About Domains
The word "domain" might sound technical, but the concept is actually very simple. Here, we'll explain what a domain is in plain terms, no expertise required.
A Domain Is Your "Address" on the Internet
A web page is stored somewhere on the internet, and a "domain" marks that location. Just as a physical store needs an "address" so customers can find it, a web page needs an "address" on the internet so people can find it.
An address in the real world
1-2-3 ○○ Town, ○○ City, ○○ Prefecture
An address on the internet
homppe.com
The familiar "○○.com" or "○○.jp" you see everywhere is exactly what a domain is.
Let's Find the "Domain" Within a URL
A web page's address (URL) is made up of several parts. Let's take the URL of a page published on homppe's Free plan as an example and go through it step by step.
https://homppe.com/test1/kamoit
https://A rule for communicating securely. It's the same on almost every site, so there's no need to memorize it.homppe.comThe domain. This is the most important part, the core of the address. On homppe's Free plan, it's the shared domain "homppe.com"./test1The account name. This represents you (your account) and stays the same across all the pages you create./kamoitThe page ID. This is a name you choose yourself for each page, unique to that page.
homppe's Free URL Is Made of "Account Name" + "Page ID"
When you publish on homppe's Free plan, two names follow the domain (homppe.com).
- 1.The first is the "account name". This name represents your account and stays the same across every page you create. (e.g., test1)
- 2.The second is the "page ID". This is a name you choose for each page, and you can set it freely every time you add a new web page. (e.g., kamoit)
For example, if you create two pages under the same account (test1), the result looks like this.
For details on how to choose your account name and page ID, see the "Publishing" guide.
"Shared Domain" vs. "Custom Domain"
There are broadly two types of domains.
Shared domain (free)
When you publish with homppe, your URL starts out in this format. Think of it as everyone sharing space in one big building called "homppe.com". It's characterized by an "account name" and "page ID" following the domain, and it's ready to use for free right away.
Custom domain (Plus plan and above)
This is your own original address, where you can freely choose what comes before ".com". It's like having a detached house — you can use your store's or service's name as-is.
3 Benefits of Using a Custom Domain
Builds trust
A domain of your own gives the impression of a legitimate store or company, making it easier for people to use your service with confidence.
Easy to remember
A short, simple URL is easy to share verbally or on flyers, and it sticks in customers' minds more easily.
Becomes your brand
Your store's or service's name becomes your URL as-is, making it look great on business cards and social media.
Using a Custom Domain with homppe
With homppe, you can set up a custom domain on the Plus plan. You can configure it from the "Publish Settings" of each web page.
You'll need to separately acquire (purchase) a custom domain through a "domain registration service." Costs vary by type, but typically range from a few hundred to a few thousand yen per year. homppe recommends getting your domain through Xserver.
Steps to Start Using a Custom Domain
Get the domain you want to use (e.g., tanaka-cake.com) through Xserver.
Upgrade your homppe web page to the Plus plan or higher.
Enter the domain you registered into the custom domain field in "Publish Settings".
Summary
- A domain is like an "address" on the internet.
- A custom domain boosts trust, memorability, and brand power.
- With homppe, you can set up a custom domain on the Plus plan.
- For getting a domain, Xserver, recommended by homppe, is convenient.