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Step 1
Research domain names to see if they are available. To research domain names, you can use Whois Database listed in the Resources Section below. You can also Google the search term, domain name search. You will find multiple sites that will allow you to research your desired domain names. If you decide during your domain name searches that you have a strong preference for one domain name, but it has been taken, there are several ways you may be able to purchase it. First, you can access the website and look for the contact information. Once found, you can contact the person and make an offer. Preferably, it is best to send an introductory email and later follow-up with a call. A second way is through using a domain name broker or brokerage. Make sure you ask for and check references.
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Step 2
Evaluate similar domain names to avoid confusion. This step is very important. For example, your desired domain name could be MRBees Books; however, there is another domain registration for MRBees Publications. The problem lies in the fact that MRBees Publications has a bad reputation with not only customers, but suppliers. In fact, through your research, you have found numerous pages on the Internet filled with customers’ complaints. Because of this, you have to decide if the two names are too closely associated.
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Step 3
Purchase and register your available domain name. If it is financially possible, you should purchase domain names in .com and others. The reason being is to secure your brand. For instance, if you decide to only purchase domain name, MRBeesBooks.com and someone else registers MRBeesBooks.biz, this could cause confusion. If it is again financially possible, you should also purchase domain name for your slogan. Once again – the goal is to secure your brand.
