Your domain name is your address on the internet, the part that comes after “www.” or ”@” in your email address. It’s one of the most important assets your business owns online, yet it’s often overlooked until something goes wrong. Here’s what you need to know.
How domain names work
When you register a domain, you’re paying for the right to use it for a set period, usually one or more years. You register it through a company called a registrar. As long as you keep renewing it, it’s yours to use.
Your domain is connected to your website and email through settings called DNS records. These tell the internet where your website is hosted and where your email should be delivered.
Choosing a good domain name
A good domain name is:
- Short and memorable
- Easy to spell when you say it over the phone
- Relevant to your business name or what you do
- Free of hyphens and numbers, where possible
- Not confusingly similar to another business or trade mark
.co.uk or .com?
If most of your customers are in the UK, a .co.uk domain is a good choice. It’s familiar and signals that you’re a UK business. .com is the most recognised domain worldwide and is useful if you work internationally.
Many businesses register both, using one as their main address and pointing the other to it. This also stops anyone else using the version you don’t.
Who should own your domain?
You should. Your domain must be registered in your business’s name, with contact details and an email address you control. Unfortunately, it’s common for domains to be registered by a web designer or a former employee, which can cause serious problems if that relationship ends.
Check today: do you know who your domain is registered with, and can you log in to the account?
Don’t let it expire
If a domain expires, your website and email can stop working. Eventually, the domain becomes available for anyone to register, including competitors or people who will try to sell it back to you. Turn on auto-renewal and keep your payment and contact details up to date.
Domain names and email
Using your domain for email, such as hello@yourbusiness.co.uk, looks far more professional than a free webmail address. To make sure your emails reach inboxes rather than spam folders, your domain needs correctly configured SPF, DKIM and DMARC records. Our business email service covers all of this.
Privacy
Some domain registries allow your personal details to be hidden from public lookup services. Rules vary by domain type and whether you’re registering as an individual or a business, so check the options when you register.
Need help with your domain?
We can help you choose, register, transfer and manage domain names, and configure the DNS for your website and email. We always register client domains in the client’s own name. Find out more about our domain name services.
