What is a Domain Name and Why Your Business Needs One
If you’ve ever typed something like ronahsolutions.com or yourbusiness.com into your browser, you’ve used a domain name. It’s the online address that points people to your website. Without it, your site has no identity on the internet.
How a domain name works
The internet runs on numbers called IP addresses, but those aren’t easy to remember. A domain name is the human-friendly version. Instead of typing something like 192.168.0.1, you type example.com. Behind the scenes, the domain connects to your hosting so people see your site.
Parts of a domain
A domain usually has three parts:
- Subdomain: Like blog.example.com or shop.example.com, used to separate different sections of a site.
- Second-level domain: This is the main name you choose, like ronahsolutions.
- Top-level domain (TLD): The ending, such as .com, .net, .org, or new options like .store or .tech.
Why your business needs a domain
- Professional image: A custom domain makes you look serious and trustworthy compared to using free platforms.
- Easy to remember: Customers will remember yourbusiness.com faster than a long link.
- Brand control: Owning your domain means you control your online name. Even if you switch hosting or redesign your site, your domain stays the same.
- Email with your domain: With a domain you can create professional emails like [email protected], which builds more trust than Gmail or Yahoo.
What is WHOIS and why privacy matters
When you register a domain, your personal information (name, email, phone, and address) goes into a public database called WHOIS. Anyone can look this up. That means without protection, your details are exposed to spammers, marketers, and even fraud attempts.
Most registrars charge extra for WHOIS privacy, also called domain privacy protection. This hides your details from the public. But not every provider handles this the same way.
Why we choose Cloudflare for domains
At RONAH Solutions, we use Cloudflare for domain registration. One big reason: Cloudflare redacts WHOIS information for free. That means your private data is hidden automatically, without paying extra fees. This is a huge privacy advantage for small business owners who don’t want their home or business address floating around the internet.
On top of privacy, Cloudflare adds protection against DDoS attacks, better DNS performance (your site loads faster), and automatic security features that many other registrars don’t include by default.
What about ICANN?
Even though WHOIS can be redacted, you still have to provide accurate information when you register a domain. That’s because of ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers). ICANN is the nonprofit organization that manages domain names worldwide. They require registrars to collect real contact information in case of disputes or verification needs.
The good news is that with Cloudflare, ICANN still gets the info it needs, but the public never sees it. You get compliance and privacy at the same time.
How to get a domain
You can register domains through many companies like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains. Prices are usually $10–$20 a year for a .com. But for privacy, performance, and security, Cloudflare is our choice. It keeps your data safe, your site secure, and your costs predictable.
What to consider when choosing a domain
- Keep it short and simple so it’s easy to type and remember.
- Use a .com if available, since people still trust it the most.
- Avoid hyphens and confusing spellings.
- Make sure it matches your business name or what you do.
Putting it all together
A domain name is your address on the internet. It makes your business look professional, easier to find, and easier to trust. Without one, your site has no identity.
If you’d rather skip the setup and get a professional site ready to go, we can help with custom website development designed for small businesses.
If you want to learn what else you need besides a domain, check out our Beginner’s Guide: What You Need to Have a Website.
Entrepreneur, founder, and relentless explorer of new technologies. Building websites since age 13, I’m passionate about turning ideas into digital reality and always seeking the next innovation.