A domain name is the unique address used to identify a website on the internet. It is what a person types into a browser to visit a website, such as yourbusiness.co.za.
A domain name can also be used to create professional company email addresses, such as:
- info@yourbusiness.co.za
- sales@yourbusiness.co.za
- accounts@yourbusiness.co.za
Why Are Domain Names Used?
Every website is connected to a server with a numerical internet address. Because numerical addresses are difficult for people to remember, domain names provide a simpler and more recognisable way to find websites.
When someone enters a domain name into a browser, the internet’s Domain Name System directs the visitor to the server where the website is hosted.
What Are the Parts of a Domain Name?
Consider the following example:
www.yourbusiness.co.za
The domain contains several parts:
- www: An optional subdomain traditionally used for websites.
- yourbusiness: The unique name selected by the registrant.
- .co.za: The domain extension used mainly by South African businesses.
The main registered domain in this example is yourbusiness.co.za. The website may work with or without the www prefix, depending on how it is configured.
What Is a Domain Extension?
A domain extension is the ending that appears after the chosen name. It may indicate the type of organisation or the country connected to the domain.
Common examples include:
- .co.za – commonly used by South African businesses
- .com – widely used by commercial and international organisations
- .org – commonly associated with organisations and non-profits
- .net – often used by technology and network-related organisations
- .org.za – used by many South African organisations
What Is a TLD?
TLD stands for top-level domain. It refers to the extension at the end of a domain name, such as .com, .org or .net.
A country-code top-level domain, sometimes called a ccTLD, is associated with a particular country. Examples include:
- .za for South Africa
- .uk for the United Kingdom
- .ke for Kenya
- .na for Namibia
- .zw for Zimbabwe
How Should You Choose a Domain Name?
A good domain name should be simple, professional and closely connected to the business or organisation it represents.
When choosing a domain, consider the following:
- Keep the name as short as reasonably possible
- Use the registered business or brand name where available
- Choose a name that is easy to spell and pronounce
- Avoid unnecessary numbers and hyphens
- Select an extension appropriate for your target market
- Check that the name does not infringe another organisation’s trademark
Can Two Businesses Register the Same Domain?
Two people cannot register the exact same domain name under the same extension at the same time. Once a domain has been registered, it is generally unavailable to another registrant until it expires and becomes available again.
However, different extensions may be registered separately. For example, yourbusiness.co.za and yourbusiness.com are two different domain names.
Do You Own a Domain Name Permanently?
A domain name is registered for a defined period and must be renewed to remain active. The registrant has the right to use the domain while its registration is kept up to date.
If a domain is not renewed, its website and company email addresses may stop working. After the applicable expiry process, the domain may eventually become available for registration by someone else.
Can You Register a Domain Without Building a Website?
Yes. A business can register its preferred domain name before it is ready to build a website. The domain can be reserved for future use and may also be connected to professional company email hosting.
For example, a new business can register its domain and begin using addresses such as info@yourbusiness.co.za while preparing its website for a later stage.
Can a Domain Be Transferred?
A registered domain can normally be transferred from one registrar or service provider to another, subject to the relevant registry procedures and authorisation by the registrant.
Transferring a domain does not necessarily mean that the website content and email data are automatically transferred. Website and email migrations may need to be completed separately.
Register Your Business Domain
Website Design Office provides domain registration, website hosting and professional company email services. You can register and host a domain with us even when you are not yet ready to build a website.
Contact us to check whether your preferred domain name is available.