Custom Domain Basics

What do the letters at the end of a domain signify, and does the selection matter?

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  4. What do the letters at the end of a domain signify, and does the selection matter?

The letters at the end of a domain, such as the .com in Divsly.com, are called the Top-Level Domain (TLD). The TLD is a crucial part of the domain name system, helping to categorize domains and often indicating the nature or geographic location of the website.

Understanding Domain Structure

A domain is typically structured into three parts:

  1. Subdomain:The part before the main domain, often used to organize or separate different sections of a website. For example, in the URL mylinks.divsly.com, "app" is the subdomain.
  2. Root Domain:The main, unique identifier of the website. In the URL mylinks.divsly.com, "divsly" is the root domain.
  3. Top-Level Domain (TLD):The suffix at the end of the domain, such as .com, .net, or .org. In the URL mylinks.divsly.com, "com" is the TLD.

Choosing a TLD for Your Custom Domain

When selecting a TLD for your custom domain, several factors should be considered:

  1. Type of TLDs:
    • Generic TLDs (gTLDs): Common and widely recognized, such as .com, .net, and .org.
    • Country Code TLDs (ccTLDs): Specific to countries, such as .uk for the United Kingdom or .jp for Japan. These are all two-letter TLDs reserved for countries.
    • Newer, Topic-Focused TLDs: These include more specialized options like .xyz, .store, and .tech, which can be tailored to specific industries or interests.
  2. Availability and Restrictions:
    • Permissive TLDs: Some TLDs, like .com, .io, and .ly, are easy to obtain with just a purchase.
    • Restricted TLDs: Other TLDs may have specific requirements or restrictions. For example, Ireland’s .ie TLD requires that the content on .ie sites be relevant to people in Ireland.
  3. Length and Characters:
    • The domain for your short links must be different from your main website domain and it is recommended to use domain under 32 characters.

Example of Domain Structure

Let's break down the URL for Divsly's Application: mylinks.divsly.com

  • Subdomain: mylinks
  • Root Domain: divsly
  • Top-Level Domain: com
Subdomain breakdown

Best Practices for Selecting a TLD

  1. Brand Alignment: Choose a TLD that aligns with your brand and is easy for users to recognize and remember.
  2. Relevance and Trust: Consider how the TLD might affect users' perception of your site. For example, .com is widely trusted and recognized, while newer TLDs like .tech might be more suitable for tech-related businesses.
  3. Compliance: Ensure that you meet any specific requirements for restricted TLDs to avoid issues with domain registration and usage.

Conclusion

Selecting the right TLD for your custom domain is essential for branding, trust, and compliance. With over 1,500 TLDs available, it's important to choose one that fits your brand identity and meets any relevant restrictions. For more detailed guidance on setting up and managing custom domains, visit the Divsly Help Center or contact our support team.

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