Domains
What Is a Domain Name?
Learn how registration, ownership, renewals and DNS make a domain work for your business.
A domain name is a registered address in the DNS system, such as example.co.za. Registration grants use of that name under registry and registrar terms for a period; it is not the same as buying a server or commissioning a website.
Practical steps
- Choose a clear name and extension appropriate for your organisation. Check spelling and potential trademark conflicts before paying for registration.
- Provide accurate registrant details and a reliable contact email. Decide who controls the account and who may approve domain changes.
- Set reminders for expiry and understand the renewal arrangement. Confirm renewal pricing separately from any initial discount.
- Point the domain to authoritative nameservers, then configure website and mail records as needed. These records can connect the name to services from different providers.
Check the result
Confirm the registration receipt, contact details and expiry date in your registrar account. Test that the domain resolves to the intended website and email services once DNS is configured.
Before you proceed
Changing a registrar, nameservers or hosting can have different effects. Understand which change you are making so an administrative move does not unexpectedly disconnect email.