Did you know that a website domain is one of the most important elements of your online presence? The domain name will represent the face of your brand and increase your visibility if you choose the right name. In this blog we will explain what a domain is, its function and types. We will also give tips on how to choose the right type of domain for your business.

What is a domain?

Simply put, a domain is your online address. This is what you type in a web browser to get to the website.

It consists of a domain name and an extension.

For example, the domain of Dnevnik reads: dnevnik.hr, where dnevnik is the domain name, and hr. is an extension.

Source: https://startas.hr/izrada-web-stranica/kako-odabrati-domenu/

What type of domains exist?

Not every domain is suitable for the same company, so it is very important to choose the one that suits you. A domain name helps define your online identity and can be used as a marketing tool to promote your business. Several different types of domains are available, each with its own unique set of benefits.

1. The Top-Level Domain (TLD) refers to the suffix or last part of the domain name and there is a limited list of predefined suffixes. It serves as a way of understanding the site or the place where it is based.

There are two types of top level:

a) Generic (gTLD) – identifies the class of domain to which it is associated

b) State (ccTLD) – domains with a country code

Generic (gTLD) – the most common domain names who are open to anyone.

Some of the most used are:

• .com (the most common domain type for websites, businesses, and emails)
• .org (abbreviation for organization, for non-profit and for-profit companies, schools and communities)
• .edu (made for educational organizations, abbreviation for education)
• .info (information websites)
• .net (websites dedicated to different technologies)
• .biz (business websites)

State (ccTLD) – assigned to a geographical location, consisting of two letters.

Some examples:

• .hr – Croatia
• .ba – Bosnia and Herzegovina
• .si – Slovenia
• .it – Italy
• .es – Spain
• .ie – Ireland
• .de – Germany

There are also .eu domains.

Source: http://sipi-ip.com

Are there free domains?

The Croatian Academic and Research Network (CARNET) has been managing the national domain of the Republic of Croatia (.hr) since 1993. and is the only registry for free .hr domains (.hr and from.hr), while toll domains (.hr and .com.hr) register exclusively through authorized registrars available here.

Why is it important to choose the right domain name?

The importance of choosing the right domain should not be underestimated because it represents not only the name of the website, but your entire online personality. The most important thing is to choose an easy-to-remember and original name by which you will be recognizable. The goal is not to change the domain name, because if there is a change, it is practically a new beginning because the brand recognition and SEO results are lost.

Local domains (.hr) are recommended companies that focus exclusively on the Croatian market, but if you are targeting a wider audience, you can use the .com domain, which is certainly one of the most famous and easiest to remember globally.

Also, it is important to note that no domain is called the same and it is important to check its availability before registration, which you can do at this link.

What to look for when choosing a name:

• Choose a name that is easy to remember, keep it short and clear
• Choose a name that can be turned into a brand
• Avoid names that are like existing ones
• Have the domain name contain a company name, brand name, or keyword
• Avoid numbers and unnecessary characters in the name

We wish you good luck in your future business, and if you need help, be sure to contact us.

Sources:

• https://www.hostgator.com/blog/different-types-domains/
• https://weblog.com.hr/2020/02/26/sto-je-domena/
• https://www.avalon.hr/blog/2020/08/08/kako-izabrati-naziv-domene-za-web-ili-blog/ https://domene.hr/portal/home
• https://hr.education-wiki.com/5058108-types-of-domain
• https://hr.eyewated.com/vrhunska-domena-tld/
• https://klik.hr/novo/sto-sve-morate-znati-o-odabiru-domene-za-vasu-web-stranicu
• https://startas.hr/izrada-web-stranica/kako-odabrati-domenu/