Guide to Domains – Moda Technologies

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The essential facts about domains

Understanding domain names can feel overwhelming—where should you start, and how do you pick the right one? If you’re launching a new business, promoting your organization, or building your online brand, knowing how to get the best domain name is time well-invested. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about domains, from understanding extensions like .com and .app to finding out who owns a domain you really want.

With our expert advice, you’ll save time, avoid pitfalls, and secure a domain that will make your brand stand out. Ready to simplify the process? Let’s dive in.

What is a domain name?

A domain name is the address of a website, like MODA Technologies.com. It allows potential clients, customers, or readers to find you online. Domain names are a key part of the internet’s infrastructure, acting as your direct connection to the online world. They’re not just practical; they’re your website’s face and identity. And a great domain name can help draw in visitors, drive traffic, and even grow your audience by making it easier for people to remember and return to your site.

Think of it like the street address for your home: when people want to visit you, they don’t need to know the exact global coordinates, just your street name and house number. Similarly, when people want to visit your website, they don’t need to know your IP address, they just need to know your domain name.

Why you need a great domain name

Registering a solid domain is crucial when establishing an online presence. A great website will help sell a product or get you hired, and a great domain name is how people will find it. We’ve been talking about how a domain name is like the street address for a website, but here’s the key difference: you get to choose your domain name. This gives you extra control over your brand, helping you stand out in the crowded digital world.

While some visitors will find your site through links or bookmarks, the right domain can:

Attract new traffic, especially if it’s short, memorable, and easy to share.
Improve your SEO rankings, boosting your website’s visibility in search results.
Build trust and credibility by showcasing your professionalism and legitimacy.
Enable professional, branded email addresses that leave a lasting impression.
Future-proof your brand and signal to the world that you’re open for business.

The parts of a domain name

A domain name consists of two key parts: the top-level domain (TLD) and the second-level domain (SLD). For instance, in the domain name CatCafe.com, “.com” is the top-level domain and “CatCafe” is the second-level domain. Together, these two elements help browsers quickly locate the homepage of any website and they create a unique, easy to remember web address that can help users find it.

Think of it again like a street address:

Just as “123 Main Street” includes both the street number and street name, a domain has both a TLD (which directs your browser to the right place on the web) and SLD (which pinpoints an exact site).
Just like there can be both “123 Main Street” and “123 Pecan Street,” CatCafe.com and CatCafe.org can both exist at the same time.

Is a domain name the same as a URL?

Even though these words “domain” and “URL” are often used interchangeably, the terms technically refer to different things. Domain names are often just one part of a longer string of characters called a URL (Uniform Resource Locator).

These extra pieces of information, like subdomains and subdirectories, can tell your browser how to access a website or what area of the site to navigate to. Using our street address analogy, a subdomain (blog.CatCafe.com) is like a separate building at the address, while a subdirectory (CatCafe.com/blog) is like a specific floor inside the main building.

What is a TLD?

A TLD, or top-level domain, is the part of a domain name that comes after the last dot, like “.com,” “.org,” or “.net.” These are also known as domain extensions, or just extensions. Choosing the right TLD can impact what people think of a website and can even improve a site’s searchability and relevance. The most common TLDs can usually be used by anyone, but it’s good to know your options if you’re interested in attracting a more niche audience.

gTLDs
A gTLD, or generic top-level domain, is an extension that can be used by anyone. Examples include the classics like .com and .net and newer ones like .blog, .shop, and .gallery. These offer the ability to choose an extension that represents a specific industry or purpose and can help a domain name stand out.

ccTLDs
A ccTLD, or country-code top-level domain, is an extension that represents a specific country or geographic area. It’s made up of two letters, like .uk for the United Kingdom, .de for Germany, or .ca for Canada. These country-specific domains will help target a particular region or audience, letting visitors know that a site is relevant to them.

sTLD
An sTLD (sponsored top-level domain) is a type of top-level domain that is restricted to specific communities or industries. Some examples include .edu, which is restricted to accredited educational institutions, and .gov, which is reserved for U.S. government organizations. The checks and restrictions on these extensions ensure that they’re trustworthy within their fields.

