How to create your own website
a free guide for beginners

The Domain Name

The first and maybe the most important is the domain name. A domain name is the infamous www address visitors will use to find your website on the web, (ex. www.netiDnow.com). It is more than an address however, it is also your business and online identity. Even if the domain name is not exactly the same as your registered business name, it is still part of your brand so it is important that you consider this name carefully. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the best domain name for your business.

• Make it Relevant
  When possible, choose a domain name that closely matches your purpose. If you're a business, then use your business name if possible. For personal sites and blogs, focus on your core theme or brand goals. Remember, your domain name should relate to and be consistent with your overall business and brand strategy.
• Consider your Searchability
  If possible choose a domain name that has your main keyword(s) in it, which you anticipate people will use to find you. You may also consider keywordsthatdescribe or closely relate to your project/business. If you do this right, the benefits are two-fold. First, you will end up with a domain name that is memorable and reaches your audience. Second, having the right keywords in the domain name will also help you rank higher in the search results.
• Keep it Simple
  Choose a name that people can easily remember. Try to avoid unnecessary numbers and/or lengthy words. If you have to write it down, chances are it is too long and will easily be forgotten.

Domain names are purchased and registered through a Domain Registrar. Although there are really a handful of primary or wholesale registrars, there are tons of domain registration services out there offering different options and pricing. For most part the cost of the domain is anywhere from $10-40 and the minimum registration term is one year.

Considering that your domain name is the base for your entire online presence and brand, it is important to avoid certain pitfalls which could jeopardize your ownership rights to that name. Here are a few points you should pay attention to;

• Keep all records of your registration and domain account access info.
  It is very important save all of this information so that you can prove your ownership in case of any disputes, and be able to manage and update your domain as necessary. If you are not able to prove that you are an owner you will have trouble getting any help from your registrar.
• Make sure you are the domain owner and that the domain is in your name.
  Beware of free domain offers offered with hosting services, most of the time you are not the actual owner, and the host may make it hard on you to leave their service or release the domain. We recommend that you purchase your domain separately from other services and make sure you are in control.
• Renew your domain name on time.
  First, the expiration of your domain name will cause your website and email to go down. Also, once an expired domain is taken over the registrar and goes into redemption status, most registrars will charge very large fees to get it back. If you are thinking that you can just wait for it to go public again…that may not happen so don't count on it.

All legitimate registration services will provide you with a domain management account and control panel. Access to your domain information is very important as it provides you the ability to manage every aspect of your domain ownership information and settings that connect the domain with your website and email.

It is important to note that the domain and the website are actually two separate entities. Although one is dependent on the other and they work together, the two are mutually exclusive. You do not have to have your domain and website with the same host or service.

Finally, when registering your domain name you can now opt for private registration. This option allows you to keep your contact information private and not available to the public. This option is an add-on and normally costs extra.

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