Domain name

Domain name in a nutshell

The domain name is the text address that allows access to a website, such as mekaa.fr. It represents the digital identity of a brand, company or project on the Internet. As a visible element in the URL, it fulfills both a technical function — that of pointing to a server via the DNS — and a marketing function — that of building an online presence that is clear, memorable and consistent with the brand's universe. The choice of a domain name, its structure, its extension, and its seniority have direct consequences on the credibility, referencing, trust and ease of access of a website. It is a strategic asset, both legal, commercial and technical.

What is a domain name and how is it structured?

A domain name is a text string composed of two elements: the main name (or subdomain) and the extension, also called TLD (Top-Level Domain). For example, in mekaa.fr, “mekaa” is the domain name, and “.fr” is the extension. The domain name acts as an alias for an IP address, and is interpreted by the DNS system to redirect users to the correct server.

You can add sub-domains to organize a site into specific sections (for example: blog.mekaa.fr or app.mekaa.fr). Domain names are registered with registrars such as Gandi, OVH, Google Domains, GoDaddy, etc., and their management may include annual renewals, redirections, and specific DNS configurations.

A good domain name should be short, legible, without special characters, aligned with the brand name, and available for registration. Its structure influences the perception of professionalism and can also play a role in SEO, especially if it contains a relevant keyword without falling into artificial jamming.

The different types of domain name extensions

Why the domain name is essential to a Webflow site

In Webflow, the domain name is not provided natively. The site creator must connect a domain purchased separately via a DNS configuration. This allows you to replace the default URL (type my-website.webflow.io) by a custom domain (like monagencecreative.fr), which reinforces credibility, branding and control over the image perceived by users.

The configuration is relatively simple: all you have to do is add the A and CNAME records provided by Webflow into the registrar's DNS interface. Once propagated, this configuration allows the site to be accessible on its official domain name, with an automatic SSL certificate activated to secure the HTTPS connection. For any serious or professional activity, connecting a domain name to your Webflow site is essential.

Domain name best practices

Choosing a good domain name involves thinking about its pronunciation, simplicity, spelling, and international compatibility. Avoid unnecessary hyphens, obscure acronyms, or ambiguous puns. It is also advisable to reserve several extensions if the brand is under development (for example: .fr + .com), and to set up a 301 redirection from the secondary domain to the main domain.

In SEO, the age of the domain, its history (cleaning up past penalties), and its alignment with search intentions can influence performance. It is therefore useful to invest in a domain that is clean, well-structured, and consistent with the editorial strategy.

Conclusion

The domain name is much more than a web address: it is a brand symbol, a lever of authority, a reinsurance tool and a vector of acquisition. In Webflow as elsewhere, it marks the starting point of any online presence strategy. Well chosen, well configured and well maintained, it becomes a sustainable digital asset that reinforces the credibility of a site, improves its SEO and facilitates its distribution.