As you navigate the internet, you probably don't think much about web addresses. But understanding the basics of domain names, URLs, subdomains, top-level domains, and DNS can help you create a better website and improve search engine optimization.
A domain name is the name of a website. For example, "google.com" is a domain name. Domain names are unique identifiers that translate into IP addresses (a series of numbers). They're registered with domain registrars and can be purchased for a fee.
A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address of a webpage or other online resource. It typically includes the protocol (http:// or https://), domain name (such as google.com), and additional information about the specific page or resource being accessed.
A subdomain is an extension of a domain name that adds additional information to the URL. For example, "blog.google.com" is a subdomain of "google.com". Subdomains can be used to organize content or create separate sections of a website.
A top-level domain (TLD) is the last part of a domain name. Common TLDs include .com, .org, .net, and .edu. Different TLDs have different requirements and restrictions for registration.
DNS (Domain Name System) is the system that translates domain names into IP addresses. When you type in a URL, your computer sends a request to DNS servers to find the IP address associated with that domain name.
Web addresses can play an important role in search engine optimization (SEO). Choosing a clear and descriptive domain name can help search engines understand what your website is about. Using keywords in URLs and subdomains can also help improve SEO.
By understanding the basics of domain names, URLs, subdomains, top-level domains, and DNS, you can create a website that's easy to navigate and optimized for search engines.