What's in a Domain Name- Choosing, Registering and Tranferring Your Domain Name
By Terry HudsonWhat are Domain Names? Generally speaking, domain names are the familiar, easy-to-remember and always unique names of websites on the Internet. The very best domain names are easy to spell and remember and, are no longer considered just a ‘web address’ these days. Great domain names are scarce and some are commanding six- and seven-figure price tags and attract big-money players.
You can conduct a free domain name search (whois) by going to any of the thousands of Registrars. They also have optional services available such as web hosting or email packages. Most are a one stop shopping type of experience where you purchase and register domain names through their site.
When you begin your search you can restrict the search to all domain names, current domain names only (WhoIs) or historic domain names (WhoWas). Having your essential keyword phrase in your domain name is very important and may increase your ranking slightly in the search engines. Type the domain name you want into the search box. Most will search for the .com extension first and if your name is taken, you’ll automatically see the .extensions that is currently available with suggested alternatives. If the domain name is already in use, the database search will give you the opportunity to search for the current owner's contact information. The site's search tool lets webmasters find expired domain names according to keyword and search engine ranking.
For people who are new to the Internet, domain name registration and web hosting is a different thing. What is domain name registration?
Domain registration, is the registration of your chosen web / domain name. The registration and renewal of your company's domain names is a vital, yet often overlooked element of your business. Web hosting on the other hand, is the company you choose to make your site available to the Internet for viewing.
Once your name has been purchased, you have the choice of either keeping it there and letting them host your site or transfer your name to a host you might already be using. How difficult is it to transfer a domain name? It’s really not hard but, like anything else, the first time always takes a little longer. So, how do you transfer a domain name? Lets go back just a little. Once you’ve purchased your domain name you need to add the name server your domain will be directed to. To find this information, send an email to your hosting site and ask. Usually there will be a link to that info. There is a primary and secondary name server and they look something like this: svr9.hostaccount.com. When you purchase, there is an automatic lock for 24-48 hours and you will not be able to transfer your name. However, that won’t keep you from adding your name servers; just be sure to unlock the domain before you try to transfer it. Make sure you have all the details, eg. Full Name, Address, and email account, phone number…
To transfer your domain name… follow these 5 easy steps!
First step... log into your account. Go to “Domain Names” and click on “My Domain Names.” Click on the domain name you want to transfer then, look for “Manage Domain Names.” Click on “Change Accounts.” Find and fill in the “New Registrant Name.” That’s about it! You’ll probably get a confirmation notice; confirm and be done.
Domain names are cheap, have as many as you want. The best domain names are easy to spell and remember. One important thing to remember; your domain name is an extension of your business identity and used in URLs to identify particular web pages. One important tip: choose your name by including a niche word describing your business. In other words, if you are selling “antique pottery” don’t choose a generic name like “bestglassware.com.” You would be much better using your name, for instance… billsantiquepottery.com. There are many factors involved in choosing your name and I suggest you really spend quality time doing your research. Domain names are registered on a first-come, first-served basis and also used for reaching e-mail addresses and for other Internet applications.
Domain names are no longer just a web address, they are the core for website identity, marketing and promotion of your business . Your domain name is your unique electronic address on the Internet for the world to see. Choose it carefully.
Did you find this article helpful? If you have questions please go to http://www.terryhudson.net/realestate.htm to get additional info on choosing a domain name.
Terry lives in the beautiful US Virgin Islands where he is a boat captain and online entrepreneur. He has published articles about the internet and a variety of other subjects.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Hudson
How to Choose a Domain Name
By Rajiv SahadevanIn the internet business, the domain name could be the beginning or the end of your business. Choosing your domain name wisely is essential to be ahead in the market. There are 2 types of domain names.
1.
Keyword rich Product related domains For example, webdesignuk.com, smallbusinessreview.com etc. These domains clearly give you an idea of what the website is all about from the domain name itself. They are keyword rich and often rank well for the keywords in the domain if the site is optimized well. These websites usually fare well with most search engines.
2.
Brand named Domain names Yahoo for instance or Google is a brand name. The Name Google itself will not tell you what it is. But who doesn’t know Google and yahoo. Brand name domains are good once you are into brand marketing. It’s often a bad idea if you are a start up Website Company to invest into a brand name domain. It usually costs a lot for brand marketing and its altogether a different ball game.
When
choosing a domain name, make it as keyword rich as possible and also as short as possible. A domain name like makemoneyontheinternet.com is a great domain name but considering its length, it could just be bad. Limit your domain name length to as little as 10 to 12 characters. This would make your domain look good with the search engines. Also take enough time to choose your domain extension. If your domain is a .com it will have more chances to be found. .com domains are more preferred and will benefit you on the long run.
The author, Rajeev sahadevan has 10 years of experience in the web site design and development industry with websites like Web Design India, Internet Business Review, Online Trading Guide .
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rajiv_Sahadevan
How to Register a Domain Name
By Paul FlyerOne of the very first steps in getting yourself your own website is to register a domain name.
What is a domain name?
It is simply an address which defines the location of a website.
The process of registering a domain name is relatively simple.
First, you need to have an idea of a name.
Second, find an accredited domain name registrar.
Once at the registrar's website there should be some sort of domain name search capability.
Enter you domain name and click search.
Typically,
domain name registrars will return a list of domains. The list will include all possible suffixes to your domain name. Example: yourdomain.com, yourdomain.net, yourdomain.org, etc.
The registrar will indicate whether any of the domain names are currently available. Most do this by displaying some form of a green checkmark indicating availability or a big red X indicating the domain name is registered by another party.
Names that are available can be purchased. The transaction for purchasing a domain name is like any other online transaction; just have you credit card handy.
Before you go off and register a domain name, consider the traits of quality domain names.
Remember that a domain name, in and of itself, can have value. Domains with the most most end in .COM. Make sure your domain name is under 26 characters. Don't use hyphens or numbers. By all means, do not infringe on the trademark or copyright rights of others.
As quick guidelines, remember these three rules:
1) is the domain memorable?
2) can it be typed into a browser address bar without special characters?
3) does it communicate the content of the website?
While there are more things to consider when purchasing a domain name, these three questions are a place to start.
Paul Flyer writes about domain name registration on his Recommended Web Tools website. For more information on choosing, registering and managing domain names, download his free ebook, The Domain Name Handbook at http://www.recommendedwebtools.com/index.php/domain-name-handbook/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Flyer
