If you’re planning a website for your small business, one of the first terms you’ll hear is domain name. Simply put, a domain name is your online address—like PinataBabe.com. It’s how customers find you on the internet, and it works hand-in-hand with web hosting to put your website live for the world to see.
A domain name is the web address you type into a browser to reach a website—for example, yourbusiness.com. Behind the scenes, it connects to a server full of your website’s files. But instead of remembering numbers (IP addresses), a domain gives your business a simple, memorable way for customers to find you online.
Think of your website like a store:
- Domain name = The street address (tells people where to go).
- Web hosting = The building (where your website “lives”).
You need both. The domain tells people where to find you, and hosting makes sure your site is there when they arrive.
- Branding & credibility: A custom domain like YourBusiness.com looks professional and builds trust.
- Visibility: A simple, relevant domain makes you easier to find and remember.
- First impressions: It’s often the first thing people see when they hear about your business.
- Control: Once registered, that online identity belongs to you—not a third party.
- Pick a name: Match your business name or main service. Keep it short, clear, and easy to spell.
- Choose an extension: .com is most common, but others like .net or .org work too.
- Check availability: See if your desired name is taken. If not, register it.
- Register it: Domains are rented yearly (typically $10–$20/year). Once you own it, no one else can use it.
- Renew regularly: Domains must be renewed each year (or auto-renewed) so you don’t lose your address.
- Pick a domain name that matches your business name.
- Keep it short, clear, and easy to spell.
- Register the .com version if available.
- Set auto-renew so you don’t lose your domain.
- Connect it to your hosting so your site goes live.
Yes. Without a domain, customers can’t easily find you online. It’s the foundation of your digital identity.
If you forget to renew, your website will go offline and someone else could register your domain. Auto-renew prevents this.
You can register a new one anytime, but it’s best to pick a strong, lasting name from the start to avoid confusion.
