Domains

What is a domain name

This is the web address your business’ websites can be accessed on. For example, our domain name is web-hosting-uk.com Every site is hosted on an internet web server, or a “host”. Computers access these hosts using an IP – a string of numbers like 123.456.78.901 – but that’s not very memorable for human beings. A “domain name” converts an IP address to a more memorable, text-based version so that people don’t need to punch in a huge string of numbers to find the websites they want. Think of your domains like web addresses – the place people will find you online.

Your own branded email address

Having your own domain name makes you look professional, credible and unique with an email forwarding address customized to your domain. You can forward all mail sent to your forwarding account to any other email so you can look professional without needing to create a new address.

What is DNS

The Domain Name System (DNS) is the internet’s equivalent of a phone book, converting the text-based web addresses you’re used to seeing into Internet Protocol (IP) addresses (a string of numbers corresponding to a place on a web server).While machines access websites based on their individual IP, it’s much easier for people to remember a web address such as company.name than an IP like 123.456.87.901.

How long can I buy a domain

The minimum term you can have a domain is 1 year and a max of 5 years with us. Your domain payment needs to be renewed before the end of the term or you lose your domain. Most registrars have a setting which allows you to automatically renew your domain before it expires should you forget to remember the renew date it automatically renews for you saving time and potentially a big headache!

Do I need a domain to create a website

Some providers offer a sub domain with them the chance to practice creating your website before you buy a domain. Although buying your own domain for a business looks more professional, it also enables you to be found more easily on the web. You will also need a hosting package with your domain to create a website.

Choose the right domain extension

Take the time to find your right domain extension as this will be your brand and a way for readers and potential customers to get to your website. A name which is easy to remember is useful, this can also be unique but try not to make it too long as it can be difficult for some to remember. Big names such as facebook.com, instagram.com or twitter.com are good examples.

How much does a domain cost

Domain prices very depending on the type of extension you require such as .co.uk or .com. Some hosting providers also offer the first year at a reduced cost helping you to keep your costs down for the first year. Although the minimum term is 1 year you can buy from us up to 5 years in advance.

Do I need to buy a domain with hosting

No, but you will not be able to create a website without a hosting package, this allows you to store your site data. We also have a range of plans to suit your budget and requirements.

How many characters are allowed in a domain name

Domain providers allow a minimum of two (2) and a maximum of sixty seven (67).

Make sure you spell it right first time

Make sure when ordering your domain that you spell it correctly as an order with a domain registrar is non-refundable. If you've accidentally bought a domain which is spelled incorrectly you will still own that domain for the amount of years you've bought it and will still own it until it expires.

Adding keywords in your domain

Adding keywords into your domain can greatly help depending on your competition, so next time you buy consider the keywords you want to add such as "Web Designer London" or "Florist Manchester", or you can add your business name to be more easily found. Please note this will not instantly get you to the top of Google but we have put a guide together which you can read in our blog section on how to rank your website higher on search engines.

Do some domains target specific countries

Yes, if you are wanting to target specific countries these are related to the domain extension, for example, if you wanted to target the UK then you would buy a .co.uk domain, this domain would many be found in UK search terms on Google's search engine. If you are looking for a worldwide domain then you would choose a .com domain or France you'd choose a .FR domain and so on.