What is a Website Domain Name and Why You Need One

So what is a website domain name? A domain name is an identification of a set of IP addresses on the internet. They serve as names for recognizing web pages. For instance, Yahoo.com is a domain name that stands for as many as 15 IP addresses and gohome.com is the domain name in the URL, http://www.gohome.com/index.html.

Registration of a domain name is done with the registrar for domain name services, who is allowed to access and even alter the master database of domains on InterNIC servers. The entire process is supervised as well as governed by ICANN, a standard and procedure setting body, which has the authority to certify companies that fulfill a certain criteria as domain name registrars.

The first company to be certified as a domain name registrar was Network Solutions, which entered the business of providing such services as long as ten years back. However, the registration of domain names has increased manifold over the years and now there are several accredited registrars serving as domain name registrars. Some of the rules behind procedures such as fixing a fee for registration of a website domain name are governed by the registrar; however, some registers offer special packages on registration.

The next question you could ask is why do you need a domain name? A domain name provides you with an identity on the World Wide Web and also makes people aware of your company and offerings through your website. Generally, domain names are reflective of the nature of the company and can prove to be an effective tool for branding like in the case of K-Mart, Wal-Mart etc. They also allow you to use your website as a means of either doing or promoting business, and can be printed on company marketing items such as business cards and brochures for greater visibility.

After you have picked a domain name, you need to get it registered with the domain name registrar. Several internet service providers offer services inclusive of registration of the domain name and also hosting the website. The fee for such a package is usually a one-time payment for the whole setup including the technical assistance needed and the service provider is later paid periodical rentals for hosting your website. There are a number of domain name registrars who have very convenient online interfaces for purchasing and using their services. It is very easy to get your own website up and running, and to kick start the whole process get yourself a website domain name.