What Is Domain? How to Get It?

A domain name is the address of a website. Every website is hosted on servers with unique numerical sequences called IP addresses, which are hard to remember. Instead of using IP addresses, specially chosen names, known as domain names, are used to access websites. So, how do you get a domain? If you're looking to learn the details, you're in the right place.

What is a Domain?

Every device connected to the internet has an IP address. When you access a website, you are actually connecting to the server where that website is hosted. In the early days of the internet, this was done by using IP addresses. However, as the internet became more widespread, memorizing IP addresses became impractical, leading to the development of the Domain Name System (DNS). This system made it possible to use names corresponding to IP addresses.

A domain, or domain name, is a unique identifier registered for accessing websites. The first domain name ever registered was "symbolics.com" on March 15, 1985.

How to Register a Domain?

When you want to publish your website, you need a domain name. This name, which users will use to access your website, must not already be registered by someone else. To obtain a domain, you need to use a registrar authorized by ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers).

Domains are not purchased outright; they are leased for specific periods. The process operates on a "first-come, first-serve" basis, so the domain you choose must be unregistered. Once you find an available domain, you can register it in your name for a term starting from one year.

Some domains may already be registered by others. However, domains that are not renewed after their registration period expires become available for reuse. In addition to registering a new or expired domain, you may want to acquire an already-registered domain. The domain name that best represents your website's brand or purpose may have been previously registered and is potentially listed for sale or auction by the owner. Many domain registrars provide brokerage services to facilitate acquiring registered domains.

After a domain's registration period expires, it enters a 30–45 day "grace period" during which the owner has the right to reclaim it. Following this, a second 30-day "redemption period" begins, during which the website becomes inaccessible, and the domain can only be recovered by paying a penalty. If not reclaimed during this period, the domain enters a deletion phase, lasting about 5 days, after which it becomes available for registration again. Domain registrars often offer backorder services, allowing you to secure a domain as soon as it becomes available.

Premium Domains

During your domain search, you may come across domains priced higher than standard registration fees. These domains are often memorable, short, and marketable. Known as premium domains, they are typically available on secondary domain marketplaces. Finding a premium domain, especially with a .com extension, available for initial registration is almost impossible. When purchasing a premium domain, the high price is only paid for the initial acquisition. Subsequent renewals follow the standard registration fee.

How Does a Domain Work?

After registering a domain, it must be linked to a web hosting service. The domain is configured to correspond to an IP address. This record is then sent to servers that make up the Domain Name System (DNS). This process happens automatically. When a user enters the website's address into their browser, the DNS translates the domain into the corresponding IP address, allowing the browser to retrieve the website.

Structure of a Domain

A domain consists of at least two parts separated by a dot. Reading from right to left, the Top-Level Domain (TLD) is followed by the Second-Level Domain (SLD) and, if present, the Third-Level Domain. For example:

• techcareer.net: "net" is the TLD, and "techcareer" is the SLD.
• google.com.tr: "tr" is the country code TLD, "com" is the SLD, and "google" is the Third-Level Domain.

Difference Between a Domain and a URL

A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is often confused with a domain name. A URL includes the domain, the connection protocol, and the path to a specific page. For example:

• techcareer.com is a domain name.
• https://techcareer.net or https://techcareer.net/blog are URLs.

What Are the Types of Domains?

Top-level domains (TLDs) are classified by IANA into several categories, primarily including gTLDs, sTLDs, and ccTLDs.

Top-Level Domain (TLD)

A top-level domain is the highest level in the hierarchical structure of the domain name system (DNS) after the root domain. Most TLDs are managed by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), a subsidiary of ICANN. TLDs are also referred to as domain extensions.

In the early days of the internet, before ICANN was established, seven original TLDs were created:

• .com (commercial): Initially intended for commercial use, it became the main TLD and is open for registration by anyone.
• .org (organization): Open to everyone, originally intended for non-profit organizations.
• .net (network): Designed for network providers but now open to all users, like .com and .org.
• .int (international): Reserved for intergovernmental organizations under the sponsorship of IANA.
• .edu (education): Restricted to educational institutions. Typically used with country codes.
• .gov (government): Limited to U.S. government entities. Many countries now use it with their own country code, such as "gov.tr" or “gov.uk.”
• .mil (military): Used by the U.S. Department of Defense.

Generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD)

With the establishment of ICANN, domain extensions diversified. Starting in 2012, the new gTLD program allowed for a wide range of new extensions.

Examples of generic TLDs include .app, .art, .author, .blog, and .dev.

The introduction of new gTLDs also led to the creation of specific subcategories:

• Brand Top-Level Domains: Companies can now register their own branded TLDs, such as .airbus, .amazon, .bmw, or .youtube.
• Community TLDs: Represent specific communities, such as .thai or .aarp.
• Geographical TLDs: Indicate cities or regions, like .nyc, .ist, or .berlin.

Brand Top-Level Domain (Brand TLD)

With the new gTLD programs, brands can now own their own top-level domains. These types of domain names are specifically classified as brand top-level domains. Examples of branded TLDs include .airbus, .amazon, .bmw, and .youtube.

Community Top-Level Domain (Community TLD)

These are domain extensions that represent a specific community. Examples include .thai and .aarp.

Geographical Top-Level Domain (Geographical TLD)

Unlike country code TLDs, geographical TLDs refer to specific cities or regions. Examples include .nyc, .ist, and .berlin.

Country Code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD)

These two-letter TLDs represent specific countries. Examples include:

• .tr (Turkey)
• .us (United States)
• .uk (United Kingdom)

Sponsored Top-Level Domain (sTLD)

Sponsored TLDs are intended for specific groups and have a sponsor. For example:

• .aero is sponsored by SITA.
• .post is sponsored by the Universal Postal Union.

Special Use Domain Names

These types of domain names have been created by ICANN/IANA for technical purposes. Domain names like example.com, .net, and .org are reserved by IANA, with .example also being reserved for such purposes. Additionally, domain extensions like .local, .localhost, .onion, and .test fall under this category.

Why is Domain Name Selection Important?

A domain name is a key element of an individual or organization's digital identity. The impact created by a website's address is not much different from that of a physical address. Imagine you're looking to buy a product or service. If the address the seller provides is in an unsafe or hard-to-reach location, it will create a negative impression. Now, if the address is in a central and easily describable location, it leaves a positive impression. A well-chosen domain name that accurately represents the brand and its services has the same effect.

A proper domain name choice strengthens brand identity and increases digital visibility. It has a positive effect on users, builds trust, and enhances brand recognition. It also positively impacts search engine optimization (SEO), making the website more discoverable.

What to Consider When Choosing a Domain Name?

Choosing the right domain name is crucial. It is one of the most important elements in establishing a company's digital identity. When selecting a domain name, you should keep the following factors in mind:

• The chosen domain name should be short, memorable, and easy to pronounce.
• Avoid using special characters, such as hyphens or numbers, unless they are part of the brand's name. For instance, don't substitute "O" with “0.”
• The domain name should not contain slang or abbreviations.
• With the wide variety of domain extensions available today, if the .com domain is already taken, consider other extensions that might complement the brand.
• Since nothing on the internet is ever truly forgotten, it's important to check if the domain name has been used before. The domain might have been blocked by search engines, or it could have been used in a way that negatively impacts your purpose.
• Before registering a domain, it’s also a good idea to check if the same username is available on social media platforms. Having the same username across various platforms adds value and consistency to your brand.

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