What is a domain and how does it work?

How do domains work?

Domains are a key part of the Internet because they are how we identify websites.

DNS servers and their hierarchy

It is important to understand that DNS is not a single server, but a series of hierarchically organized servers that together enable domain name searches.

Types of domains

There are several different types of domains, each with a role to play in the Internet ecosystem:

Types of domains	Description
TLD (Top-Level Domains)	Top-level domains such as “.com”, “.org”, “.net” are generally available worldwide for business purposes.
ccTLD (Country Code Top-Level Domains)	Domains associated with specific countries, such as ".rs" or ".srb" for Serbia, ".de" for Germany, often used for nationally oriented websites.
gTLD (Generic Top-Level Domains)	Generic domains such as “.info”, “.shop”, “.blog” enable specific purposes or interests and are becoming increasingly popular.

Difference between TLD and ccTLD domains

One of the key differences between TLDs and ccTLD domains is their purpose and audience.

Using a ccTLD can also improve local SEO, as search engines often favor domestic domains in search results.

New trends in domains

In recent years, the number of new TLDs has increased significantly.

Advantages of using new TLDs 

Using new TLDs can be beneficial for several reasons:

Advantages of using new TLDs	Description
Originality	New TLDs allow more options for creativity, it is easier to find a unique name that is not taken.
SEO optimization	New domains can signal to search engines the type of content you provide, improving specific searches.
Branding	Domains clearly signal the nature of your business, which can enhance branding

How to Choose the Right Domain?

Choosing a domain can be challenging, but it is a crucial step in setting up an online presence.

1. Simplicity - Choose a simple name that is easy to remember and type.

2. Relevance – The domain should reflect the purpose or theme of your site.

3. Length – Short domains are usually better because they are easier to remember and type.

4. Izbegavajte specijalne znakove – Numbers, dashes and other special characters can make it difficult for users to remember the domain.

5. Trademark check - Before registering a domain, be sure to check whether the name is copyrighted or trademarked.

Domain and Hosting - What's the Difference?

Many beginners confuse the terms domains and hosting, so it is important to clarify the difference.

A domain is just the name or address of a site (such as "www.vas-sajt.rs"), while hosting is a service that allows your site's data to be stored on servers and made available to users via the Internet.

For example, a domain is like the address of your house, while hosting is the house itself. here.

Different types of hosting

There are several types of hosting services that you can choose from depending on your needs:

1. Shared hosting: Više web sajtova deli isti server.

2. VPS (Virtualni privatni server): Provides more resources and flexibility than shared hosting, because users have their own "virtual" part of the server.

3. Dedicated server: Cela mašina je posvećena samo vašem sajtu.

4. Cloud hosting: Uses a network of servers to maintain your site, allowing for greater flexibility and scalability, especially with high-traffic sites.

DNS - the Domain Name System

DNS is a basic part of the Internet infrastructure that connects the domain with the IP address of the server.

The DNS system works through a hierarchical series of servers that together help find the appropriate path to the desired site.

SSL certificates and the importance of security

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates have become the standard when it comes to internet security.

Tips for choosing and maintaining a domain

When choosing and managing a domain, the following tips can help you make the right decision and maintain your domain in the right way:

1. Check availability in time - Popular domain names get busy quickly, so it's important that as soon as you come up with a name, check its availability and register it as soon as possible.

2. Use keywords - If possible, include keywords relevant to your business in the domain name.

3. Register multiple domain extensions – If you can, consider registering multiple variations of your domain (eg .com, .rs, .net) to protect your brand and prevent competitors from using a similar name.

4. Renew your domain regularly - To avoid losing your domain, set a reminder or turn on automatic renewal.

5. Protect personal information - When registering a domain, your data may become publicly available.

6. Be careful with domain resellers - You are probably wondering how much does a domain cost?

Conclusion

A domain is a key element of online presence and a fundamental component of any successful website.

In addition to choosing the right domain, it's important to secure quality hosting and an SSL certificate to keep your site fast, reliable and secure. 

Ultimately, a successful domain is more than just a name — it's a tool that allows you to connect with users and grow your business.