Domains & domain names: why they're so important for your business

If you're thinking about taking your small business online, you've probably heard you need to register a domain. And you might be wondering what that’s all about. 

You can think of a domain name as your online street address. It's how customers find your business on the internet. But it's not just an address—it's the first step to showing up in the online world and connecting with potential customers.

Choosing a domain name is all about making it easy for people to find you and remember you. While having a website is essential for small businesses, your domain is also about creating a lasting impression by using a name that sticks with people.

Let's dive into the basics of domain names and why they matter for your business. By the end, you'll see how getting the right domain can be a game-changer for making your small business shine online.

What is a Domain Name?

A domain name is the easy-to-remember address that you use to visit a website on the internet. 

Every website is hosted on a server, and each of these servers is assigned a unique number known as an Internet Protocol (IP) address. This IP address is a series of numbers separated by dots. 

For example, an IP address might look like this: 192.168.1.1. 

However, remembering a sequence of numbers for every website you want to visit would be challenging. This is where domain names come in. Instead of typing in a long string of numbers, you can simply type in a domain name, like "google.com," to reach the website you want to visit.

The domain name system (DNS) connects these user-friendly names into their corresponding IP addresses, which directs your browser to the right server on the internet.

Why Domain Names are So Important for Small Businesses

Domain names are more than just a technical requirement for your business website—they are a powerful tool for branding, marketing, and establishing your business's credibility. 

Here's why every small business should carefully consider their domain name:

🚀 Branding and online identity

Branding: Your domain name is often the first interaction potential customers have with your brand. It's how they find you, remember you, and share your business with others.

Customer recall: A memorable domain name can increase brand recognition. It makes it easier for customers to remember and return to your website, which boosts customer engagement and loyalty.

🚀 SEO advantages

Search engines use domain names as one of the factors to determine a website's relevance to a user's search query. A well-chosen domain name that includes relevant keywords may improve your site's SEO ranking.

The logic is straightforward: the domain name signals to search engines what the site is about, which can boost its ranking for those keywords.

However, the keywords in your domain name aren’t the only thing that matters for SEO. Today, Google has sophisticated algorithms that prioritise content quality, user experience, and numerous other factors beyond just keywords.

🚀Credibility and professionalism

Legitimacy: A professional domain name gives your business legitimacy. It shows that you've invested in your online presence and are serious about your business.

Consumer confidence: Customers are more likely to trust a business with a professional domain name. This trust is essential for building customer relationships, especially for small businesses competing against larger companies.

Where to Buy Domains in South Africa & What They Cost

So, you've chosen your business domain name and are ready to make it official. 

In South Africa, there are several places where you can register your domain, each offering various services and pricing structures. Some of the most popular domain name registrars in South Africa include:

• Afrihost

• ZA Central Registry 

• Xeenlo

But before you decide to buy from a domain name registrar, it’s important to know what they cost. The price of domain names is determined by various factors, including the domain extension. 

Here’s what pricing looks like for different domain name types:

.co.za: This is the go-to for South African businesses, and is typically the most cost-effective option for those wanting to establish a local presence. You can expect to pay R75 to R200 per year for registration.

.com: These domains are internationally recognised and can be a good choice if you're targeting a global market. The registration costs for .com domains ranges from R150 to R300 per year. 

Specialty extensions: Extensions like .org, .net, or industry-specific ones like .tech or .fashion, vary in price depending on their value and demand. 

In addition to buying a domain name, running a website also involves other costs that you should know about. Read about how much a website costs in 2024.

Simplify Your Business Website: Get a Savvy Domain Today

Choosing the right domain name is a vital step for any small business owner that wants to get online. 

But going through domain name services can be daunting, especially with the various costs and technical considerations involved. Luckily, there's a straightforward solution: Savvy.

Savvy gives small business owners a user-friendly way to get online without the hassle of traditional domain registration. When you sign up with Savvy, you’ll get a domain name for free that follows a clear and memorable format. Here’s a domain name example from Savvy: yourbusinessname.savvy.site.

There's no need to go through the process of domain registration. Plus, you can have your site up and running in no time. By eliminating the complexities of domain registration, Savvy lets you focus on what truly matters—growing your business. 

Ready to get started? Sign up with Savvy today.