Domain Name Basics
What is a Domain Name
Every website has a unique IP (Internet Protocol) that consists of a string of numbers and periods. (example 255.255.255.255) Domain names are easy-to-remember names that associate the name for an IP address.
Why Are Domain Names Important
Domain names are in the simplest terms, a form of digital real estate. Therefore, it can be a valuable asset to be developed or resold. Instead of a physical building, a domain name represents a digital identity that can serve many purposes including building a website, having a custom email address, or even a cryptocurrency wallet address. Additionally, unlike social media, when you register a domain name, you own it. Social media accounts can be suspended or revoked if the company that owns it, doesn’t like your message.
What is a TLD
A TLD is a top-level-domain. The most common TLD is .com. It’s the end of a domain name. Other TLDs include .org .net .edu and .hiphop.
A registrar is an authorized retailer of domain names. In order to be able to offer domain names for registrations, Registrars must be certified by ICANN. Registrars charge customers retail prices for domains and then pay the domain registry the difference. In addition to domain names, most registrars offer additional services like website hosting, website building, eCommerce stores, email, Internet marketing, and other value-added services. For a list of .hiphop registrars, click here.
What is a Registrant
The registrant pays an annual registration fee to the registrar to have the right to use the domain name during the registration period. Domain name annual registrations can be purchased for up to 10 years at a time. Registrants must pay the annual subscription fees to their registrar to maintain ownership of their domains. Failure to renew the registration can result in a loss of ownership of the domain name.
What is a Domain Registry
A domain registry is basically the wholesaler of a TLD. Dot Hip Hop, LLC is the Registry Operator for .hiphop. We maintain the database of all .hiphop domain names. Those domain names are then offered to the public for registration by domain registrars