What is a domain / why do I need one for my site?
Irrespective of how people tend to overlook a domain name; “it’s just a domain name” the importance of one cannot be overemphasized, not nearly enough.
The idea of a domain, its subdomain, and extension are very crucial components to your website they put your already carved out site on the surface of the web, they attach an address to it so that your site can be located.
To show the weight of its relevance, every domain is unique so that no two can possess the same name nor have the same data attached to it.
Before we delve into the types of domain names what is a domain name?
Well, a domain name is a string of typescript, writing, and text that leads to a numeric IP network, it’s like your house address but this one is used in identifying your site and accessing it, they are by nature idealized and as earlier stated unique, they contain a set of data that directly mirrors your computer, device, name, address of the DNS server and the type of service on the domain.
What are the types of domains and what are their examples?
There are at least 5 types of domains with the generic top-level domains being the most popular and premium domains being the most sought out for.
The types of domain names are;
- generic top-level domains (gTLD)
- top-level domains
- sponsored top-level domains
- country code top-level domains
- premium domains
- generic top-level domains
These types of domains are the most common, they are; .com, .info, .net, and .org. They are easily categorized under international extensions and are global map prints. The increasing need for one has opened a door of possibility for more gTDLS to be introduced, your options are seemingly endless as they are also; .xyz, .online, .site, .store, etc. - top-level domains
the name “top-level domain” is nothing more than a mere ringer for what you already know, they are mostly self-defined as they denote the type of organization, service e.g .com; commercial sites, e.g www. Trade.com, .edu; educational sites, e.g www.waec.edu and .org; organizations, www. Jamb.org.ng - sponsored top-level domains
These are types of domains sponsored by ranking groups, organizations, governments, and/or communities they are your typical; .edu, .jobs, .gov, .int, .tel, .travel, .aero.
They cover a large concept spanning from geographical, to technical to professional, etc.
In order to obtain a domain such as this you’d need to authenticate your company with the required agencies, for example, a “.museums” would require validation from the museum domain management association as they are the agency sponsoring that domain.
- Country code top-level domains
These are the simple letters that come after your choice domain, they are extensions restricted to your area and/or country, eg; co. UK(united kingdom), www.jamb.org. ng (Nigeria), .ca (Canada).
Domains like this alienate results outside the boundaries of the referenced countries, they are not international and all-inclusive they are restricted to the referenced country and may likely not give you outputs from other countries.
- Premium domains
They are two types of premium domains;
The aftermarket premium domains and the registry premium domains, the aftermarket premium domain bothers on a uniquely tailored domain name with a rising market value owned by an individual or a company, e.g.
Tesla.com ($11 million), porn.com ($9.5 million), fb.com ($8.5 million), etc.
The registry premium domains on the other hand are domains yet to be registered by any company or organization but are highly priced with tags directly by the registry organization that oversees the top-level extensions
In order to identify a premium domain its name is usually the selling point as they are costlier in tag than the usual domain name.
Why do I need a domain for my site?
Aside from having a professional look, a domain name abdicates autonomy to you for the control of your online presence, identity, content, and posts, it helps in site branding and as well giving the required authority for your site’s relevance.
