We are all familiar with the phrase "dot com", right? Well, the advent of domain names made that phrase possible. Good domain names are short, easy to remember and appropriate, which we will scrutinize at some depth later on. Here is what this article will examine:

• What is a domain name?

• How are domain names registered? 

• How to choose a good domain name

What is a domain name?

Let's keep this simple. A domain name is nothing more than a web address. This site's domain name is stevesdomain.net. Other domain names include espn.com, foxnews.com and af.mil.

A domain name is made up of, minimally, a name and an extension. Extensions include .com, .net, .org, .gov, .mil, .biz and hundreds of others. Often, a host name will precede the domain name, forming a web address like www.stevesdomain.net. http:// is NOT a part of any domain name. Rather, http references the protocol used to transfer web content.

Below is a complete web address, separated accordingly. Please keep in mind that a host name is not required, depending on the server configuration on which the domain name runs.

Before a domain name becomes active, it must be registered. We will discuss domain registration in the next section of this document.

How are domain names registered?

Domain names are registered through services we call registrars. The cost of domain names range in price, from around $8.00 to more than $15.00, depending on the service. Some domain name registrars include:

GoDaddy.com | Dotster.com | MyDomain.com | Register.com

All registrars offer a search utility. Enter your desired domain name into their search utility and check its availability. If it is not registered, then that domain is fair game and can be registered by anyone. Please note that some domain extensions, like .gov, .mil and country codes are reserved for particular kinds of web sites, and domain names under those extensions may not be available.

Most registrars offer each user a term length choice, 2-years being the most common default term length. Estimate the number of years that you want your domain name for; all domains can be renewed after the initial registration period has expired.

How to choose a good domain name

So, what makes a good domain? Before registering, keep these tips in mind.

• Extension - Extensions are admittedly not as important as they used to be. For example, .org domain name extensions were reserved for non-profit organizations, while they can now be registered by anyone. You may want to choose the .net extension if your site is technology related. Consider .com for commercial services and .com or .org for personal web sites. Of course, there are a number of new extensions, like .biz and .cc, which may make your site more unique. Scoop those new domain name extensions up while they are hot.

• Length - Keep your domain name as short as possible. Remember, Internet users want information quickly and easily. Don't make them type unnecessary characters (like hyphens). Register.com offers a domain name recommendation service if your desired domain name is not available (&$%#$!). Remember, domain names can span up to 67 characters.

   

• Be descriptive - Although domain names should be short, they should also be descriptive, distinct and obvious. For example, if you plan to develop a portfolio site, consider your own name as your domain name. If you sell Beanie Babies, chew over a domain name like beaniebabyheaven.biz. A domain name should give your visitor a good idea what your site is about before visiting for the first time.

So, what happens if the peeerfect domain name is already registered? Well, you could have your lawyer send them a threatening letter, but that probably won't work, and I don't recommend it. Rather, consider minor differences in the domain name. For example, append your state abbreviation to the name (ie: website-co.com or website-ks.com). Be careful with trademarks on domain names, though. They can get sticky.

Let your creative juices fly, here. The more unique your domain name, the better the chances that your visitors will remember it, and that means your web site will do well.

Oh, and one last thing. The moment you decide on a domain name, register it. Names available today may not be available tomorrow.

Author: Steve Date written: October, 2003

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