Choosing a Domain Name for Your Website

What is a Domain Name?

A domain name is used to identify a website. It is the address of your online store that users will type into their browser to access the website. The domain name consists of a name and its domain extension (.ca, .com, .org, etc).

Examples of Domain Names

There is a wide variety of domain names. You will likely recognize some of the following examples:

• gouv.qc.ca
• www.panierdachat.com
• facebook.com
• lapresse.ca
• wikipedia.org

Domain Name Extensions

The extension is what follows the domain name. Several extensions are available on the market. Here are some examples of extensions and what they mean:

• .com – general, without restrictions
• .org – organization or nonprofit
• .info – informational website
• .fr – France
• .ca – Canada
• .quebec – Quebec

How to Reserve a Domain Name?

To reserve and purchase a domain name, you must first check the availability of the desired domain name with a registrar. To use the domain name, you will then need to modify the DNS zone by changing the name servers or the A record.

If buying and configuring the domain name seem too complex, contact Panierdachat, and our team will handle it for you. The domain name reservation service includes automatic annual renewal and synchronization with your online store. You will receive an invoice every year, two months before the renewal date, ensuring a seamless and automatic process.

What is a Registrar?

To obtain a domain name, you need to go to a registrar. A registrar is a company that manages domain name registration. There are hundreds of registrars where you can reserve and purchase a domain name. Some of the most popular ones include HostPapa, GoDaddy, PlanetHoster, and Web Hosting Canada.

How to Choose My Domain Name?

Choose a .com

The .com extension is the most classic and widely used on the internet. If your operations are local but may eventually expand internationally, buy the .com today! Otherwise, someone else might buy it, create confusion, and harm your reputation. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Can I Have More Than One Domain Name?

Absolutely! You can reserve multiple domain names; however, you will need to define a primary one used for all your website navigation. Your secondary domain names will be used for redirection to the primary one.

How Much Does a Domain Name Cost?

You can find domain names ranging from a few dollars to thousands of dollars. The cost depends on the number of letters (shorter names are easier to remember but more expensive) and the reputation the domain holds (a well-known and sought-after name will be more expensive). However, be cautious of domain names priced at a few dollars, as most of these prices are meant to attract you, and the renewal fee may be much higher.

How to Redirect a Domain Name

Depending on your registrar, you can find where to create a redirection. Opt for a 301 redirection, which will be permanent for your visitors. A 302 redirection would be for a temporary redirect.

Can I Have My Own Domain Name with Panierdachat?

When you open an online store with Panierdachat, you get a free subdomain of your store’s name. For example, my-store.mywww.panierdachat.com. Then, you are free to change it to a domain of your choice, either by using our services to reserve the domain or by reserving it yourself and following the tutorial to change the DNS.

What is the Best Extension for My Domain Name?

The choice of the extension for your domain name depends a lot on the geographical location of your business, its operations, and its industry. As mentioned earlier, .com is a must, especially if your operations extend beyond your region.

Importance of Having Keywords in Your Domain Name

What is DNS?

DNS stands for Domain Name Server, or in French, Serveur de Nom de Domaine. You will be asked to modify them when you want to use your domain name on a new website.

Getting a Free Domain Name

When you open an online store on Panierdachat, you get a domain name, or in fact, a free subdomain. Your store will be available, for example, at the address store-name.mywww.panierdachat.com

How to Point My Domain Name to My Online Store?

Already have your domain name? Here’s how to point it to Panierdachat

If you bought your domain name a long time ago, it can be challenging to remember where you bought the domain. You can usually get the registrar’s name via Whois. Once logged in to your registrar, you can modify the DNS, as explained in our tutorial here.

Can I Modify My Domain Name?

You can modify your domain name at any time in the administration system under the Settings / Domain Name tab. Note, however, that you must modify the DNS zone beforehand.

If you don’t do this, you might end up with a non-functional website that won’t display correctly to all visitors. Access to your administration could also be blocked. If this happens, feel free to contact us, and we’ll be happy to restore the subdomain while waiting for the DNS zone to be modified correctly.

Is It Important to Buy Related Extensions of My Domain Name?

Yes, it is important to buy all the extensions of your domain name. Otherwise, a competitor could buy them instead, causing significant harm to your online store.

Imagine a competitor offering essentially the same products as you or being better positioned than your own online store!