How to Buy and Register a Domain Name

By Candice Pardue

Are you ready to buy or register your domain name?

How to Buy | Register a Domain Name

If you're wondering how to buy | register a domain name, don't sweat it! Here are some simple steps to take before, during, and after the process. It's easier than you think to get a great domain name.

As the Web becomes more popular, the domain names are becoming scarce. It can be difficult to find a domain name that best suits your company because so many other people in your field might be thinking of the same domain name. So, you must be creative and brainstorm a little while to decide on the right domain name for you.

How to Brainstorm when Buying a New Domain Name

Coming up with a great domain name can actually become a family event. You can spend quality time with your family while trying to brainstorm for the right domain name. Even the kids will enjoy trying to think of great names - they might even hit the jackpot and pick a winning domain name!

Write down these four things before getting started:

*Your company name.

*Your products or services.

*Who is your target audience?

*Are you planning to do heavy advertising and branding for your domain name or small-business marketing?

These four factors can help you come up with a great domain name. When you buy | register a domain name, you must consider these things before getting started because they will help determine how effective certain types of domain names will be.

Why Not Just Use My Company Name as my Domain Name?

You shouldn't use your company name as a domain name unless your company is well-known to the general public, or you plan to make it well-known through heavy branding. The only other time you should use your company name is if the name is short and simple, and if it reflects the type of business you operate.

For example, if you own a company called "The Roland Brothers" and sell children's toys, then the company name is not related to the product you sell. Visitors to your site will have a difficult time remembering this domain name.

However, if your company name is "Tot Toys, Inc." you could easily secure the domain name "tot-toys.com" or something similar if that one is not available, and you'll still have an effective domain name. This all depends on what you have to offer and how the company name relates.

Otherwise, follow these simple rules to buy | register a domain name:

*Keep it simple.

*Keep it short.

*Avoid excessive dashes or other symbols within your main domain name.

*Choose a ".com" domain name if possible if you plan to operate an online business. Or, choose ".org" for an organization, ".edu" for an educational site, and so on.

That's all there is to it for brainstorming! As you'll see in the next step, to buy a domain name is easy, choosing it is usually the hardest part!

How to Buy | Register the Domain Name after Choosing One

Once you have a great domain name in mind, you must go online to a "Web Hosting" site or "Domain Registrar" site to check for availability of that particular domain name. Most web hosts also offer domain registration, and will allow you to check availability for free.

You can check as many domain names as you want at no charge. Some sites will even offer alternatives for your domain name if it is unavailable. So, visit your chosen host or registrar site and locate the "Register Domain Name" form. Type in the domain name you have chosen and select a suffix (.com, .org, .net, .edu, etc.).

Then, submit the domain name to check for availability. If the domain name is available, you can continue registering it right then and there or you might want to shop around for a cheaper price before registering your domain name.

Finding a Great Registrar and Web Host

Finding a great registrar and web host doesn't have to be rocket science. If you choose to shop around before you buy or register a domain name, it's best if you can find affordable hosting and domain name registration together with one company. However, it is not required that you host your domain name at the same place where you register it. It's your choice.

Remember, domain name bills only come once a year, but many hosting companies charge monthly. By shopping around, you might even find a company offering a huge hosting discount if you pay by the year!

Be sure the company is reputable. Look for companies that are established on the Web. Ask around at discussion forums to see who everyone else is using and to get some feedback. It's worth doing research because you will be with your web host and/or registrar for many years to come.

Once your domain name is registered, you can secure hosting for it. You will probably be required to wait up to 48 hours for your domain name and hosting to be set up. Once set up, you can start loading your web pages at your new domain name. And.... you're in business!

It's not difficult to buy | register a domain name, but the whole process can be confusing for beginners. I hope this will help you better understand how it all works.

---

Article written by Candice Pardue, online success freelance writing

This article about IX Internet hosting may be reprinted for use as content at any website or in any publication as long as the article is kept intact with included links, text, etc.. and the resource at the conclusion of the article must remain with the article. The articles may not be sold for profit or included with a consumer product without written permission from the author. Thank you, and enjoy!

Successful Web Design Tutorial