The process of finding a domain name for yourself or your company aren’t complicated, but the details involved in establishing a domain name can become confusing, especially if you are unfamiliar with them. However, this should not discourage anyone from starting their own website. There are some basic guidelines to follow and general information that will help get you started.
Decide on a domain name
First you need to come up with a domain name you would like to use. Ideally, this would be your company name, but it is possible that a site with that domain has already been registered. You may be able to register part of the company name, or something related to your business. You may be able to use your company slogan as a domain name, but make sure to keep the name as short as possible. You want people who are searching for your business to find your website easily, and passing along the website will be easier if the domain name is simple and easy to remember. Keep in mind that people will need to type the name of your site as your email address as well. The whole idea of having a website is to make your business more convenient to your customers, so keep the domain name simple. You will also want to include any keywords that you want your site to pop up on search engines with, which will allow you to find new customers online.
Register the domain name
Once you have found a domain that will work for you, you need to register it. There are a number of sites that will assist you in finding and registering your domain name at a reasonable price. However, be wary of some of these sites. Some companies offer all-in-one deals which include domain registration, hosting, and web design. This usually allows someone else to register your domain name under their name. This enables them to hold onto your domain name, even if you want to take down the website. Be sure to read the fine print in the contracts when you register your domain name.
Top level domain
When registering your domain name, you will ideally want to get the .com address, because it is the most widely used top level domain for websites (other TLDs include .org or .net). It is easier for clients to remember, as well. However, when you register your domain name, you may want to purchase similar or matching domain names to prevent others from taking them.
Cost of registering a domain name
If you are the first to register a domain name, it is less costly to you. Registering your own domain name can be as low as $10 per year. If The Web Shoppe registers a domain name for you, the fee is slightly higher to cover administrative costs. If someone else has registered your domain name already, you may be able to buy it, but the person who owns it can charge whatever they want to. For instance, in 2009, the domain Insure.com sold for $16 million, and prices that high are not uncommon (you can check out other pricey domain names at http://most-expensive.net/domain-name).
Beware of domain buying bots
There are bots that purchase domain names that have been viewed but not purchased. If you add a name to your cart and do not purchase it, someone else will. So the best way to eliminate competition from similar sites (or confusion from people trying to find you and getting directed to a different site) is to buy these domain names before someone else does.
Register the domain in your own name
Register the domain name in your own name under your business name. By registering under your name, you have the power to make decisions about your website. You will also want to register for as long as you can. The maximum period of registration is ten years (though most companies renew on an annual basis), and is renewable after that point. You need to be aware of when you need to pay to continue using this designated web space, because if you do not renew, the domain name can be registered to anyone else. As long as you keep up with the renewal payments, the domain name can be yours for as long as you’d like.
Once you have initially registered your domain name, it will be available for use within 72 hours. Keep in mind that your domain name needs to be simple, and make sure you register it in your name. Once you have registered your domain name, just keep up with the renewal fees to ensure you remain online. If you need any assistance, find a good web design company, such as The Web Shoppe, to help with you with the process.
