Back to Glossary
What Is Domain Name?
Website
Updated 18 September 2026
Quick Answer
A domain name is the address people type to find your website — like yourbusiness.co.uk — registered through a domain registrar and pointed at your web hosting to make your site live.
Domain Name vs. Web Hosting — What's the Difference?
| Domain Name | Web Hosting | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Your site's address | Where your site's files are actually stored |
| Bought from | A domain registrar | A hosting provider (or bundled with your platform) |
Why It Matters
- A clear, memorable domain name that matches your business name builds trust and is easier for customers to find and remember.
- It's a separate purchase from hosting, and understanding the difference avoids confusion when setting up a website.
How It Works
- You register a domain name through a registrar (or your website platform).
- You connect it to your web hosting or platform via DNS.
- Visitors who type your domain are directed to your actual website files.
Key Takeaways
- A domain name is your site's address, separate from where it's actually hosted.
- A clear name matching your business builds trust and recall.
- It's registered through a registrar and then connected to your hosting or platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I buy a domain name?
Through a domain registrar (like Namecheap or Cloudflare), or directly through your website platform (Wix, Squarespace, Shopify) during setup.
Does my domain name need to match my business name exactly?
It's ideal for trust and recall, though not strictly required if the exact match isn't available.
What's the difference between a domain name and a URL?
A domain name is the core address (yourbusiness.co.uk); a URL includes the full path to a specific page (yourbusiness.co.uk/services).