A domain name is the address people type into their browser to reach your website. For example, wpthinker.com is the domain name of this site.
Behind the scenes, every website lives on a server with a numeric IP address. Nobody wants to remember a string of numbers, so the domain gives your site a simple, friendly name instead.
Parts of a domain name
A domain is made of two main parts:
- Second-level domain: the name you choose, like wpthinker.
- Top-level domain (TLD): the ending, like .com, .org or .net. Country endings such as .in or .uk are TLDs too.
Once you own a domain, you can also create subdomains, such as blog.example.com, free of cost.
Domain name vs web hosting
Many beginners mix up a domain with web hosting. The domain is only the address, while hosting is the server space where your WordPress files live. You need both to run a self-hosted site.
How to register a domain name
You register a domain through a company called a domain registrar and pay a yearly fee. Some hosts also give you a free domain for the first year.
- First, search for your preferred name on a registrar's website.
- Next, pick an available name and choose how many years to register it.
- Now, complete the purchase and turn on WHOIS privacy if it is offered.
- Finally, point the domain to your hosting by updating its nameservers or DNS records.
Need ideas? Read our tips to choose the best domain name for your blog.
Where WordPress stores your domain
WordPress keeps your domain at Settings → General, in the WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) fields. Changing these fields alone does not move your site. If you ever switch to a new domain, follow our guide on changing the domain name in WordPress.
You don't own a domain forever; you rent it for a set period. Turn on auto-renewal, because an expired domain can be registered by someone else.
That's all about domain names. Choose one that is short, easy to spell and easy to remember. Questions? Leave them in the comment box below.