Trying to understand domain names, websites, and URLs can sometimes feel like learning a foreign language. We’re here to break down the confusion and explain domains and websites in simple terms. Give this blog a quick read and leave feeling like a tech genius!
Let’s Talk about Domain Names
What is a Domain Name?
A domain name is the text that a user types into their search bar to find a website. It could look like “google.com” or “wkhsolutions.com.” This is the unique address that is typically home to a website. Technically, a domain name is made up of a numerical IP address, but it’s shown to website users as a phrase using letters so it’s more user-friendly.
You’ve probably also heard of URLs, which are similar to domain names, but not interchangeable. URLs (or uniform resource locators) are the overall web addresses that include more minute details about where on a website it is referencing. A URL may look like “https://wkhsolutions.com/blog/domain-vs-website/.” This address includes the domain name but adds more specific information, like the name of the page on the website and the specific blog post you’re viewing.
How Do I Get a Domain Name?
Domain names are purchased in yearly segments. However, during the years that you own the rights to this domain name, no one else can use it as long as your account remains secure. For example, if you pay for the right to the domain name “Example.com,” you maintain “ownership” of this domain until you fail to renew the purchase. After you break the renewal, the name is up for anyone else’s taking.
So, when I buy the rights to a domain name, do I get a website too?
Unfortunately, owning the rights to a domain name does not mean you immediately own a fully developed website. If you want users to see website pages, content, and specific information when they enter your domain name into their search bar, you have to build and connect a website design to the domain.
Buying a domain name can be quick and easy; building a website can take months. This building process is intricate, but it’s necessary to allow each piece of the site to function properly. Hiring an agency, like WKH Solutions, can make this process painless. Contact us to design and build your website so you can focus on running your business. For more information about website building and what website designs look like, check out our website examples.
So… What’s a Website, Then?
A website is a set of web pages that are located under a single domain name. These pages include all types of content, such as videos, photos, copy, blogs, products, and any other information a website builder includes. Without a domain name, a website would not be available to the public, and there would be no way to find it using your search bar. Without a website, a domain name would lead nowhere when entered into your search engine.
I Bought a Domain Name – Now What?
This is a great start! If the name you’re interested in is available, it can be wise to purchase the rights to own it before anyone else does. However, website designing and building can be a long process, and you don’t want to be paying high annual prices for your domain name rights without linking to web pages with public content.
After purchasing the rights to a domain name, you want to start designing the pages that your domain name will link to. This typically includes crafting the pages, creating content for them, and designing the website in a builder. Depending on the complexity of the website and the experience of the builder, this process could take weeks, months, or years.
If you want a long-lasting and high-functioning website for yourself or your organization, outsourcing a website designer and/or developer might be the best choice for you. Not only does hiring experts like our team members at WKH Solutions save you the time and frustration of creating a website yourself, but it also guarantees that your site will function how you want, follow industry best practices, and properly represent your brand. Our team at WKH Solutions designs and develops (or builds) websites for our clients in-house. We work with clients to ensure their website design includes the desired aesthetics, content, and functionality while also focusing on providing the best user experience possible.
How We Can Help
Lucky for you, our team at WKH Solutions has plenty of experience with purchasing domain names and building websites. If you want to take the next step with your business’ online presence, let us help. We can find the best-fitting domain name for your company, help you purchase and manage the domain, and design the website of your dreams. Contact us today to get started!
DUCHESNEY, B. (n.d.-b). What is the Difference Between a Domain Name and a Website URL? Domain. https://www.domain.com/blog/difference-between-domain-and-a-website/
