A domain name is part of a URL, which stands for Uniform Resource Locator.
In order for computer networks and servers to “talk to one another,” computers rely on a language made up of numbers and letters called an IP address. Every device that connects to the Internet has a unique IP address and looks something like this:
22.231.113.64 or 3ffe:1900:4545:3:200:f8ff:fe21:67cf
In order to navigate easily around the web, typing in a long IP address isn’t ideal, or realistic, to an online user. This is the reason why domain names were created – to hide IP addresses with something more memorable. You could consider the domain name as a “nickname” to the IP address.
A URL incorporates the domain name, along with other detailed information, to create a complete address (or “web address”) to direct a browser to a specific page online called a web page. In essence, it’s a set of directions and every web page has a unique one.
In the end, what really matters is the domain name, the key to creating an online presence. For a small business owner, the benefits of establishing an online presence are many. Contrary to popular belief, having an online presence doesn’t mean just having a website. When you register a domain name, you can leverage it in many ways, including -forwarding your domain name to social media or e-commerce platform or even branding your email.
Credit to VERISIGN