How to Research Domain Names

A domain name is your portal to the world.

Owning a domain name sets you apart from novices and part-time Web enthusiasts. Think of a domain name as your storefront, but instead of your store sitting passively on a corner, you can take your store directly to buyers all over the world. Your domain represents you, your business and your brand, so choose your domain name with care. With a little planning and research, you can find a domain name that best reflects your business.

Instructions

1. Ask friends and colleagues where they purchased their domain names and whether they would recommend these sellers. Domain retailer references are also available online. ICANN is a nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping the Internet secure and stable. A simple search for ICANN registrars takes you to the organization's website, where you can find numerous domain retailers that it has accredited.

2. Decide what message that you want your domain name to reflect. For example, a warm and friendly domain name is pleasant, but it might not represent a business website best. Go with your website or business name if at all possible to help build brand awareness.

3. Brainstorm at least five domain names that include your business name or are variations of your favorite domain name choice. For example, if you want your domain name to be FavoritePlace.com, one variation would be MyFavoritePlace.com. Although the world is a big place, to secure your desired domain, you must have a unique domain name or be very lucky. Many retailers and services will offer you variations of your desired domain, but it's doubtful that they'll be as good as your own ideas.

4. 

   Bargain shopping pays off in the end.

   Visit the websites of at least five domain sellers. It's tempting to jump at the first deal that looks promising, but comparison shopping really pays off. Also consider including domain hosts in your search. Domain hosts not only sell domain names; they also host your website. You will need a domain host for Internet surfers to visit your website. Some online companies host you for "free," but your domain name comes after their domain names (for example, HostCompany.com/YourCompanyName).

5. Choose the company that offers you the best deal, and remember that you have to pay for your domain name and Web hosting separately unless you buy a package deal.

6. Check the availability of your desired domain name inside the chosen retailer's search box. At a minimum, check off ".com" if you're a business and check ".org" if you're an organization. If your name is taken, select your next favorite name from your list, or register one of the alternative domain names that the seller offers you.

7. Examine any domain packages or deals that the seller offers you. Choose the one that best works for you, and be ready to provide your credit card information.

Tips & Warnings

• Companies will give you the option to buy several versions of your new domain name (for example, CompanyName.gov, CompanyName.biz). This helps stave off visitor confusion if they mistype your domain name, but when it comes to business needs, ".com" and ".net" should pretty much cover you.

• Domain names must be renewed, and prices may increase in your second year.

References

• Webopedia: Domain Name
• Buy Domain Names: Find Premium Domains: What is a Domain Name?
• ICANN: ICANN-Accredited Registrars

Resources

• Domparison: Domain Name Price Comparison