Tips on How to Register a Domain Name

A domain name is any acronym, series of letters, words or phrases that represent your numerical IP address, the unique number assigned to your computer so that other computers can find and interact with it. Because IP addresses can be long strings of numbers that are hard to remember, the domain names that represent these numbers make it easier for others to find you and/or your business online.
 
 
While the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is the body that assigns and oversees all domain names on the Internet, it also accredits particular domain name registrars to sell and register domain names. Some of the more popular, well respected domain name registrars in the industry include:
  • Dotster
  • GoDaddy
  • Google
  • Network Solutions
  • Register.
Once you choose and buy a domain name (or set of names), you will have to register the name before your Web site can be live on the Internet.

Steps for Registering a Domain Name

Here are step-be-step instructions for how to register a domain name (or set of names):
  1. Search for "domain name registrars" in a major search engine.
  2. Take a look at a few registrars' sites that pop up and find one that is credible and makes you feel comfortable.
  3. Search for available domain names by typing a word, phrase, etc., in to the site's search tool.
  4. Once you find an available name you want, buy it. To prevent your competitors from possibly taking variations of your domain name and, therefore, your customers, consider purchasing some variations on your chosen domain name. These can include names that end in alternate suffixes, such as .net or .org, rather than .com.
After you purchase your domain name through a registrar, the registrar will likely offer to be your Web host, the organization that supplies server storage room for a Web site's files. If you currently don't have a Web host, then using the domain name registrar as your Web host is an easy way to get your Web site up and running.

Cost of Registering Domain Names

Keep in mind that the total cost of buying domain names and registering them will depend on the domain name you choose. For example, while a more popular domain name can cost upward of $5,000, those that are in far less demand can cost as little as $50. However, once you have made the investment in the domain name itself, the cost of registration is minimal.
 
In general, registering your domain name will cost between $10 and $40 for one year of registration. Some registrars may even offer to register your domain name for free, as long as you allow them to place particular ads on your site. Think about whether or not ad placement will add credibility to your site. If it detracts from the function of your site, opt for the inexpensive registration fee. This will give you the freedom to design every aspect of your site.

Registration Warnings

One of the most important things to remember as you are registering your domain name(s) is that the name you register will only stay registered in your control for one year. As a result, you will need to be sure that you re-register your domain names (and repay the associated fees) each year before the deadline.
 
If you forget to register your domain names in time, they can go back on sale as available names. In the worst cases, people can actually buy them out from under you, taking your Web site along with them.
 
Resources
 
Heng, Christopher (updated December 12, 2007). How to Register Your Own Domain Name. Retrieved December 13, 2007, from theSiteWizard.com Web site: http://www.thesitewizard.com/archive/registerdomain.shtml.