REGISTERING YOUR DOMAIN NAME

What's a Domain Name, How Do I Register One?


You have decided to create a web page. You have decided you would like to call it something related to your business, interest or hobby you are using your web page to promote. You've seen these on the World Wide Web, there must be a way for you to have something like this for your website, right? There is a way to do this! It's called Registering a Domain Name. In Internet lingo, a domain name is one which identifies your web page or email address on the Internet. This is the name that follows the @ sign in an email address or on a web page. This is probably one of the first things you'll want to do when getting ready to set up your website. Your unique domain name identifies your business or other interest as a viable one. In the case of a business, this establishes your credibility, improves marketing, and protects your business name. If you have registered your domain name, it does not matter where you host your website. It will never change, no matter where your web pages are housed. This article will tell you just what you need to know to select and register your very own domain name. When you set up your website, your domain name will be ready to go if you register it first, before signing up with a web hosting provider. Ready to get started? Let's go!

Choosing Your Domain Name

Here are a few things to think about when choosing your domain name:

Your domain name should reflect your business name or topic of your web site.
It should be unique, yet a name that is easily remembered.
You can only use letters, numbers or hypens in your domain name.
Be prepared to be flexible if your choice is already taken. Try rearranging word order, adding hyphens, abbreviations or other letters to come up with a unique alternative.
Consider other extensions, like ".org, .us, .net," etc. The .com extensions go quickly, yet the other ones may be available for your chosen domain name. Consider registering some of the other extensions, too, if you can afford it. This protects your domain name and ensures that no one will get your name confused with a similar one with a different extension.

When you decide which domain name registration service you'd like to use, you can run your choice of domain names through their search engine to see if it has already been taken. If it's available, you're all set to register it. If it has been taken, they will give you some suggestions as to alternatives you can use which would still identify your business or interest. Since it's now relatively inexpensive to register your domain name and sign up for a web hosting service, there are many individuals and businesses who have already done what you are now doing. So be prepared with some alternate domain names, additional numbers or letters added to your choice, or alternate extensions if they are open.

Registration Services

Once you've decided to go forward with your plans for a website, you'll need to select a Domain Name Registration Service. There are plenty to choose from. Costs generally run anywhere from $5 a year on up to register your domain name, although some web hosting services will register your name for free if you sign up for one of their web hosting packages. Here are a few of our choices, with information on each one, including pricing.

Go-Daddy
Starting as low as $6.95 per year, this is one of the lowest prices you'll find for domain name registration. They are a well-known organization and offer many extras to go along with your package, such as free web building tools, blogs, and more.

Yahoo offers free domain name registration when you sign up for one of their web hosting packages. They have a search engine on their website to search out your choice of domain names and can tell you in just seconds if your choice is available.

Google now offers domain registration for just $10 a year. Search engine to see if your choice is available, plus other features.

HostMonster is a web hosting service which will register your domain name for free if you sign up for one of their hosting packages. Otherwise, domain name registration is $5.95 a year. They can tell you if your choice of names is available and register it for you, with many other available options.

Network Solutions
This is one of the better-known registration services, and one of the more expensive ones. Prices vary depending on whether you sign up for their web hosting as well, or on how many years you register for. If you opt to sign up for their web hosting services on a yearly basis, the registration is free. The first thing you'll see when you visit their website is a Search box to enter your choice(s) of domain names. Enter up to ten name choices and in a matter of seconds the search engine will tell you which, if any, of your potential domain names are available.

Now What?

Now that you've taken the first step and registered your domain name, you're ready to select your web hosting service, if you did not take advantage of hosting packages offered by the domain name service. See our article on Web Hosting if you need assistance in selecting a web hosting service. You should find plenty of help in developing your website from your hosting service if you need it. Good luck!


Whenever you decide to launch a website, the first step is domain name registration. You should prefer a keyword rich domain name for your website. In case of a sub domain this rule matters too much. This will help you to attain a good search engine ranking. The next step for your online presence is web hosting. You should select that hosting company which fulfills your requirements completely.

Resource Index

Audio-Video-and-Cameras:
Plasma TV, LCD TV, MP3 Players, TIVO, Satellite TV, Dgitial Cameras, Digital Camcorders, Bose iPod Speakers, Multimedia Projectors, GPS, Blu-ray Disc

Computer and Accessories:
Choosing a Laptop Computer, Computer Memory Upgrade, Copying a Hard Drive, Dual Monitors, Networking Computers, Microsoft Office, PDA's, Cheap Ink/Toner, Color Laser Printers, Multifunction Printers, Scanners, USB Flash Drives, Wireless Printers, Dell computers, Wireless Routers, Wireless G Routers, Wireless N Routers, Laptop Carrying Cases

Computer and Video Games:
Age of Empires III, Battlefield 2

Entertainment:
Online Gambling, Poker, Routlette, Blackjack, Craps and other Online Games, Online Casinos, Movies, Online DVD Rentals, Home Theater Systems , Home Theater Components, HDTV, HDTV Buying Tips, HD Radio, Portable DVD Players, Magazine Subscriptions

Fun-Hobbies:
Tropical Fish, Aquariums, Scrapbooking, Rubber Stamping, Geneology, Geocaching, Soap Making, Candle Making

