Domain Name Registration

When you do a domain registration, you own the right to use the domain name. And you continue to own the right as long as you renew the domain.

The moment your stop renewing the domain, it expires and go through an expiration process.

At the end of it the domain goes back into the common domain pool and anyone can then register the name and use it.

Before we into the registration process, here are a few things that you should know about domains names.

Registration Period and Fee

The minimum domain name registration period is one year and the maximum is ten years.

Domain registration fee differs from one registrar to another. This difference is not a lot for a single domain but if you plan to register many domain names, the savings can add up. It pays to look around.

Many registrars also provide web hosting services. And most web hosting companies are also domain resellers. As an incentive, many of them provide free registration (and renewal) for one or more domains if you sign up for hosting with them. If you want to get a domain for free, this is the way!

Domain registration is a very competitive business. Many registrars offer the first year registration at a much discounted price. However fees revert to normal after that. Many registrars also offer a highly discounted fee for domain transfer for the first year. Likewise the fee reverts to normal after the first year.

There are two types of top level domains - sponsored and unsponsored. Unsponsored domains are intended to be relatively large, generally available domains operating under policies established by the global Internet community directly through the ICANN process. Examples include .com, .net, .biz, .name etc. Sponsored domains are more specialized, with restrictions on the type of organization that can obtain them, and with policy-formulation responsibilities delegated to a sponsor representing the narrower community that is most affected by the TLD. Examples include .aero, .coop, .museum etc.

The Domain Name Itself

The domain name that you select should be easy to remember. Short is better than long and it should not be cryptic. For example "getupfresh.com" is better than "gtf.com" or "geufres.com". If you are a business, try to get a .com top level domain. When you tell someone your domain name, they are likely to assume that it is a .com. The chance that they get it right is higher with a .com. Also avoid hyphens if you can. They are harder to convey to potential visitors.

Take note of brands and trademarks. If you do not own them, you should avoid including them in your domain. It is highly likely that you will lose it to the legitimate brand or trademark holder.

The domain name should be reflective of your business. For example if you provide interior design services, the domain "theinteriordesigner.com" is appropriate. Or it says what it can do for your visitors. For example, "getupfresh.com" provides appliances to combat sleep apnea!

From a search engine perspective, it helps to have the keyword in the domain name. Most if not all search engine consultants agree that having the keyword in the domain name helps with ranking. For example if you want to rank high for toasters, domain names with the word toaster in it such as "toasterscenter.com" or "toastershouse.com" will go a long way or higher up.

After you have registered a domain, your registration information such as your name, email etc is publicly available by others doing a "who is" search on your domain. You can hide them information by opting for domain privacy during the registration process or later. and your information is hidden much like an unlisted phone number.

If you register many domains over a period do time, you will end up with different expiring dates. Many registrars give you the option to synchronize your domain's expiry date so that they expire at the same time and you can renew them all at once.

Domain Registration Process

The domain registration process is quite straightforward. First brainstorm and come out with a few domain name options.

Next visit a domain registrar site such as GoDaddy or NameCheap and try to register the name. You will know right away if the name is available or not. If it is not available, try another. Most registrars will also give you alternative names or top level domains to consider. For example if you wish to register "example.com" and it is not available, they may suggest "hisexample.com" of "theirexample.net".

Assuming that the domain name is available, you will be taken to the next screen to create an account and to key in your name and contact information.

Most registrars will also take the opportunity to up-sell hosting services, privacy option, multi- year registration, other top level domains etc. You can opt in or ignore as you please.

You will also need to make payment. The most convenient method is by credit card or PAYPAL. So get your credit card or PAYPAL information handy.

And finally do not forget to write down your account information such as login name, password and email address. You will need them for domain renewal.


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