Author : Marian Brown
Owning your own domain name (.com) is easier than you think. And, if you are in any type of business – even a hobby business, non-profit business or a club/association – having your own identity with a domain name is very important to your professional image.It is important in:
• Customer recognition
• Easy to find in search engines
• Decrease in the website address length
• Cohesive email address – youremail@yourdomain.com
• Ability to offer additional email addresses to staff/workers/volunteers to keep business issues in a business email
• Personal ownership and prideAcquiring your domain is really a simple process. All domains must be registered with InterNic. This registration service is offered by a variety of companies, called "registrars". Registrars have the legal authority to sell the registration of a domain. They each also can set their own prices.To find a registrar, you can search one of the search engines for "domain name registration" and then evaluate the pricing and what is included. (The company I use is www.TotalWebsitesOnline.com) In today's market, a registration should not be more than $10 per year. Most are about $8.95 per year. Cheaper offers are there, but watch out for the fine print. More expensive ones are there as well.Your registration fee should include, at a minimum:
• Complete Email
• Forwarding / Masking
• Starter Web Page (NOT an under-construction page)
• "For Sale" and/or Parked Page (under construction page)
• Domain Name Locking
• Email Forwards or aliases (at least 10)
• Telephone and Email supportMost registrars also offer hosting, marketing and a variety of other internet tools.Once you find your registrar, you are ready to being the process. Most follow the same basic procedure. They should have a search form or box – "Register Your Domain Name Here" or "Search for Your Domain Name Here".Enter your domain name choice – choosing either a ".com" or a ".net". If you are an organization, you can try for the ".org" as well. I do not recommend any of the other "extensions" such as ".ws", ".info" or ".biz" as a first choice.If a domain is already registered by someone else, you are not able to register that domain. Many companies, like TotalWebsitesOnline will offer suggestions that are available if your first choice is not. If your choice is not available, try again.When you find a domain name that is available, you will have the option to continue with the registration process. You may also have the option to choose the other extensions at a discount. If you have a business, you may want to purchase these, especially if your name is trademarked or you plan on having it trademarked.Complete the information accurately and be sure to use an email address that you have constant access to. Notices will go this email account.Many registrars now offer "Privacy Registrations" or "Registrations by Proxy". If you do not want your information (name, address, phone, email) to be accessible by a search of the InterNic database WHOIS, this is an add-on you might want to consider. Most companies offer this service for about $10 per year.Once you have made your selections, check-out and the domain is yours!Marian Brown has been involved with internet marketing since 1997. She has taught courses in website development and marketing online. Visit her site at http://www.totalwebsitesonline.com for more information and to subscribe to the free email newsletter.
Category : Business:Domain-Names
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