Legal:
Criminal Defense Attorneys, Tax Attorneys, Lemon Law Protection, Structured Settlements, Investment Fraud, Bankruptcy Attorneys, Personal Injury Attorneys, Family Law

CellPhones-and-Communication
Cell Phones, Cell Phone Carriers, Prepaid Cell Phone Plans, Cell Phone Ringtones, Headsets, VOIP, Cheap Long Distance, iPhone, Blackberry, Bluetooth Technology, SmartPhones

Jobs-Schooling
Online College Degrees, Business Degrees, Home Schooling, Drivers Education, Job Resumes, Online Job Search
Internet:
Cybercrime Prosecution, IE Security, Affordable Web Hosting, Web Hosting, Domain Name Registration, Search Engines, Web Site Design, Internet Mailing Lists, Blogging, Internet Serive Providers, Free Email, Clip Art

Finance and Insurance:
Auto Insurance, Car Insurance Quotes, RV Insurance, General Insurance, Travel Insurance, Business Insurance, Basic Guide to Consolidating Student Loans, Cash Advance Loans, Federal Student Loan Consolidation, Debt Consolidation, Debt Management, Credit Card Debt Consolidation, Free Credit Reports, Home Mortgages, Home Equity Loans, Mortgage Refinancing, Mortgage Rates, Mortgage Companies, Second Mortgages, Mortgage Brokers, Health Insurance, Insurance Quotes, Term life Insurance, Mortgage note buyer, Renter's Insurance, Household Budgeting

Home:
Home improvement, Outdoor Lighting, Kitchen Remodeling, Kitchen Countertops, Espresso Makers, Food Processors, Coffee Makers, Coffee Grinders, Slow Cookers, Popcorn makers, Blenders, Cutting Boards, Refrigerators, Freezers, Washers & Dryers, Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen & Bathroom Faucets, Bathtubs, House Windows, Closet Organizers, Window Treatments, Hardwood Floors, Carpeting, Home Security, Water Heaters, Water Filters, Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Bamboo Flooring, Portable Air Conditioners, Dehumidifiers, Siding, House Cleaning Services, Home Organization, Vacuum Cleaners, Cannister Vacuum Cleaners, Handcheld Vacuum Cleaners, Upright Vacuum Cleaners, Stick Vacuum Cleaners, Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaners, Furnaces, Fireplace Inserts, Electric Space Heaters, Pellet Stoves, Wood Stoves, Heat Pumps, Buying a used car



Business-Office-Supplies:
Discount Office Supplies, Home Office, Office Furniture, Copiers, Home Business, Business Cards, Business Brochures, Mailing List Companies, Affiliates, Franchises, Business Telephone Systems, Employment Agencies, Call Centers, Fax Machines
Health and Wellness:
Fioricet for Migraine Relief, Online Pharmacies, Phentermine for dieting, Tramadol for Chronic Pain Relief, Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Lawyers, Acne Treatment, Contact Lenses, Drug Rehabilitation, Cerebral Palsy, Hair Loss, Hair Loss Products, Human Growth Hormones , Diet Pills, Treadmills, Fragrances, Reducing Cholesterol, Diabetes, Obesity, Arthritis, High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, Acid reflux, Cialis, Understanding Depression, Unraveling Diet Plans, Erectile dysfunction, Lipitor, Sleep Loss, Viagra, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Living With Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder

Gifts:
Gift Ideas, Corporate Gifts, Gift Cards, Wristwatches, Replica Watches, Sunglasses, Wholesale Jewelry, Jewelry Boxes, Wedding Gifts, Food Gifts, Books, Music, Flowers, Gift Baskets, Candles & Candleholders, Chocolate & Candy

Sports:
Health Clubs, Home Gyms, Treadmills, Golf, Golf Vacations, Golf Schools, Golf Clubs, Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Basketball

Travel:
Railroad Train Travel, Greyhound Bus Travel, Moving Guide, Rental Cars, Luxury Cruises, Maui Vacation, Spain Travel, Panama Cruise, Mexico Travel, Europe Travel, Disneyland Vacation, Disney World Vacation, Airline Tickets, Las Vegas Vacations, Las Vegas Sights, Las Vegas Entertainment, Las Vegas Dining, Lake Tahoe, Reno Vacations, Grand Canyon Vacation, Alaska Vacation, San Juan Island Vacation, Seattle Vacation, San Francisco Vacation, San Diego Vacation, SeaWorld Vacation, Yellowstone Park Vacation, Los Angeles Vacation, Bed & Breakfasts, Las Cruces New Mexico Vacation, Texas Hill Country Vacation, Columbia River Gorge Vacation, Albuquerque Vacation, New Mexico Vacation, Utah Vacation, Denver Vacation, Carlsbad Caverns, Branson, Missouri, Arizona Vacations, Jackson Wyoming, Skiing Wyoming, Skiing Oregon, Skiing Utah, Skiing Colorado, Skiing California, Skiing Washington State, Skiing Idaho

Yard-and-Garden:
Lawn Care, Patio Furniture, Hot Tubs & Spas, Gazebos, Fences, Decks, Barbeque Grills, Greenhouses, Patios, Sprinkler Systems, Landscape Design, Backyard Ponds, Bird Baths, Hedge Trimmers, String Trimmers, Wheelbarrows and Gardencarts, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Care Tools, Lawn Edgers, Leaf Blowers, Now Blowers, Rakes