The Basics of Domain Name Registration

If you want to have your own web site, you need to learn the basics of domain name registration. A domain name is also known as a web address or host name. Every web site needs its own domain name so that users can find it on the web. Domain name registration is important to make sure that two web sites aren't using the same domain name.

Because so many domain names are in use and in demand, there are certain organizations that have made a business out of domain name registration. Known as domain name registrars, these organizations act as a middleman between the registry that handles domain names and the public, buying and selling names at whim. Although there are too many of these organizations to name here, examples of registrars are GoDaddy.com and DomainDirect.com.

Domain Name Registration for Beginners

If you are interested in registering a name, you are in luck because domain name registration is a relatively simple process. All you need to do is find a registrar and search for the name you are interested in using to see if it available.

With the rapid expansion of the Internet, many of the most popular domain names have already been taken. Many webmasters are forced to get creative and add hyphens or numbers to their name. If you cannot find the name you want during the beginning of the domain name registration process, you may want to consider using one of these creative techniques.

During domain name registration, you must also decide what you want your top level domain to be. The most common choices are .com or .net, but you can also investigate options like .biz, .org, or .info.

Once you have picked your domain name, you need to decide how long you want to hold that name. Most registrars offer contracts that range anywhere from one year to ten years, and most offer you the opportunity to renew once the contract expires.

The cost of this will vary depending on the service you use and the length of your contract. To make sure you are getting the best deal possible, it is a good idea to shop around or get domain name registration referrals before you buy.

Choosing the Best Domain Name

The hardest part of domain name registration is choosing the best domain name. It is recommended that you choose a name that is both memorable and has something to do with your business or business name. And, it wouldn't hurt if the name is a good searchable term.

In addition to using good sense when choosing a domain name, you must also abide by the basic rules of domain name registration. For example, you shouldn't choose a name that is a copyrighted word or term. This could lead to legal problems down the road. You will also want to make sure that you keep the domain name under 67 characters, as that is the maximum length for web addresses.

About the author: Cliff Posey, owner of CRP Marketing, owns and operates http://webbusinesstoolsonline.com Cliff Posey has also operated several other successful web businesses including Love Song Cards and Radio Career Consultants. The content in this article was developed from his experience in these businesses and his continual research into further business improvements.

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