range. It is one of the cheapest investments you can make in your business's online presence.
Domain vs hosting: what is the difference?
These are two different things:
| Domain | Hosting | |
|---|---|---|
| What is it | Your address (e.g., yourbusiness.com) | The space where your website files live |
| Analogy | The street address | The actual building |
| Price | 10-15 EUR/year | 50-500 EUR/year |
| Required? | Yes | Yes |
You can buy domain and hosting from the same provider — or from different ones. My advice is to keep them separate, so you can easily move your website without losing your domain.
Common mistakes
- Choosing a domain that is too long — Keep it under 15 characters if possible
- Using numbers and special characters —
company123.comlooks unprofessional - Forgetting to renew — Set up auto-renewal, otherwise you lose the domain
- Only registering one TLD — Buy both
.comand your local TLD to protect your brand - Buying from a registrar you cannot transfer away from — Always verify that you can transfer the domain
Conclusion
Your domain name is your digital address. Choose it carefully: short, easy to remember, no unnecessary hyphens, and the right TLD for your audience. Register it today — good domains get taken quickly.
Need help with your website?
I help with everything from domain selection to a finished website. Contact me for a no-obligation chat.
