How to Register Web Addresses for the Internet
The Web address, also known as the domain name, is one of the most important aspects of a website, as it usually provides the first impression about your company or product to potential clients. The name you choose should be easy to remember and determine what your site is about. If possible the name should also include a keyword, or keyword phrase that people will use when searching for the type of products or services you offer.
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Instructions
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Make a list of desired names. Your first choice for your new Web address may already be taken, especially if you have chosen a short two-word name like "aerobicexercise.com." By adding a third word, you are more likely to find an available domain. Adding words like "news" or "hub" to your original choice to make "aerobicexercisehub.com" or "aerobicexercisenews.com" make a keyword-rich name that also gives a visitor a satisfactory idea of what your site is about.
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Pick a domain registrar. Although your domain will ultimately be registered with ICANN, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, the corporation does not handle domain registrations directly. The registration must be completed with a registrar certified by ICANN. There are more than one thousand ICANN-accredited registrars at the time of publication; those that are widely used include Go Daddy, Namecheap and 1and1. Domain registration discount coupons can often be found online, so before beginning the registration process check to see if your chosen registrar has any discount offers. A quick search via your favorite search engine for "go daddy coupons" or "namecheap coupon codes" usually reveals current codes that can be applied during the checkout process for a discount.
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Open an account with the registrar. Before registering your new Web address, you will need to sign up for an account. The registration process will vary slightly depending on the company you choose, but typically involves choosing a username, password and providing contact details and an email address.
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Locate the search box. Once signed into your account, you will see a search box that helps you to find an available name. Work down your list of preferred names until you a find a name that is available. When entering a name that is not available, the registrar's software will return available names that are similar to your original choice. Browse through the suggested items as you work down your list until you find a name you think is a suitable match for your site.
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Add your chosen name to your shopping cart. Follow the registrar's instructions to complete the registration process. You will need to choose how long you wish to register the name -- the minimum duration is one year. You will also be asked if you want "Whoisguard" or "Private Domain Registration." If you select this option, your details are hidden during searches made to the Whois database, which is a compilation of domain registrant's contact details.
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Enter your payment details. Many registrars accept PayPal as a payment processor if you do not want to use a credit card. Once your payment is approved, you will be the owner of the domain. It may take a short while for the new domain to appear under the Domain list in your registrar account dashboard, but under normal circumstances, it takes less than one hour.
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Tips & Warnings
If you want to change the domain's name servers, forward it, or transfer it to another registrar, this can be executed from your registrar dashboard. These are straightforward processes, but if in doubt contact your registrar's support desk.
Some registrars will automatically renew your domain unless you tell them otherwise. Check if your domain is on "automatic renewal" via your dashboard, and change it to "manual" if you are unsure whether you will need to renew the domain after the initial registration period is up.
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