Many actively search the web but rarely think twice about domain names until they want one. So, a second-level domain is something they might not even know about or how it impacts searchers finding your business online.
Before understanding what a second-level domain is and its importance in detail, let us walk you through what a domain name is.
Domains in a Nutshell
What Is a Domain Name
A domain name is the online address of a website. Just like your home address, it is used to identify and track your website online. If someone wants to find your home, they can simply type in your domain in their browsers. Since domain names are addresses to particular websites, each one is unique. You cannot have the same domain address for two websites.
What Is a Second-Level Domain
A second-level domain or SLD is a part of a domain name found right before a top-level domain (TLD). For example, in bigrock.com, bigrock is the second level domain, and .com is the top-level domain.
It is the part of your domain name people will remember. Hence it is usually the name of a brand, service, or website owner, making it crucial to choose one properly
What Are the Components of a Domain Name
Every domain name is made up of several components. Each component helps organize a web address so computers and internet users can easily track a website.
Let’s take a closer look at the aspects of a domain name.
URL
While many are aware of this acronym, few know it stands for Uniform Resource Locator. A URL is the entire series of letters and symbols in a web address, and the domain name is a part of it.
Along with the domain name, there are other elements that create a complete web address.
Transfer protocol
Also known as Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, the transfer protocol oversees data transfer from a website to a browser. Transfer protocol is mostly represented as https://, but you will also see http:// in some URLs. These websites are less secure as ’s’ represents a layer of security that encrypts the information you enter a website.
Top level domain
A top-level domain (TLD) is the combination of letters at the end of a web address. It is the most critical in the hierarchy of web addresses. The most known of all TLDs is .com.
READ: What is a TLD? Top Level Domains and its Types
Directories and folders
These are specific pages within a website. For example, if your website is a home, directories and folders are different rooms.
So, when you land on the first page of a website, you will see that the URL ends with a top-level domain like .com or .net. Then, as you navigate through the website, additional aspects are added to the URL after the TLD.
For example:
https://www.bigrock.in – would be the first click
https://www.bigrock.in/web-hosting/ – when you navigate a step within the website
https://www.bigrock.in/web-hosting/windows-hosting.php – when you navigate even further, and so on
Second-level domain
As explained above, it is a section in the full domain name and is essential for brand recall, identifying what your website is about. It distinguishes you from others in your category.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Second-Level Domain
It represents you
A second-level domain name represents your business or service. Mammoths like Amazon and Google are synonymous with their second-level domains (i.e. amazon.com and google.com).
Creates a positive first impression
When visitors land on a website, they often judge its authenticity. Most of the time, the SLD is one of the factors that impact their judgement.
If your SLD does not sound genuine or relatable, visitors won’t click on your page link or leave quickly after arriving.
Helps with brand recall
If the SLD matches your business name, it will be easier for people to relate to it. Also, it will be easier for them to find it online. If you want to find BigRock online, you can visit bigrock.net, which is easier than greathostingservice.net.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Second-Level Domain
Short is better
With so many brands in the market, you need to be unique and easy to remember. Hence, the smaller your name, the better the chances of visitors remembering you.
Use simple words
Not everyone is a language wizard or has an extensive vocabulary, so it’s best to dial down on the use of words. Keep it simple, something that people would use in their everyday conversation. For instance, BigRock is way easier on the tongue than Colossal Boulder.
Avoid complex characters
To look cool or unique, many end up adding numbers or characters to their SLDs. For instance, B1gr0kk instead of BigRock.
Make it easier for your customers to find and remember you.
Think long term
Once your domain name is live and start gaining visitors, you will begin building authority online. After a few years, changing your domain name can be a hassle. Therefore, plan for the long term.
For example, if you are selling shirts today, you could expand into other clothing items like pants or hats. Hence, instead of shirts.com, it would be better to go for clothes.com.
Choose an SLD Wisely
A second-level domain represents your brand, so choosing the right one can make or break your business’s reputation online. Register one with a trusted partner like BigRock. Our team of professionals at can help you get started with your domain name registration.