One way that seems to be very effective for everybody is the creation of websites. Websites are amazing to have but you need to know some basic things before creating one of your own. You need to know about the website hosting platforms that are most cost-effective, the importance of a good domain name and if the domain name or website you want to purchase is already registered. You’ll then have to figure out how to find out who owns the website. Since the virtual universe has become so diverse and competitive, it is only wise that you equip yourself with the relevant knowledge. After all, knowledge is power!
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Tips to Identify Who Owns a Website or Domain
Having a virtual platform (such as a website) gives entrepreneurs and companies a lifeline to conduct businesses and even expand their business spectrum. Websites are a wonderful way to broadcast your products and services. But before creating a website, there are a few essential aspects to consider. These include creating a suitable name for your website, verifying that your chosen domain name is available for use and deciding on the most effective website hosting platform and plan.
We’ll break these down for you and by the end, you will be a pro at understanding everything about websites and domains. You’ll also know what to look for in identifying the owner of both.
Difference Between a Domain and a Website
Before we explore the beauty of a great domain name, let’s talk about the differences between a domain and a website. Though some people often interchangeably use these two terms, they are not the same.
What’s a Domain?
In the simplest explanation, a domain is what proceeds the “@” symbol in an email address or placed after “www.” in a web address. For example, www.hosting.co.uk, hosting is the domain name.
A complete web address when entered in any browser of choice is what leads us to what we call a website.
What is exactly is a Website?
A website is the collection of content grouped under a single domain. To learn more about websites, you can check out our article on ‘Qualities of well- secured websites’, and for more info on domains, click here.
Now that you know the differences between a website and a domain, let’s look at the importance of a domain and the process that goes into owning a domain.
4 Reasons Why Owning a Unique Domain Name is Important
Owning a unique domain name is very important if you wish to gain online success. Here’s what having a unique domain name does:
1. Adds credibility to your business/project
People tend to be wary of domains with generic web addresses that are determined by specific web hosting platforms because they appear amateur. Having a personalised domain name inspires potential clients’/followers’ confidence in the products or services you are offering.
2. Indicates that you are forward-thinking
Owning your domain name signals that you are up to date with emerging technologies. Whether this is correct or not, this gives you an advantage over your competitors.
3. Adds mobility to your internet presence
When you own your domain name you can transfer from one website hosting platform to another if you choose to at any time. On the flip side, if you don’t own your domain name then you will be required to take a new URL, and this may confuse your clients/followers.
4. Builds your brand
A carefully crafted domain name helps people form their judgement of your business/project. Simple and clear domain names can form a great first impression which votes well for you.
So, you’ve finally decided on the perfect domain name, so what’s next? Well, the next step is to find out if your domain name is available for purchase. To do this you will need to use a website hosting platform or registration site, like Hosting.uk to complete the purchase.
How do you find out who owns a domain?
Sometimes you will discover that the name of a domain you wish to purchase is not available and this can be frustrating if you desire to own that specific domain name. In that case, it is important to find out who owns the domain name or who owns the website you want. The owner of a domain or website is called a registrant and this person or entity is legally recognized by the International Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).
You can find out who owns the domain or who owns the website you are interested in owning by performing a WHOIS lookup search. WHOIS is an extensively used Internet record listing that archives the details of a domain registrant. To conduct a WHOIS lookup search, all you have to do is:
- Visit WHOIS website
- Insert the domain name into the WHOIS search bar and click on the search icon
- Now you will be able to see the email address, possible phone number and name of the registrar, as well as the website hosting platform used
*Please note that this search will not issue to you the name of the owner behind the domain name if the registrant has used WHOIS lookup privacy security features.
However, you will be able to see the website hosting platform, registration duration of the domain name among other things that are allowed by the owner. From this listing of information, it is easy for you to find out who owns the website. If you desire, you can reach out to find out if the owner is willing to sell the ownership to you.
Some persons buy and sell domain names so the possibility of you gaining ownership of an already active domain name is quite possible.
Conclusion
You are all caught up! Now that you know the importance of a great domain name and just how easy it is to find out who owns the website you are interested in. The next phase is to figure out the best website hosting platform and the pricing that fits your budget. There are hundreds of website hosting platforms and it can be quite daunting to select the right ones so here’s a head start if you are serious and want to set up your website; check out our reliable plans here.
Hosting.uk is perfect for individual bloggers who have little to no knowledge about creating and managing a website. We also are ideal for large eCommerce stores in need of consistent performance and support as they conduct businesses online. The hosting price package is another bonus for you because you will be getting high-quality services for a low price. This is what you call value for your money!
Now that you have been educated on website hosting, finding out who owns the website or domain you want to purchase and the importance of creating a great domain name, what are you waiting on to hop on the digital train and become a part of the virtual universe?
Give your domain and website the perfect home. Sign up with Hosting UK for all your domain and website needs. Click to register or transfer your domain now.
