To register a domain name is the first step in establishing your online presence and reaching visitors. We’ll show you how to create and register your domain name to avoid some of the pitfalls that can arise, and choose the best domain name to make sure that your site reaches the most people. Read below if you want to get on your way to a successful website!
1. Decide your preferred route.
Your website will be made with a series of files, so you’ll need a place to store those files. You can do it on your own computer (without a hosting service) or store them on another company’s servers (with a hosting service). Most web hosting services will also be able to register a domain name for you. Choose which route you want to take and then follow the appropriate set of instructions.
2. Choose a hosting service
Choose a service to host your website, or go with the service that you already have (if you inherited a website). There are many reputable ones, and you will want to choose a reputable one, but they tend to have different customer service policies and prices. Choose what’s best for you.
- Reputable hosting services include SafetyNames.com, GoDaddy.com, OnlyDomains.com, and eNom.com.
- The hosting services all work with the ICANN database, which is in charge of keeping track of all domain names, so they should all turn up the same information.
Method 2: Register a domain name without a Hosting Service
1. Check with your ISP.
Now, the trick with hosting your website on your own servers is that some ISPs (internet service providers) don’t allow this. They will block the traffic. So, the first thing to do is check with your ISP to make sure this is allowed and if you need to do anything special. If they don’t allow it, you’ll have to either change ISPs or change your mind about hosting.
2. Choose registrar.
Choose either one of the major hosting services, or find a website that just does registration, like Domjax. You can simply register a domain name with most of the hosting companies; you don’t have to also host with them. Just find a reputable and certified domain registrar.
- Keep in mind that some hosts and registrars are only allowed to register certain top-level domains (or TLDs), like .org and .xxx, and so on.
3. Get a server (If you are going to develop your website)
You’ll need a server to host your site on. You can repurpose an old computer or you can get a straight-up server. Whichever suits your needs best. Just make sure that it can handle the needs of your website. If you think you’re going to be getting a lot of traffic, you’ll need a fast system. Your local computer store staff person should be able to advise you on the best option for your needs.
Well, now you need to know, what is the best practice to select a suitable domain for your business, read below tips and follow it while you register a domain name(s)
- Avoid getting stuck. Did you find out that the domain name you wanted was already taken? Are you wanting to be sure that your domain name is optimal for people to find your website? You’ll want to practice a few simple steps to get the name just right, rather than getting stuck and giving up or taking a less than a great name.
- Keep it current. Choose a domain name that sounds current, and not like something out of the 90s or 00s. Avoid using numbers or letters for words (2, 4, U, etc), or other dated languages.
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Be creative and use words or phrases that describe your company so potential clients know what your business is about. This is helpful with search rankings if you’re depending on traffic from search engines.
- Be professional. Choose a name that sounds professional and legitimate. Unless you want to be mistaken for a porn site or a scam, choose a name that sounds professional. For example, don’t name your travel website Travel4U.biz and instead go with something like QualityTravel.net.
- Make sure it’s easy to read. The domain name should be easy to read. Avoid names that are made up of multiple words with the same letter or letters that look the same, such as Goiilio or wiki-like. On many computers and print media, these will be difficult to read correctly.
- Keep it short. Shorter domain names are better, as these are easier to read, type, and remember. However, if your website can be easier to remember or stand out more at wikiHow.com, rather than wHow.com, then don’t worry about it.
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Be memorable. If someone is going to learn about your website by word of mouth, you’ll want it to be something that’s easy to remember. This is why it’s best to name it after your business or after yourself (if it’s something like a portfolio site).
- Choose something that’s clearly you. Tie your domain name to your brand rather than your product. This will help people find you more easily and be easier to remember. It can also cut down on the price of your domain. For example, wikiHow.com is better than GoodInfo.com.
- Buy an existing domain name or an expired one. If the domain name you really want already exists, consider purchasing it if you think it’s a wise investment. Also, with plenty of domain names expiring every month, selecting an expired domain name is another great option to consider.
- Use Google’s tools. Maximize SEO (search engine optimization) by taking advantage of Google’s tools, like Google Trends and Google Keywords. They can help you find easier searchable or more commonly searched alternatives, as well as provide expected search numbers.
Some interesting facts of domain names
Did You Know?
Search Engine Google was originally meant to be Googol, the term for the number one followed by 100 zeros. But the word was misspelled when the domain name was registered and the rest, well, is history.
Did You Know?
As of December 2018, nearly 36% of all .com domain names are made up exclusively of two or more frequent use English keywords.
Did You Know?
Although most domain name disputes involving celebrities conclude in favor of the famous individual, one dispute that resolved in favor of the registrant was the matter involving the registration of sting.com in 2000.
Did You Know?
Although the average length of a .com and .net domain name is 12, you can create a domain name up to 63 characters in length.