Register Your Domain Name

The domain registration process is fairly simple and in fact you do not need to have a current Web Host to register a domain name. Most companies will provide you with the ability to search for a particular domain name to see if it is available or if it has already been registered by another party.
 

Once you find a domain name that is available, you can use a credit card to submit payment. Be sure to ask the company that you use for your domain registration if you will be the owner. In some cases, domains have been registered on behalf of others and the domain ownership becomes an issue. Also, inquire about the process for modifying your domain name record. For example if you want to change ownership , change name servers, or contact information, there should be a standard procedure for making these changes. In most cases you are provided with a username and password that will allow you to administer your domain name record.

Once you have a domain name registered and you have selected a Web Host, you will need to notify your domain registrar so that they can "point" your domain name to your Web Hosting account. Generally, this involves modifying the Domain Name Servers (DNS) associated with your domain name. If you are not sure what name servers to use, ask your Web Host for details, they should be able to provide you with any details necessary to transfer your domain to your new Web Hosting account.
 

Why Register your own Domain Name:

• Very low cost: These days, the yearly fee for a domain name registration is very low.

• Going fast: Over 10,000 domain names are being registered each day. Even if your website is not ready now, register your domain name now.

  You can "park" your domain name, which means you don't have to have a website in order to register a domain name.

• Credibility. The address of your website is its identity. It's very important for your credibility.

  www.4nutritionalsupplements.com

  shows you're serious about your online bookshop, while 4nutritionalsupplements.freeservers.com
  shows your website is more like a hobby. Visitors will think that you're not likely to give them good service. Lost credibility means lost sales.

   

• Easy to remember. You'll probably agree that your customers will find it a lot easier to remember "www.betterbooks.com" then "betterbooks.webjump.com". Result: more visitors to your website.

How to choose a Domain Name:

• Make it easy to remember. Shorter is better. Make it easy to spell.

• Show what your site is about. "www.saveontax.com" works better than "www.xyz-accountants.com".

• At the Naming Newsletter: www.namingnewsletter.com, you'll find dozens of hints and tips on naming things.

How to get a Domain Name

Make your name point to your website Open the website of your hosting company and find their technical support section. There you will find instructions about making your new domain name point to your website. Or simply send them an email.

If you do not have a website yet, you can park your domain name until you've got your own website.