How the Web Works: Domains

Before you start building your SaaS, it helps to understand how the web actually works. Don’t worry — we’ll keep it simple.

1. Domains

A domain is basically the address of your house on the internet.

Examples:

• google.com
• mycoolapp.com

When someone types your domain into their browser, the internet knows where to find your app. That’s because domains are linked to IP addresses — the “GPS coordinates” of servers where your app lives.

How to Get a Domain

1. Choose a domain registrar → Companies like Namecheap, GoDaddy, or Google Domains sell domains.
2. Pick a name → Something memorable, short, and relevant to your app.
3. Register it → Domains are rented, usually for 1–10 years, and you can renew them anytime.

Once your domain is registered, you can point it to your hosting provider (where your app is actually running). That’s how users type mycoolapp.com and see your website instead of just an IP address.

Why It Matters

• A domain makes your app look professional.
• It’s easy for users to remember.
• It’s the first step in building your brand online.

💡 Startup Update
By the way, my platform CollabTower is now live! CollabTower connects startups with influencers to grow faster. Domains, hosting, and infrastructure all tie directly into running a platform like this, and seeing it live has been an exciting milestone 🚀

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Next up, you’ll want to understand DNS and Hosting — how the web actually routes traffic to your app. But that’s a story for another post.