Popular TLDs

The right TLD can shape a site’s focus, attract the right audience, and help you stand out. Think about all the possibilities and see what’s popular in your industry. Here are some of the most popular TLDs to get started.

How domain registration works

Domain names are what make the internet user-friendly. Instead of memorizing a series of numbers (IP addresses) to visit a website, we can use easy-to-remember names, like google.com. This simple system is thanks to the Domain Name System (DNS), which works behind the scenes to make sure everything functions smoothly.

The Role of the DNS

Think of the DNS like the internet’s phonebook. When you type in a domain name, the DNS translates it into an IP address that computers use to find the server hosting the website. This is what allows a browser to connect users to the right site, even though they’re using a simple, human-readable name.

Domain Registrars

To secure a domain, you’ll need to register it through a domain registrar (like MODA Technologies!), which manages domain availability and helps connect a domain to the website’s server. While registrars don’t directly change the DNS system, they let domain owners update nameservers to control where a domain points, guiding the internet to the right site.

WHOIS and Domain Ownership

Once registered, a domain is linked to the owner’s contact details, stored in a public database called WHOIS, allowing others to look up domain ownership. However, if you want to keep your information private (and most people do), good registrars offer domain privacy services to protect your contact details from being publicly visible.

ICANN’s Role

The domain registration system is overseen by ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), a global organization that ensures everything runs smoothly. ICANN manages domain extensions (.com, .org, etc.) and enforces rules for domain registration, making the process fair and organized across the globe.

Bringing It All Together

With the DNS, domain registrars, WHOIS, and ICANN working in harmony, domain names make it easy for us to find the information we need online. These systems ensure that when someone registers a domain, it’s connected to the right place and accessible to everyone who wants to find it.

How to choose a domain name

A domain name is more than just a digital address, it’s the key to being found online. If people can’t find your website, they can’t see your portfolio, book your services, or find your contact info. Every website is different, and while you’re the best judge about what your brand or business needs, it doesn’t hurt to have some guidance.

We have a thorough, detailed guide on choosing a domain, so we won’t repeat ourselves here. This quick guide helps you choose a domain name with simple tips to get started and smart fixes for common challenges, including how to choose the right TLD, how to find out if your first choice is available, and how to avoid potential legal issues. The thing we stress the most is to take your time and do your research. With the right approach and a clear plan, your perfect domain is just a few steps away.

Have other questions? We have answers to those, too! Wondering if you need to use a .com? Seeking the perfect extension for your nonprofit? Let us help you claim the domain that fits your vision.

Picking a registrar

Choosing the right domain registrar is an important step in building an online presence. Do not go with the cheapest registrar that appears—a reputable registrar will have the tools, support, and reliability needed to make your website a success. Picking wisely now can save time and hassle down the road.

Privacy

Look for a registrar that offers free WHOIS protection, which keeps personal information hidden from the public domain registry. SSL certificates are another important feature, as they secure websites and build trust with visitors.

Transparent Pricing

Look for a registrar with clear, upfront pricing. Be wary of registrars that offer low initial prices only to surprise you with high renewal rates. And make sure the registrar clearly outlines costs for registration, renewal, and transfers, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

Tools & Online Services

When selecting a domain registrar, choose one that offers more than just domain registration. Look for a provider that can serve as your brand’s headquarters, with additional services like email, reliable hosting, and phone numbers with your preferred area code.

Live 24/7 Customer Support

Whether you’re setting up your domain, facing a technical issue, or just need advice, it’s nice to have real people available at any time. Look for a domain registrar that offers live customer support around the clock so you’re never left to figure things out on your own.

Freedom to move

A good registrar gives the flexibility to choose the best hosting plan for your needs, without locking you into one provider. You should be able to transfer your domain and your website wherever you like, whenever you like.

