A domain is the first thing your audience interacts with when they try to find you online. A good Australian domain name makes a huge difference, as it supports your branding, SEO, email hosting, etc.
However, choosing the perfect domain name takes work, as you need to consider several factors, such as keywords, extensions, brand, audience and goals. In this blog, we will explain the types of domain names with examples so you can make the most of your website domain and hosting plan.
What is a Domain Name?
A domain name is what you type on your web browser to find a particular website online. It is a unique online identity facilitated by an IP address that businesses create for themselves to provide easy access to their audience. Domain names are meant to create a good first impression, define your business brand and support your SEO.
Typically, there are two major types of domain names –
1. Fully Qualified Domain Name
This domain name helps DNS identify an exact location using a hierarchical structure. It includes the top-level domain (TLD), the second-level domain (SLD) and any subsequent subdomains.
2. Partially Qualified Domain Name
A partially qualified domain name mentions only the domain part of the website, excluding the hostname. For instance, if the FQDN is www.digitalpacific.com.au, the PQDN will be digitalpacific.com.au.
Types of Domain Names and Examples
1. Top-Level Domain (TLD)
The right-most element in the domain name located exactly after the dot is known as a top-level domain. It is famously recognised as a domain extension. The top-level domain name usually denotes instances like purpose, geographical location, or owner.
| Domain Name Example | https://www.Flipkart.com | |||
| Top Level Domain | .com | |||
| Other Examples of TLD | .net | .org | .gov | .int |
2. ccTLDs (Country Code Top-Level Domains)
The country code domain name denotes the specific country or territory, usually formed with a two-letter string. Each country has its own dedicated body that ensures that the domain names are used according to set rules and policies while meeting different legal and cultural standards.
| Domain Name Example | https://www.Flipkart.in | |||
| Country Level Domain | .in | |||
| Country | India | |||
| Other Examples of ccTLD | .uk (United Kingdom) | .fr (France) | .ru (Russia) | .us (United States) |
3. gTLDs (Generic Top-Level Domains)
A generic domain name is a part of a top-level domain name and covers a thematic area. There are two types of domain names under gTLDs – sponsored (managed by ICANN) and non-sponsored (usage is subject to restrictions set by the sponsor) –
| Examples of Non-Sponsored gTLDs | Meaning |
| .name | Private entity |
| .biz | business |
| .info | Informative content |
| .pro | Specialised professions |
| Examples of Sponsored gTLDs | Meaning |
| .gov | Government Agencies |
| .jobs | Job Postings |
| .mil | Military |
| .aero | Aviation industry |
4. Internationalised Country Code Top-Level Domains (IDN ccTLD)
Internationalised country code top-level domains are specially used domain names for countries that make use of their own script and languages. That means instead of just using the English language, they use their own script.
For example, China usually uses .CN, but they also have .中国, which means “China” in Chinese.
5. Second-Level Domain (SLD)
The usage of your brand in your domain name is known as a second-level domain. Here’s a business domain name example,
| Domain Name Example | https://www.amazon.net |
| Second Level Domain | Amazon |
There are also country-specific SLDs called country code second-level domains (ccSLD). Here, the SLD will be found right after the dot. For example, www.amazon.co.uk the .co is the ccSLD and the .uk is the ccTLD.
6. Sub-Domains
A subdomain usually appears on the left side of the second-level domain. It’s considered a part of a larger domain. For example,
- blog.website.com, and
- go.link.website.com
– are subdomains of the www.website.com domain.
7. Third-level Domain
Third-level domains are a type of subdomains. However, note that not all subdomains are third-level domains. A third-level domain has three parts, like blog.Flipkart.com, while a subdomain can have more than three parts, like prime.blog.Flipkart.com
Conclusion
A domain name has several important parts; therefore, understanding each part will help you choose the right type of domain name for your website. Ensure your domain is short, easy to remember and represents your business.
It is the first thing your audience comes across when they look at your website. So secure a good domain name when you get your plan for web hosting in Australia to make an impact as you take your website live.