The Domain Name Series- Part 1: What is a domain name?

I have been in the domain business for quite a while now and I feel that people are still not sure what a domain name is and more commonly what domain is right for them.

This post is a start of a series about domain names and what I have found to be important to know about them. This first post is about what a domain name is and why I started to build a portfolio of domain names the way I have.

So what is a domain name?

Well it is easier to start in a different way in order to not become too technical. A domain is part of the so called Domain Name System (DNS).
The DNS helps users to find their way around the Internet. Every computer on the Internet has a unique address – just like a telephone number – which is a rather complicated string of numbers. It is called its “IP address” (IP stands for “Internet Protocol”).
But it is hard to remember everyone’s IP address. The DNS makes it easier by allowing a familiar string of letters (the “domain name”) to be used instead of the arcane IP address. So instead of typing 192.0.34.65, you can type www.icann.org. It is a “mnemonic” device that makes addresses easier to remember.
Translating the name into the IP address is called “resolving the domain name.” The goal of the DNS is for any Internet user any place in the world to reach a specific website IP address by entering its domain name. Domain names are also used for reaching e-mail addresses and for other Internet applications. (Source: Internic )

I personally got drawn towards the domain name business because of its role as the “real estate” of the internet. I found this concept highly interesting but I also found that I needed to focus on a certain business area for which domain names I wanted to have in my portfolio. I work in the Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) field so I decided to specialise in these types of domain names. And up until this day I still check certain domain name websites and forums for a bargain I could possibly purchase. I guess it is like a flea market mentality. You know that there is a bargain out there somewhere and you make it your goal to find it.

Next weeks post on domain names will be about the different uses of domain names all across the internet. So stay tuned for next Tuesday.

Photo Credit: soschilds

http://www.goodhonestdolar.com/ Andrew

Fabian,

I found your blog a few minutes ago via the interview which you gave to Social Bridges.

Social Bridges obviously think very highly of you and your work in relation to Corporate Social Responsibility.

I like your simple approach toward explaining concepts, such as corporate social responsibility or, in the internet world, domain names. As an internet dummy myself, it is a refreshing change for me to read an explanations about technical matters which are written in plain English.

I am interested to read that you are still able to find a good supply of domain names relating to themes based around CSR and sustainability at a bargain price. Personally, I myself experienced considerable difficulty in finding an appropriate domain name when starting a blog about business ethics a few months ago. I found that most of the good names were already taken. However, I guess you just have to think outside the square in this regard.

By the way, I would be interested in your opinion on something. Do you generally prefer keyword based domain names or theme based domain names?

Cheers

Andrew
http://www.goodhonestdolar.com Andrew

Fabian,

I found your blog a few minutes ago via the interview which you gave to Social Bridges.

Social Bridges obviously think very highly of you and your work in relation to Corporate Social Responsibility.

I like your simple approach toward explaining concepts, such as corporate social responsibility or, in the internet world, domain names. As an internet dummy myself, it is a refreshing change for me to read an explanations about technical matters which are written in plain English.

I am interested to read that you are still able to find a good supply of domain names relating to themes based around CSR and sustainability at a bargain price. Personally, I myself experienced considerable difficulty in finding an appropriate domain name when starting a blog about business ethics a few months ago. I found that most of the good names were already taken. However, I guess you just have to think outside the square in this regard.

By the way, I would be interested in your opinion on something. Do you generally prefer keyword based domain names or theme based domain names?

Cheers

Andrew
http://www.fabianpattberg.com FabianPattberg

Hello Andrew,
Thanks for the comment and your kind words.
To answer your question. I prefer keyword domain names. My experience is that keyword domain names are a lot better when it omes to SEO optimisation and general acceptance by people. Theme based names are also not bad but they can be very restrictive sometimes.
Hope this helps.
And if you need any help finding the right domain name just let me know. Maybe I can help.
Regards,
Fabian
http://www.fabianpattberg.com Fabian

Hello Andrew,
Thanks for the comment and your kind words.
To answer your question. I prefer keyword domain names. My experience is that keyword domain names are a lot better when it omes to SEO optimisation and general acceptance by people. Theme based names are also not bad but they can be very restrictive sometimes.
Hope this helps.
And if you need any help finding the right domain name just let me know. Maybe I can help.
Regards,
Fabian
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Fabian Pattberg

The Domain Name Series – Part 1: What is a domain name?