A domain name is the address people type into a browser to reach your website, such as yourbusiness.co.ke. It replaces a numeric server address (an IP address) with something easy to remember and type.
How a Domain Connects to Your Website
Owning a domain name and having a working website are two separate things that need to be linked together. When someone types your domain into their browser, three things happen in sequence:
- The browser asks a DNS server which nameservers are assigned to your domain.
- The nameservers return the specific records (like the A record) that point to your web server's IP address.
- The browser connects to that server and loads your site.
This is why registering a domain alone does not put a website online. You also need hosting, and the domain needs to be pointed at that hosting through its nameservers or DNS records.
Parts of a Domain Name
A domain name has two main parts: the name itself and the extension (also called a TLD, or top-level domain). In yourbusiness.co.ke, 'yourbusiness' is the name and '.co.ke' is the extension. Kenyan businesses often choose .co.ke to signal a local presence, while .com remains the most recognized extension worldwide.
Who Owns a Domain?
When you register a domain, you are leasing the rights to that name for a set period, usually one year at a time, not buying it outright. The registration is tied to the account holder listed in the domain's WHOIS record, so it matters that this information stays accurate and current.
Keep your domain's contact email up to date. Renewal reminders and important registrar notices are sent there, and losing access to that inbox can delay you noticing an expiry.
If you're not sure whether your domain is correctly pointed at your hosting, check our guide on pointing your domain to a new host.