What is a domain name?
By Tom · Last reviewed · 3 minute read
A domain name is your website's unique address on the internet: the text people type into their browser to visit your site, such as yourcompany.co.uk. It works like a street address, making your business easy to find and remember online, and once you register one, nobody else can use it as long as you keep it renewed.
On this page
Choosing the right domain extension
The extension (the part after the dot) tells visitors something about your business. These are the most relevant options for UK businesses.
.co.uk
The most popular choice for UK businesses. Best for UK businesses targeting British customers.
- Instantly recognisable as a UK business
- Builds trust with British customers
- Often more available than .com
- Good for local SEO
.com
The most recognised domain extension worldwide. Best for international businesses or global brands.
- Recognised everywhere
- Looks professional and established
- Best for international expansion
- The most memorable extension
.org.uk and .org
Originally for organisations and non-profits. Best for charities, clubs and community groups.
- Signals non-commercial intent
- Trusted by donors and supporters
- Good for community groups
- Often more available
.uk
The newer, shorter UK domain option. Best for brands wanting a clean, short address.
- Shorter than .co.uk
- Modern feel
- Still clearly British
- Good availability
How to choose a great domain name
A few things to get right when choosing one.
- Keep it short. Shorter domains are easier to remember, type and fit on business cards. Aim for under 15 characters if you can.
- Make it memorable. Your domain should be easy to recall after hearing it once.
- Avoid hyphens and numbers. These are often misheard or forgotten. 'best-plumber-123.co.uk' is harder to tell someone than 'cardiffplumber.co.uk'.
- Use keywords wisely. Including what you do (for example, 'cardiffwebdesign.co.uk') can help with SEO, but don't sacrifice memorability.
- Check social media availability. Before registering, check whether matching social media handles are free, so your brand is consistent.
- Protect your brand. Consider registering common misspellings and variations (.co.uk and .com) to stop competitors or squatters taking them.
Popular domain registrars
Domain registrars are companies authorised to sell domain names. These are some reliable options for UK businesses.
- Nominet (through resellers): the official registry for .uk domains. You can't buy directly from Nominet; use an accredited registrar like 123-reg or GoDaddy.
- 123-reg: a popular UK registrar with competitive pricing and good customer support. Offers hosting bundles.
- GoDaddy: the world's largest registrar, with a huge range of domains. Watch for renewal price increases.
- Namecheap: a budget-friendly option with clear pricing and free WHOIS privacy protection.
- Squarespace Domains: took over Google Domains' customers in 2023. A clean interface with no hidden fees.
Tip: When comparing registrars, check the renewal price, not just the first-year price. Some registrars offer cheap first-year rates but much higher renewal costs. Also check what's included: some offer free WHOIS privacy protection, while others charge extra.
Domain name vs web hosting
These two services are often confused, but they do different jobs.
| Domain name | Web hosting |
|---|---|
| Your website's address, like a street address for your business online | The server space where your website files are stored and served from |
| What visitors type to find you | Stores your website files |
| Registered yearly (about £8 to £20 a year) | Paid monthly or yearly |
| Points to your hosting server | Affects your site's speed and uptime |
| Also used for email addresses | Often includes email hosting |
The simple analogy
Think of a physical business: your domain name is your street address (123 High Street), while your web hosting is the building you work from. You need both: an address so customers can find you, and a building to work in. Many providers sell both together, but they're separate products that you can buy from different companies.
Read more about what web hosting is, or see my hosting plans.
Questions people ask
What is a domain name?
A domain name is your website's unique address on the internet: the text people type into their browser to find your site (for example, webcardiff.co.uk). It works like a street address, making it easy for customers to find and remember your business online. Without a domain name, visitors would need to type in a long string of numbers (an IP address) to reach your website.
How do domain names work?
When someone types your domain name into their browser, the Domain Name System (DNS) translates it into an IP address, the numerical address of the server where your website is stored. This happens in milliseconds. Think of DNS as the internet's phone book: it matches human-friendly domain names to the technical addresses computers use to talk to each other.
Should I choose .co.uk or .com for my UK business?
For UK businesses targeting UK customers, .co.uk is often the best choice as it immediately signals you're a British company, which builds trust with local customers. However, .com is ideal if you plan to expand internationally or want a more global image. Many businesses register both to protect their brand. If your preferred .co.uk is taken, .com is a perfectly good alternative.
How much does a domain name cost?
Standard domain names typically cost around £8 to £15 a year for .co.uk and £10 to £20 a year for .com. Premium or highly desirable domain names can cost much more, sometimes thousands of pounds. You also pay a renewal fee every year to keep your domain active. Some web hosting packages include a free domain for the first year.
How do I choose a good domain name?
A good domain name is short, memorable and easy to spell. Ideally, include your business name or a key service you offer. Avoid hyphens and numbers as they're easy to forget or mishear. Check it isn't too similar to an existing brand, to avoid confusion or legal issues. Test it by saying it aloud: if you need to spell it out, it might be too complicated.
What is the difference between domain registration and web hosting?
Domain registration is like buying your business's street address: it gives you the right to use that web address. Web hosting is like renting the building at that address: it provides the server space where your website files are stored. You need both to have a working website. The domain name directs visitors, and hosting stores and serves your website.
What happens when a domain name expires?
When a domain expires, the website and email connected to it stop working. Most registrars offer a grace period (typically 30 to 90 days) where you can renew at the normal price. After that, there's often a redemption period where you can recover it for a higher fee. Eventually, the domain becomes available for anyone to register, potentially a competitor. Always turn on auto-renewal so you don't lose your domain.
Can I change my domain name later?
You can register a new domain name at any time, but changing your main domain has real consequences. You'll lose the search rankings built up on the old domain unless you redirect it properly. Existing marketing materials, business cards and customer bookmarks will point to the old address. It's possible, but it's best to choose your domain carefully from the start to avoid the hassle and cost of changing later.