How do domain names work? ‘Lego’ explanation

It's a bit like building a Lego castle: you need a strong foundation and various blocks to create a complete structure.

Ever wondered how your website’s address works? It’s a bit like building a Lego castle: you need a strong foundation and various blocks to create a complete structure. In the world of the internet, your website’s address, or domain name, is that foundation.

Think of your domain name as the baseplate in a Lego set. It’s the starting point for everything else. You purchase this baseplate from a registrar, just like you would buy a Lego set. This registrar ensures you have the exclusive right to use that particular domain name.

Once you have your baseplate, you can start adding blocks. These blocks represent different aspects of your online presence:

  • DNS (Domain Name System): This is like the phonebook of the internet. It translates your domain name into a numerical address that computers can understand.
  • Email: You can add a block for your email service, such as Gmail or Microsoft 365.
  • Website: Another block represents your website, which could be hosted on platforms like WordPress or Squarespace.

The key to understanding domain names is that they’re interconnected. Just as you can rearrange Lego blocks to build different structures, you can change your domain’s settings to modify your online presence. For example, if you want to switch email providers, you simply need to update the DNS settings.

In essence, your domain name is the cornerstone of your online identity. It’s the address that visitors use to find your website and contact you. By understanding how domain names work, you can make informed decisions about your online presence and ensure your business operates smoothly.

Want to learn more? Download our domain name checklist for valuable tips on protecting your online assets.

Duncan Isaksen-Loxton

Educated as a web developer, with over 20 years of internet based work and experience, Duncan is a Google Workspace Certified Collaboration Engineer and a WordPress expert.
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