The Key Parts of a Domain

When you visit a website like www.google.com, you’re using something called a domain name.

It’s that easy-to-remember address that helps you get to a specific place on the internet without typing a string of confusing numbers.

But a domain name isn’t just one thing — it’s made up of different parts, and each plays a role in telling your browser exactly where to go.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to break down a domain name into smaller chunks so it’s easier to understand.

You’ll also see how each piece works, what it’s called, and why it matters. If you’re building a website, starting a blog, or buying a domain, this will make the process feel a whole lot simpler.

Let’s dive right into the parts of a domain you should know.

What is a domain name?

Before you look at the different parts, let’s define what a domain name actually is.

A domain name is a text-based address that lets people visit your website. It replaces the need to memorize a long series of numbers called an IP address.

You type the domain into a browser — like Chrome or Safari — and you’re directed to the right server where your site lives.

The 5 key parts of a domain

Here’s how a domain is structured from start to end:

www.blog.example.co.ke

Now let’s break down each part.

1) Subdomain

This is the first part of the domain that comes before the main domain name. Think of it like a room in a house.

Example: In blog.example.com, the word blog is the subdomain.
It helps you organize or separate sections of your website.

Common subdomains include:

www – the standard one most people know
shop – for e-commerce areas
support – for help desks
app – for web apps

You can skip the subdomain entirely, or create multiple for different parts of your site.

Tip: Subdomains can help when you want a different design, login, or layout without needing to buy a new domain.

2) Second-level domain (SLD)

This is the main word in your domain — the part you actually pick and register.

In example.com, the word example is the second-level domain.
This is your brand name, and it’s what people will remember and search for.

It’s called “second-level” because it sits just before the top-level domain, which we’ll get to in a moment.

Pick an SLD that’s short, easy to type, and reflects your brand or idea. Avoid numbers, dashes, or hard-to-spell words.

3) Top-level domain (TLD)

This is the extension at the end of the domain name.

In example.com, the .com is the top-level domain.

There are different kinds of TLDs:

Type	Examples	Description
Generic (gTLD)	.com, .org, .net, .info	Commonly used everywhere
Sponsored	.gov, .edu, .mil	Restricted to specific organizations
Country-code	.ke, .uk, .ng, .de	Used for country-specific websites

If you’re in Kenya, using .co.ke or .ke can help your website rank better locally. That’s called geo-targeting.

4) Root domain

When you combine the SLD and the TLD, you get what’s called the root domain.

So, example.com is the root domain.
This is what you actually register and own.

You can build your website, set up emails, or add subdomains based on the root.

5) Fully qualified domain name (FQDN)

This is the complete version of your domain.

Example: www.blog.example.co.ke
It includes everything — from the subdomain all the way to the TLD.

You’ll often see this used in technical documentation, SSL certificates, or hosting dashboards.

The FQDN is the most specific way to identify your domain. It helps servers know exactly which part of your site someone is requesting.

Extra: The domain path

This part is not part of the domain itself, but it’s still useful to understand.

When you see something like this:

example.com/about-us

The /about-us is called the URL path.
It points to a specific page or section inside your site.

You don’t need to register this part — you create it when you build pages on your site.

Quick visual breakdown

Here’s a simple visual to help you make sense of everything:

www.blog.example.co.ke
│    │       │       └── TLD (.co.ke)
│    │       └────────── SLD (example)
│    └────────────────── Subdomain (blog)
└─────────────────────── Subdomain (www)

Recap: The parts of a domain

Part	Example	What it does
Subdomain	`www.` or `blog.`	Organizes sections of your website
Second-level domain	`example`	Your brand name—what people remember
Top-level domain	`.com`, `.co.ke`	Extension that adds context (global or local)
Root domain	`example.com`	SLD + TLD = The domain you register
FQDN	`www.blog.example.com`	The complete version used in systems

Where to buy and manage your domain

You can register a domain name through a domain registrar. These are companies that sell and manage domain names.

Some popular options include:

Truehost – great for .co.ke domains
Namecheap
GoDaddy
Google Domains

Most registrars let you search, buy, renew, and manage everything from one dashboard.

Why Truehost Kenya is a great choice for your domain

If you’re building a brand with local roots, Truehost is one of the best domain registrars to consider.

We specialize in top level domains, and country level domains, offer fast support, and provide everything you need under one roof — from domain registration to hosting, email, and SSL certificates.

More reasons to choose us:

Affordable Kenyan domains – Get .co.ke, .or.ke, .sc.ke domains at competitive prices
Free DNS management – Update your records without extra fees
Instant domain activation – Your domain goes live within minutes
Full control panel access – Manage domains, hosting, and emails from one dashboard
Bulk registration support – Ideal for agencies and resellers

Whether you’re launching a blog, e-commerce site, or business portal, Truehost makes it easy to get started.

We also offer web hosting packages, VPS, and cloud servers tailored for Kenyan websites.

Looking for a local registrar that understands your needs and offers instant support? Go with Truehost—trusted by thousands of Kenyan businesses.

Over 30,000 .ke domains registered

Final thoughts

Now that you understand the parts of a domain, you’re better equipped to make smart decisions for your brand or business. Knowing the difference between a subdomain, SLD, and TLD will help you:

Set up your website structure more clearly
Choose the right domain name extension for your audience
Avoid confusion when buying or transferring domains

Want to go further? Look into DNS (domain name system) settings next — that’s how your domain connects to web hosting and email.