Domain Names: What? Why? And most importantly – how much for?

A domain name is your website’s unique online address, like “bigrock.in,” guiding users to your digital doorstep. It’s a key part of your brand’s identity that influences SEO rankings and credibility. Whether you are building trust with a professional domain or boosting visibility with keywords, a strong domain name matters. But how much does it cost? Prices depend on the hosting provider and the TLD you choose. In this article, we will dive into what a domain name is, why it is important, and how much it costs to get a domain name.

What is a Domain Name? 

A domain name is like the address of your website. Once you register a domain, you get sole ownership and rights to that name, and no one else can use it. It is totally exclusive to you. An online identity of sorts, if you will. 

 In today’s age of the increasing presence of social media in everybody’s lives, having your business online is of utmost importance. So much so, as a matter of fact, that your business is almost invisible without an online identity or, to be very specific, a domain! 

Why is a domain name important? 

• A domain name adds credibility to your business: Having a domain name gives an impression that you mean business and, most importantly, that you are not faking it! 
• A domain name means you are progressive: You have a domain name, which means you are pretty tech-savvy and are adaptive to the changing times. That immediately makes you sound modern and developed. 
• The right domain attracts steady business: An interesting-sounding domain name attracts traffic to your website, which leads to steady business. It also helps in attracting a lot of walk-in customers.   
• A domain name builds your business as a brand: A domain name ensures a worldwide presence for your business. As your business grows, it starts to develop a strong personality and emerges as a brand. 
• A short, crisp domain ensures a successful internet presence:  A good domain name has to be crisp, short, and, most importantly, should have an impressive recall. Only then will your brand be remembered. A lengthy, grammatically incorrect, and unrelated (to your business) domain name only leads to confusion and irritation in the customer’s mind. In most cases, it also makes finding your domain on the web very hard. No one likes to waste their time. Potential customers will move to the next best business instead. 

Reasons Why a Strong Domain Name is Important 

Choosing the right domain name is more than picking a web address—it’s a strategic move that strengthens your online presence and brand. Here are seven reasons why having a strong domain name matters:  

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  Builds Brand Awareness

A professional and memorable domain name adds credibility to your business. People are more likely to trust a clean, easy-to-recognize domain over a confusing or generic one. It ensures your business is seen as legitimate and reliable, helping you stand out in a crowded online marketplace.   

• Provides Long-Term Consistency

A strong domain name stays with your business through all its changes—new hosting providers, relocations, or international expansion. Unlike physical addresses or phone numbers, your domain name is a stable and enduring aspect of your online identity, ensuring continuity for your audience and brand growth.  

• Enables Custom Email Addresses

Owning your domain lets you create professional email addresses like [email protected]. These custom emails not only enhance your communication with customers but also boost your brand’s credibility. Every email you send reinforces your brand identity, making your business appear more professional and trustworthy.  

• Boosts Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

While domain names don’t directly impact SEO rankings, a relevant and keyword-rich domain can make your website easier to find. Over time, as you build quality content and attract more traffic, a strong domain name helps search engines recognize your site as relevant and reliable, improving your overall visibility.  

• Supports Global and Regional Reach

A good domain name allows you to target the audience you want. For local businesses, names like “NewYorkPlumbing.com” highlight your location, while regional domains like .uk or .us establish your presence in specific countries. Meanwhile, a global domain like “BestPlumbingSolutions.com” appeals to a broader audience, helping you expand beyond borders.  

• Affordable Marketing Tool

A domain name is a cost-effective marketing asset compared to traditional advertising methods like TV ads or billboards. For a small annual fee, your domain name works as a 24/7 advertisement, ensuring your business is always accessible to potential customers without the hefty price tag of other marketing efforts. 

General Guidelines for Picking a Good Domain Name  

Effective Tips for Success 

• Test It Out

Share your potential domain name with friends, family, or colleagues. You’re on the right track if they can easily spell, pronounce, and understand it.  

• Check Availability

Ensure the domain isn’t already in use, and verify no trademark conflicts. Also, check its availability across social media platforms to maintain consistency for your brand.  

• Keep It Short and Simple

A short domain name is easier to remember, type, and share. Ideally, aim for 6 to 10 characters.  

• Use Keywords Wisely

Incorporate relevant keywords related to your business or industry to help visitors immediately understand what your site offers. While keywords may no longer directly impact search rankings, they can still enhance user perception.  

• Think Long-Term

Select a domain name that will stay relevant as your business grows. Avoid names tied to trends or short-term goals, and choose one that aligns with your brand’s long-term identity. 

Common Pitfalls to Avoid 

• Avoid Slang and Abbreviations

Slang or abbreviations can confuse visitors and may only resonate with some audiences. Therefore, keep your domain name professional and easy to understand.  

• Skip Numbers and Hyphens

Numbers and hyphens often need clarification, making it easier for users to remember or correctly type your domain name.  

• Resist Trends

Trendy names may seem appealing now, but they can quickly become outdated. Opt for timelessness over fads.  

• Don’t Rush

Take your time to find a domain that fits your brand perfectly. This is a long-term investment, so love the name before committing. 

How Much Does it Cost to Buy a Domain? 

Starting a website can be completely free of cost. But you need to buy a domain name if you expect any response on your webpage – be it regarding revenue or customers.   

So, how much does a domain name cost? Well, it depends on the type of domain and the domain registrar.  

With BigRock, a domain can cost you as little as ₹9 to ₹1499 a year, depending on your registrar and TLD (Top-level domain). 

BigRock provides an array of other domain extensions. You can check the complete list and their prices here: https://www.bigrock.in/domain-registration/ 

Conclusion  

We hope we’ve successfully cleared many doubts you may have had about domain names. Domain extensions, though, are a completely different ballpark, and we intend to cover the various TLDs available in the market in our upcoming posts. 

Still confused? Refer to our FAQs for more clarity  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  

• What is the purpose of a domain name?  

A domain name is your website’s unique internet address, making it easy for visitors to find and remember your site. It establishes your online identity and enhances brand recognition. 

• What happens if I don’t have a domain name?  

Without a domain, you rely on third-party platforms, limiting customization and control. You’ll use a less professional subdomain and risk losing content if the platform changes rules or shuts down. 

• Is a domain name mandatory?  

No, but it’s highly recommended. For businesses, it builds trust and professionalism. For individuals, it protects your personal brand and ensures control over your online presence. 

Still confused or what to share your thoughts? Leave a comment below!