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Domain names identify the location of your website, otherwise known as an IP (Internet Protocol) address. It is the equivalent of Internet real estate, whereas the IP address and domain name are leased to you by an organization known as a registrar.
Annual fees secure your ownership, but do not offer protection from the potential of your chosen name or information being hijacked by domain-name speculators.
Private registration services are are available at the time of purchase, which may provide a higher level of security, but with no guarantees. -
Keep it simple. Decide on one word, short phrase or brief acronym that best relates to the purpose of your website.
Use a Thesaurus or visit free word-tracker websites to find related words that are popular with search engines. This will give your developed website a better chance of gaining a higher ranking in search results.
It is critical that you make a list of your preferred selections before you begin to research their availability through a registrar search engine. - Consider purchasing the abutting properties to your domain name. If you have a great .com name, consider purchasing the .net, .org, .usa, .info or related versions. This helps to protect 'knock-off' websites from riding on the success of your name.
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Decide on a registrar you would like to do business with. A list of accredited companies can be found at the ICANN.com website, or go to order1&1.com, enom.com, GoDaddy.com. Or search these industry journals:
Domain News
Whizzbangsblog.com
The Domain Industry News Journal
T.R.A.F.F.I.C. Domain Industry Conference -
Once you have found a registrar, have your list of names and your credit card or payment method ready.
Enter a name into the domain-name search box to check for availability.
Do not hesitate too long before purchasing your chosen name, or you risk loosing it to third-party domain "tasting" software, which has been known to unscrupulously scoop up names in an instant. -
Protect your identification by purchasing the additional "private registration" option.
Consider automatic renewal to avoid forgetting to do so, and always provide an email address that will remain with you beyond computer crashes. - The domain-name industry covers many aspects of business--from simply identifying your website with a single domain name to investing in large blocks of names for resale. The links in Resources will get you started in your search and help lead you toward your first of perhaps many domain-name registrations.
