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When it comes to learning how to make a website, understanding the differences between a domain and a website is important in helping you choose the right domain name for your business or brand.

A domain name is basically your address on the internet. It is what users type into their browser's address bar to reach your site. A website, on the other hand, is a collection of web pages that are accessible through the internet. It includes all the content, images and functionalities that users interact with when they enter the domain name or URL for that site.

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What is a domain?

A domain is a fundamental component of your online branding and website. It serves as the unique address where users can find your website online.

A domain name consists of several parts, including the top-level domain (TLD) and the second-level domain (SLD). The TLD is the suffix at the end of a domain name, such as .com, .org, or .net. The SLD is the part that comes before the TLD and usually represents your brand or business name.

Learn more: TLD list

 For instance, if you own a business called Waggles Doggy Daycare, you might register a domain like www.wagglesdoggydaycare.com through GoDaddy or similar providers. This becomes your unique web address, allowing customers to easily find you online.

When choosing a domain, prioritize one that aligns with your brand and is easy for customers to remember. A domain should reflect your business and make it simple for people to find you online.

Einat Shafir, Product Manager at Wix.com

Within this, the Domain Name System (DNS) plays a critical role in managing domains. It translates human-friendly domain names into IP addresses that computers use to identify each other on the network. This system ensures that when someone types your domain name into their browser, they are directed to your website.

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What is a website?

A website is a collection of interconnected web pages that are accessible via the internet, providing information and services to users.

Learn more: What is a website?

Websites are made up of various elements, including web pages, images, videos and interactive features. Each web page is a document that can contain text, graphics and links to other pages or sites.

When users enter your domain name into their browser, the browser requests the web pages from your website's server. The server then sends the requested pages back to the browser, which displays them for users to view and interact with.

A website can range from a simple one-page site to complex platforms with multiple sections and functionalities. For example, an e-commerce site might include product listings, shopping carts and payment gateways. Each component works together to provide a seamless user experience.

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Domain vs website: what are the key differences?

So just what are the differences between a domain and website?

A domain is like the address of your house, while a website is the house itself. The domain directs users to your website, where they can access content and services. Without a domain, users would not have an easy way to find your website.

A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the complete web address used to access a specific page on your website. It includes the domain name along with additional path information that directs users to particular content within your site. For example, in the URL "https://www.example.com/about," "example.com" is the domain, while "/about" specifies a particular page on your site.

Learn more: Domain vs URL

Third Level Domains, often known as subdomains, are prefixes added to your main domain name. They help organize different sections of your site or create separate sites under one main domain. For instance, "blog.example.com" could be a subdomain dedicated to blog content.

Do I need a domain if I have a website?

Yes, you need a domain to make your website accessible on the internet. Without a domain, users would not have an easy way to find or access your site. If you create a website with a website builder like Wix, you can get a customized domain name free with a paid plan. Create a free website and you get an un-customized domain.

Domain vs website FAQ:

Do I need a domain to have a website?

Not always. You can create a website using a free subdomain provided by a website builder, but having your own domain makes your site look professional and easier to remember.

Does buying a domain mean you have a website?

No. Buying a domain only gives you the web address. You still need to build and host a website to display content on that domain.

What is the difference between a website URL and a domain?

A domain is the main address of your site, like example.com. A URL is the full web address that includes the domain plus any specific pages, like example.com/about.

Who actually owns a domain?

The person or organization who registers the domain owns it, but ownership is tied to registration fees and renewal. If you stop paying, the domain can be claimed by someone else.

Are domain name and website name the same?

Not necessarily. A domain name is your site’s address online, while a website name is the title or brand of your site. Sometimes they match, but they can be different.