Every company in the digital age requires a website. But as more businesses register domain names for their sites, it’s challenging to obtain one that corresponds to your business name. Thus, this begs the question.
What are the differences between a business name and a domain name? And do these names have to correspond?
Your company name and domain do not have to be identical. A business name is used for recognition, branding, and legal purposes. Whereas a domain name is a digital internet address. This is the key distinction between business and domain names.
In this article, we will explain domain names and business names. In addition, we’ll delve deeper into the differences between the two.
What Is A Domain Name?
A domain name is your website’s name. In simpler terms, it is the online version of a physical address. It is used in searching for computers on the internet. Computers like this use an IP address, which contains a string of numbers. But humans find it challenging to remember long strings of numbers.
As a result, domain names rather than IP addresses were created and are now used to identify businesses on the Internet.
Any company, group, or individual looking to build their internet presence ought to have their domain name.
Your distinct online identity comprises a domain name, website, and email address. By doing so, you may give your company a more polished appearance, raise brand recognition, establish credibility, and safeguard your intellectual property.
In addition, domain names are combinations of characters and digits. And they may include one or more of the many domain extensions, including .com, .net, and others.
However, before using a domain name, you must register it. Each domain name is distinct. Thus, the domain name of the two websites cannot be the same so that it can distinguish different brands.
But a registered domain can violate the rights of another person. And we refer to this as an abusive domain registration if a domain name improperly uses the complainant’s intellectual property rights. The registrant will be required to transfer the domain to the complaint if the complainant is successful in their case.
What Is A Business Name?
A business name is the official title of your company. Also, it is the formal name of the person or entity that owns a business. It is also the name you will see on government applications and company documentation.
A business name is one of your most precious assets if you are in business. It’s beneficial to have a name that develops a strong sense of identity and accurately defines the business you’re doing.
It is the initial impression the public will have of your expanding business. Nowadays, it is more challenging than ever to come up with a suitable business name because many of the greatest names have already been trademarked.
However, with marketing costs and competition on the rise, a memorable brand image requires a strategic name. In summary, the name you pick for your company may make or ruin it.
A good way to start is defining what you want your business name to convey. The first and most significant step in naming your company is determining its purpose.
Furthermore, a business name might differ based on the business structure. For instance, if you run a sole proprietorship, your legal business name is your complete name (e.g., Nathan Ross).
You may even add more words besides your entire name (e.g., Nathan Ross Insurance Corporation). If you are a sole proprietor, you must submit your entire personal name. Likewise, you must include the business name in the partnership agreement if you are a general partnership owner.
When establishing a firm, limited liability organizations (LLCs) and corporations must determine their legal names. Unlike other company arrangements, the business legal name of an LLC or corporation does not have to include any of the owners’ names. Some states, however, require LLCs and corporations to contain the words “LLC” or “Corporation” in their legal name (e.g., Rockwell Technology LLC).
Should My Domain Name Correspond To My Company Name?
Your company’s business name and domain name serve quite different purposes, thus they do not need to correspond. While corporate business names are officially registered identifiers, such as My Company LLC, a domain name is the internet web address (www.MyCompanyOnline.com) where customers go to access your website (or INC).
No, your domain name need not be the same as your company name. Your business may benefit from having a domain name that is the same as your company name, especially if your website serves as an online showcase for the goods and services you provide.
However, it is not the only factor that aids in website visitors finding yours. If your company website is search engine optimized or the domain name is pertinent, distinctive, and memorable, people can still locate it.
Let’s explain why it doesn’t matter if your domain name matches your company’s name.
Why Corresponding Domain Name With Business Name Doesn’t Really Matter
While visiting a website, most web users do not enter the actual domain name. To discover a website, they frequently use search engines like Google or Bing. So, to increase traffic to your website, SEO is, therefore, crucial in picking an ideal domain name.
The idea of “exact match domains” prompted company owners to buy domain names containing keywords associated with their industry in the early 2000s. With this, the website may quickly get to the top of the search engine results page.
However, search engine algorithms no longer scan domain names for precisely matched keywords. And the most recent search engine ranking variables don’t give the URL much weight. These days, content quality is increasingly significant.
So, if you have spammy or low-quality content but an exact match domain name, you won’t benefit from increased search engine ranks.
Another reason why domain and business name shouldn’t match is meaningless is that your target audience will not search for your organization precisely online. They typically use search engines like Google or Bing to enter relevant keywords while looking for a certain item or service online. After that, they will look through the top search results.
