What Is a Domain Name? How to Choose and Register One

A domain name is the name you type into your browser to reach a website, such as turkiyevps.com or example.com.tr. Technically, every server on the internet is identified by an IP address, but people can't remember strings of numbers. A domain name is an easy-to-remember nickname for those numbers.

The parts of a domain name

Let's break down the address www.examplestore.com.tr:

• examplestore: The name you choose.
• .com.tr: The extension (TLD, top-level domain). Here, .tr is Turkey's country extension, and .com is a category under it.
• www: A subdomain. It's optional; you can also create other subdomains such as blog.examplestore.com.tr.

Types of extensions

• Generic extensions (gTLDs): Such as .com, .net, .org, and .io. .com is the most recognized extension in the world.
• Country-code extensions (ccTLDs): Such as .tr, .de, and .uk. For businesses targeting a specific country, a local extension builds trust; in Turkey, for example, .com.tr and .tr do this.
• New extensions: Topic-specific extensions such as .shop, .online, and .tech.

.com or a country-code domain?

If you have an international audience, .com is a great choice. If your business operates in a particular country, that country's extension (such as .com.tr for Turkey) builds trust with local users. Registering both, where possible, to protect your brand is also common practice. .tr domains are managed in Turkey through the TRABİS system.

How to choose a good domain name

1. Keep it short and memorable. People should be able to type it easily after hearing it.
2. Avoid special or accented characters. Letters like ş, ğ, ü are technically possible, but they lead users to misspell your address.
3. Avoid hyphens and numbers. The "is it 'five' or '5'?" question costs you visitors.
4. Make it reflect your brand. A brand name usually works better than a long string of keywords.
5. Don't use someone else's brand. Domain names that include a registered trademark can lead to legal trouble.

How to register a domain name

1. Search for the name you want on our domain search page.
2. If it's available, add it to your cart and choose how many years to register it for.
3. Complete the payment. Once registration is complete, the domain is registered in your name.
4. Set up the DNS settings to connect your domain to your hosting or server.

Renewals and transfers

Domain names aren't bought outright; they're leased for a set period (usually 1–10 years). If you don't renew before it expires, your domain becomes available again and someone else can register it. Turning on auto-renewal and keeping your contact email up to date are good habits.

If you want to move your domain to another company, you can do a transfer. To do this, you'll need to get an EPP (transfer) code from your current provider and remove the domain lock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are a domain name and hosting the same thing?

No. A domain name is your address, while hosting is the server where your site's files live. You need both for a website.

Can I buy a domain name for life?

No. Domain names can be registered for up to 10 years at a time and must be renewed at the end of that period. As long as you keep renewing, the domain stays yours.

When will my new domain start working?

After registration is complete, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours for DNS settings to spread across the internet. It usually works within a few hours.

What happens if my domain expires?

First, the domain is suspended and your site stops loading. If it isn't renewed within a certain grace period, it's deleted and becomes available for anyone to register again.