A Beginner’s Guide to Domain Name Registration
Anyone looking to launch their business website should consider a few things before starting. The most essential things to consider are deciding your business niche, finalizing a website layout, and finding the perfect platform to host your business.
However, the most important thing to do before launching your business is to come up with a catchy business name and choose the right domain name. It is essential that your business domain name reflects your business’ brand and personality through and through. It is equally important that the domain name be crisp, simple, and attractive to the target audience.
The world we live in today is one centered around convenience. As a result, it is easy for anyone to register a domain name or buy your domain name online. You don’t have to be an internet expert or have knowledge of website architecture to book your domain name. However, for anyone looking to establish an online presence, this guide is essential. Here, we will provide enough information to empower you but not overwhelm you.
But, before we go any further, there are a few key things you need to know.
Points to Remember
- It is possible to buy your domain name from any domain name registrar service or from a website name search company.
- Your unique domain name will have a dot in the address. The name to the left side is your unique domain name. The official term for your domain name is second-level domain or SLD. To the right of the dot is the TLD or top-level domain.
- Your SLD + TLD gives you the Uniform Resource Locator or URL.
- The URL is based on the IP address, a unique set of numbers. Computers use the IP address to connect to the server that hosts your online content.
Book Your Dream Domain
Domain Name Registration Made Easy Through 4 Simple steps
Step 1
Find the Right Domain Name Registrar
A Domain name registrar is a company that reserves and manages domain names. These companies are responsible for leasing the domain to you for a set period and price. Think of Domain Name Registrars as hosting companies dedicated to domain names.
There are many domain name registrars in the world and choosing the right one can be an uphill task. However, you can always go to the popular sites that have premium domain names for sale. These sites are big rock, google domains, domain.com, and Epik.
The best way to find the right company is to analyze its pricing structure. Typically, companies provide a year’s domain registration for a set price and discounts for a longer period. Additionally, they can offer a cheap domain names price for the first year and raise the prices after that. Ideally, you’re looking to pay ten to twenty USD per year on a domain. Do note that the premium domain names for sale cost significantly higher.
Also, find out the process required in shifting your domain name. Is the process simple or complicated? A reputable site will provide add-on services and an understandable expiration policy.
Some companies even have a grace period on your domain name if you forget to renew it on time. For example, Name cheap gives a 27-day grace period on their .com domains. That way, the owners won’t lose their business domain name if they forgot to renew it.
Step 2
Find an Available Domain
Now that you’ve selected a domain name registrar, the next step is to note down a catchy business name. Your domain name is used in the website URL as an identifying marker. Hence, it should be something distinct and memorable. You can put anything for your domain name, provided someone else isn’t already using it. However, we suggest sticking to a simple name as they remain in customers’ memories longer.
Choosing or thinking of a good domain name can be a difficult task. Extra care must be taken as it is a branding opportunity and make the first impression on the customer. A short name is memorable, but don’t forget to add some keywords and improve your SEO ranking.
Remember that your top-level domain can also influence your decision when choosing the right domain. Most businesses register a domain name with the .com TLD as it is the most popular one. However, you always have the choice to create a clever or catchy name. Those tend to stick in people's minds much longer than a simple one.
Step 3
Protecting Your Personal Information
When you register your domain name, the owner information gets added to the public registry. This process means that practically anyone can see your name, phone, number, address, and email id. Information on the public registry is a problem for anyone concerned about privacy. At best you may deal with some spam mails, and at worse, you can become a target for hackers.
The best way to hide this information is to utilize some form of ‘Domain ID’ protection. These add-ons mask your personal information to the outside world and use placeholders as substitutes. Though you will receive some annoying mail now and again, there is a protective layer between you and the sender.
Step 4
Don’t Forget to Renew Your Domain
By now, you have your business domain name and want to buy your domain name. Now it is time to move ahead with the purchase. Just remember that your business domain name is valid for the time period you selected. Typically, this period is one year. After a year, it is essential that you renew your domain name to continue using it.
Some domain name registrars hold onto the domain name for a grace period before listing it for sale. Almost every registrar sends you an email notification that your domain name is about to expire. Typically, they send one email thirty days ahead and another email seven days ahead. Remember that if you fail to renew your domain, it is almost impossible to reclaim that domain after expiration.
The best solution to overcome this problem is to set up an automatic renewal system. If you own more than one domain, it is best to not set an auto-renewal for all of them. Instead, focus on the most important ones and let your registrar handle the rest. That approach saves you time and a potential headache down the road.
Comments
Post a Comment