Domain Name

Choosing a Domain Name

A domain name is the beginning of your website address. For example, JohnDoe.com/onlinemall.html. In this example, JohnDoe.com is the domain name. Before you can put your website online you need to have a domain name. This can be a tough assignment because you may have your heart set on a particular domain name, but it is already taken. So what should you do about a domain name? The first thing you should do is look at what type of business your website is promoting and come up with a name that pertains to that business. This will make it easier for potential customers to remember your website. In addition, try to keep it as short as possible. Next, you should come up with different variations of the domain name you decide on. You can add a couple of numbers or letters at the end of the domain name you choose. This will give you more options in case the domain name you want is not available.

Once you decide on a domain name, you need to do a search to see if that name is available. Most Web hosting providers have a place on their website for you to search the availability of a domain name. If you do a search and that name is taken, don't panic. That's why you should come up with different variations of the domain name. If you add a couple of numbers or letters at the end of the domain name, one of those combinations may be available. My opinion is that if you really like the personal domain you came up with, keep tweaking it by adding numbers or letters at the end of it until you find something that works. Also, you could add a letter or number at the beginning of your domain name. Hopefully, before you've exhausted all your choices, you can find a combination that works with your domain name. If not, unfortunately, you have to think of another domain name and just repeat the process again. Eventually, a name will be free for you to use. Also, you should test your domain name with family and friends to see if they like it. If they do then you are ready for the next step.

NOTE: Make sure you try to get a .com extension instead of .net, .org, .biz, etc.... The reason why is because this is the most popular extension and the one most people will remember. For example, if you have a .biz at the end of your domain name, a customer may go to .com out of habit and end up at another persons site. To learn more about choosing a domain name, go to the Articles link and read the article titled "How To Choose A Good Domain Name."

Domain Name Registration

Once you have a domain name you have to register it before someone else takes it. You can register your domain name with any Web hosting provider. However, you should try to register it with the Web hosting provider you plan on using for your website. This makes life easier for you because you won't have to transfer your domain name over. This can be done, but it is a hassle. If you are not planning on putting a website up soon, and you don't have a Web hosting provider chosen yet, then you should go ahead and register your domain name so no one else can take it. This is called domain parking when you are parking your domain name somewhere until you are ready to use it.