Domain Extensions

A domain name is basically your web address. If it didn’t exist, we would need to load websites using their IP addresses, a long string of numbers much more difficult to memorize than domain names. When we type a website address in our browser, the domain name system (DNS) matches the domain with its IP address, allowing the browser to load internet resources.

A domain extension, also known as a top-level domain (TLD), is the last part of a domain. For example, in hostinger.com, hostinger is the domain name, while .com is the TLD.

Top-level domains are managed by the ICANN, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. The ICANN divides them into five categories according to their purposes: sponsored, country-code, infrastructure, test, and generic top-level domains. The most popular domain extensions are .com and .net, generic top-level domain name extensions that anyone can register.

Your domain name extension plays a crucial role in branding. The perfect TLD can clearly state the site’s purpose – for example, using .store or .shop for an eCommerce site – draw more visitors and potential clients, and build trust for your brand. Once you decide on a name, type it into the search box to find the domain extension list available – from country-specific to generic domain extensions. Now, to register your new domain extension, follow these steps:

1. Select your preferred option by clicking Add to Cart.

2. On the Checkout page, choose the registration period and complete the purchase.

Congratulations! You are now the owner of the domain name for the entire subscription period.

Yes, of course. Whether you are building a new website or looking to rebrand an existing one, a new domain name will help potential customers locate your business online.

Custom domain names with popular extensions develop trust and enhance your brand’s credibility, making the domain name registration fee worth it.

However, it is possible to get a free domain name at Hostinger by buying Premium or Business Shared Hosting; Starter, Business, or Pro WordPress Hosting; or any Cloud Hosting plan. Apart from the free domain registration for one year, you will also get a professional email address to strengthen your online presence further.

Whether developing a brand or creating a business website, using your business name as your domain name is a great choice. It will help your target audience easily recognize and remember it, potentially enhancing the site’s traffic and driving in new customers.

Other aspects to consider when creating great domain names are:

If your favored top-level domain has already been registered, use a WHOIS search tool to look for the current owner’s contact information and offer to buy the name from them. Or, you can wait till the domain ownership expires and purchase it.

However, the most efficient strategy is probably to come up with a new name. Brainstorm creative ways to use your brand name or search other domain extensions available in the top-level domain list, like .net, .store, etc.

Many people would prefer to acquire a domain extension permanently, but that is not possible. The usual registration time is one year, with the option to renew it.

You may register new domains for a greater length of time. At Hostinger, the maximum period is three years, so you can avoid the hassle of renewing it every year. Additionally, you minimize the risk of accidentally forgetting to renew it – if you didn’t enable the auto-renewal – and losing your domain name to someone else.

Transfer domains from other domain registrars to Hostinger India in just a few steps:

1. Open the domain transfer tool and enter the domain name you want to transfer.

2. Complete the payment process and enter the EPP code obtained from your current domain registrar.

3. Once the transfer is complete, you will receive a confirmation email.

It’s done – the procedure is truly that easy.

You don’t essentially need a domain name to develop your presence on the internet. You can use third-party, web-based service providers for publishing content, but remember that they will most probably retain ownership of your work. Sometimes, they may not allow you to move your work or use it on other websites.

With a unique domain name, you get complete ownership of your website, your content, and, most significantly, your brand. Nobody can use the same domain name. It will be reserved for your use only as long as it’s registered in your name.

Using custom domain names will make you appear more professional and serious about what you do, leaving an outstanding first impression on your potential customers.