How to register a domain

Getting a domain name is quick and easy! Once you’ve chosen the right domain registrar, follow these steps:

1
Use our domain name search tool for instant availability results on your preferred web address (and variations).
2
Stuck? Try out your brand or business name with different TLDs (domain extensions). From .ai to .xyz, plus country codes like .uk—we’ve got hundreds.
3
Select your domain, check out, and receive a free 60-day trial of our best-selling web hosting to kickstart your online presence.
4
Rest easy, with built-in WHOIS privacy to keep your contact information hidden, plus an SSL certificate to ensure safe transactions on your future website.
5
Your domain is your domain, for as long as you need. Count on automatic renewals and timely notifications—and enjoy full control of your DNS settings (pair your MODA domain with any web hosting provider).

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose a domain name?

Finding a domain name that fits your brand is the key to your entire online presence. Here are some tips to keep in mind while you hunt for the perfect domain:

Your URL should be catchy, easy to spell, and easy to remember. Keep it short and simple, without any special characters or hyphens.
Explore your top-level domain (TLD) options. The .com extension still reigns supreme for its credibility and memorability, but many shorter .com domains are already spoken for. Don’t overlook other reliable extensions like .net and .org—or industry-specific TLDs such as .io or .tech.
Plan for the future by choosing a name that can grow with your business over time.

What comes with an MODA Technologies domain?

Every MODA Technologies domain includes:

An SSL certificate
A customizable parking page
Optional WHOIS privacy to keep your contact info private
No surprises pricing – your domain will renew at the same price as registration, with no unexpected price hikes.

Should I secure my domain and business name at the same time?

We recommend it—especially if you want your business and domain name to match or be closely aligned. If you have a great name in mind for your business (and the domain is available), it’s best to strike while the iron’s hot.

There are a few ways to secure your business name. If you’re a sole proprietor, you can file DBA (doing business as) paperwork in your state, allowing you to legally operate under your desired company name.

If you just want to reserve your business name until you’re ready to launch, filing a name reservation form will buy you some time—usually up to 90 days.

Or, if you’re ready to form an LLC or corporation, you can lock down your business name by using it on your formation paperwork.

Securing your domain name is easy—use our domain name search at the top of this page to get started. If your first choice is taken, try out variations of your business name, including location words like “nyc” or short verbs like “get” until you find a domain that works. Register your domain with MODA Technologies—and be sure to add web hosting at checkout so you can get online fast.

Tip: When you hire MODA Technologies to start your LLC or corporation, we help you secure your business name and domain name at the same time. Just add a free trial of our Business Launchkit to your cart when you sign up for formation or registered agent service—and get a free domain for a year, plus professional email, web hosting, a business phone line, and more.

How do I start a business from scratch?

Starting a business from scratch might seem intimidating—but it’s actually pretty simple. Just start selling something—anything—and you have a business. But there are a few more steps you’ll want to take to really set yourself up for success. Our How to Start a Business Guide will walk you through all the details. And reach out to our team along the way—we’re always happy to help.

What kind of web hosting do I need for my small business?

Most beginners and small businesses just starting out find that shared web hosting fits the bill. It offers enough bandwidth, storage, and memory for a small-to-medium website—and won’t break the bank. As your business grows, you might need more resources. That’s when many business owners upgrade to VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting, which gives you dedicated server space on a shared server. For maximum control and power, we recommend dedicated hosting, which is better for high-traffic websites and businesses needing an enterprise-level solution.

Need help launching your website? Sign up for MODA Technologies’s Registered Agent (RA), LLC, or Incorporation service to get started, and you’ll receive a free trial of our Business Launchkit. This includes shared WordPress hosting, easy-to-use templates, and 24/7 support. We get you online fast—with real human support whenever you need it.

Why do I need a business phone number and email address?

We understand that when you’re starting a business, making sales is the top priority—and we agree.

But even in the early days, the way your business presents itself is also crucial. Using a business phone number and email address for your new venture not only keeps your work and personal lives separate (and helps you protect your privacy), it also tells your customers that they’re dealing with a professional.

With our Business Launchkit—part of our business formation and registered agent service at MODA Technologies—you get everything you need to launch your business, including a domain name, web hosting, business phone number, email address, and more. It’s free for the first 90 days and just $9 per month for each service after that. It’s the fastest (and simplest) way to get lines of communication for your business up and running.

The best part? There are no commitments or contracts. You can cancel anytime, or just keep the parts you need.