Therefore, it is better to increase your chances of attracting clients instead of trying to match your domain name with your business name. Do this by correctly optimizing your website for search engines like Google or Bing.
So what are the differences between a domain name and a business name? Let’s discuss it.
10 Differences Between Business Name And Domain Name
A Business Name Represents Your Company, A Domain Name Represents Business Access
A business name develops your organization’s identity in only a few letters or words. That is why some of the most famous businesses in the world have names that are straightforward, succinct, and memorable.
On the other hand, a domain name represents your company’s access. In summary, it is the web address or the URL you put into your browser to access the business.
They Have Different Functions
A company’s name is crucial to defining it, giving it a unique identity among rival businesses, and impressing investors. A business name serves as the framework for a valuable trademark design.
Whereas, a domain name makes it simple to distinguish and remember the names of numerically addressed Internet resources. It offers a method for moving resources topologically. Also, it enables translation to be carried out using IP addresses.
A Domain Name Is Registered Under A Company, A Business Name Is Not
A domain name registrar helps you secure your domain name with ICANN, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. Whereas, you can’t register a business name with ICANN.
Transfer Of Names
Domain names are easily transferable. By getting in touch with your existing registrar, you can start changing the registrant for your domain name. Then, using a secure system, your registrar will request your verification. This verification could take the form of an email to the registered name holder.
On the flip side, you can get a transfer of the business name from your state secretary’s office. Then, find out the cost of the transfer/registration charge.
Domain Names Can Be Bought And Sold But Business Names Cannot
Domain names are available for resale. Hence, you must exercise extreme caution when choosing a domain name. This is because most of those you purchase won’t attract any customers. So it is advised that you conduct some research before purchasing a domain.
However, just like a business name cannot sue, you cannot sell or buy it. Businesses’ name assets, liabilities, expenditures, profits, difficulties, and obligations genuinely belong to their owners.
A Business Name Can Be Used By More Than One Company, But Each Domain Name Must Be Unique
Because of the uniqueness of each domain name, no two websites may share the same domain name. A domain name is a sequence of characters and digits.
On the other hand, different companies can use a business name. However, you must meet certain conditions to avoid trademark infringement and identify who is the true owner of the name.
Domain Names Are Difficult To Change
There are several factors to consider if you feel the need to change your domain name. Before making the switch, give it some serious thought because it is a challenging procedure. Although it is possible to alter your business name after filing your legal documents and creating your digital properties, it is far simpler (and less expensive) to do it upfront.
Legal and Tax Purpose
A domain name is the online presence of a company. In addition, it does not serve as a legal representation. As opposed to a domain name, a business name serves as a legal representation and it is valid. Additionally, when it is time to file your taxes, your business name is what plays the key role.
Impact on Traffic, Marketing, and Sales
Domain names are one method used to divert traffic from well-known businesses. They significantly affect SEO even if they are not an important ranking factor. Domain names increase your chances of appearing higher in search engines when you use a combination of relevant brand name terms to produce a short and clickable domain name. Also, it boosts your click-through rate and enhances sales.
In contrast, the wrong business names may not resonate with your target audience. Thus, it will cost you a lot of money to explain what your company does. A distinctive, memorable name plays a monumental role in businesses. However, it does not have much impact on traffic and sales.
Protection System Of The Names
DNS Firewall or protective DNS (PDNS) guards against unauthorized access to local system resources. It is a tool that your company may use to keep staff members from unintentionally viewing potentially harmful websites on the internet. But to register the company name as a trademark, get in touch with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) online or by phone. Only names that are not already registered as trademarks or being used by other companies in the nation are eligible for trademarking.
What If Your Business Name Differs From Your Domain Name?
You can register a domain name that differs from your official company name. Even so, you must include your company name in the legal papers posted on your website. Similar to the Terms of Service, Privacy Statement, Cookie Statement, and so on.
However, your domain name should ideally correspond to the name of your company. You could even want to change your business name to fit domains if you’re just getting started and haven’t chosen a name for your company yet. For instance, if your company operates online, use your complete domain name as your company name.
However, adding your domain extensions (.com,.net, etc.) simply confuses clients and dilutes your identity, whether your business is service-based or brick and mortar.
Conclusion
If possible, the domain and business name must match. Select a brandable domain name that works. Also, if you want to use a new domain name, be sure it is still relevant to your company’s identity. You may also use wordplay to be imaginative and create a distinctive and memorable name.
