Domains explained simply

A domain is the address people type in to find your website – for example yourcompany.no. Here we explain the essentials, without technical clutter.

What is a domain, really?

Think of the domain as your business's postal address online. The website itself lives on a server (a computer that's always on), and the domain is the simple name that points there, so no one has to remember a long string of numbers.

How do I get a domain?

Domains are leased, not bought – you pay an annual fee to use one. For .no domains, Norid sets the rules, and you register through a reseller (a registrar).

• Already have a domain? Great. Then we need access, or help pointing it to the new site.
• Need a new one? We'll help you find an available name and set it up.

Who owns the domain?

This is important: the domain should be registered to your business, not to a supplier. That way you always have full control, no matter who builds your website. We make sure you own your domain.

What does it cost?

One standard .no domain is included in the annual website payment, including registration and renewal. The domain is registered to your business. Other extensions, additional domains and premium names are agreed and priced separately. If you already have a domain, we agree how to connect it and whether a transfer is needed.

How is the domain connected to the site?

When the domain needs to point to your website, we change some settings called DNS. It sounds technical, but you don't have to do anything yourself – we handle it. If you'd like to understand what happens, read DNS explained simply.

In short: the domain is your address, it should be owned by you, and we take care of the technical side of connecting it to the website.