What Is a Domain Name and How Does It Work?

When setting up your DecoNetwork website, one of the first steps is choosing a domain name. Your domain name is the web address that customers type into their browser to find your online store — it’s your digital storefront address.

In this article, we’ll explain what a domain name is, how it works, and how you can use it with your DecoNetwork website.

What Is a Domain Name?

A domain name is the unique address for your website on the internet, such as www.yourstorename.com.

It replaces the complex numeric IP address that computers use to communicate, making it easier for customers to find and remember your site.

How Does a Domain Name Work?

When someone enters your domain name into their browser:

1. The browser connects to a domain name system (DNS) that translates the domain into an IP address.
2. The IP address tells the browser where to find the server that hosts your website.
3. The browser displays your website to the visitor.

In DecoNetwork, your website is hosted on DecoNetwork’s servers, but you can connect your own domain name to give your store a professional, branded web address.

Options for Using a Domain with DecoNetwork

Use a Free DecoNetwork Subdomain

When you create a DecoNetwork website, you automatically get a free subdomain (e.g., yourstorename.deco-sites.com).

This is ideal for getting started quickly.

Connect Your Own Custom Domain

For a more professional look, you can connect a custom domain name that you purchase from any domain registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap).

Once connected, customers can visit your store using your own branded domain (e.g., www.yourstorename.com).

Where Do You Get a Domain Name?

Domain names are registered through companies known as domain registrars, such as:

• GoDaddy
• Namecheap
• Google Domains

Once you’ve purchased your domain, you can connect it to your DecoNetwork website DNS settings.

Using SSL with Your Domain

When using your own domain, it’s important to secure it with an SSL certificate, which encrypts the connection and shows your site as secure (https://).

DecoNetwork provides a free SSL certificate through Let’s Encrypt, or you can install your own custom SSL certificate.

For setup instructions, see SSL Certificate.

Key Takeaways

• A domain name is your website’s address on the internet.
• You can use a free DecoNetwork subdomain or connect your own custom domain name.
• Domains are purchased separately from domain registrars and connected to your DecoNetwork site via DNS settings.
• Use an SSL certificate to secure your site and protect customer data.