Get the Right Domain Name for Your New Website (Part 2) // Dream Seed Multimedia, Lancaster, PA

Get the Right Domain Name for Your New Website (Part 2)

Written by Adam J. Barkafski Added: 01 September 2007

You’re ready to build your new website. But you need to give it an address, a place for people to find it first. You’re in the right place to learn all about how to set your domain name up so that your new website will have a home. In the first of these two articles, you learned about considerations to take in selecting a domain name as well as reviewed just what domains are. In this concluding part, read about how and where to register your domain name. Before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to creating your new website!

Choosing a Registrar

After you’ve selected a domain name (or preferably several), it’s time to register one. However, you can only register one that’s available. So start by checking the availability of the domain names on your list. There are several websites out there that can report availability status to you.

Once you find an available domain name, it’s finally time to register it! Unfortunately, when you “buy” a domain name, you’re not really buying it. It’s more like renting; you pay to have it registered for a year or two. There are many, many places where you can register your domain name, and not all are created equally.

When looking for a domain registrar, you’ll probably want to consider price, and price is something you can check by just looking around and comparison shopping. Take a special look at fees and what’s included with fees. You may find that there are extra one-time fees upon your first registration. Other services may have a one, all-inclusive fee. You have to make the best choice that fits your budget.

However, a crucial consideration is that you’ll always want to be sure that your domain name is registered in your name with your contact details. Please be sure of this before you register! Some domain registration companies register domains in their own names, even if you use them like they’re yours. This could be very important later in determining ownership of your domain should you wish to transfer. If you’re considering using particular domain registrars, ask them what they do.

Registering Your Domain

When you’re registering your domain name, check also to see if the registrar offers a few helpful features. If it offers free transfer lock, do that. This prevents others from transferring your domain name while it’s active and while the lock is on. Additionally, you should also see if the registrar offers automatic renewal. If you keep your credit card on file with the registrar, and they offer automatic renewal, your domain name should continue to be renewed in your name without a lapse. However, it’s still a good idea to mark your domain registration’s expiration on your calendar so that you can check on it to prevent accidental expiration.

And one word of warning to once your domain name is registered: There are (yikes!) opportunistic companies and scams out there that can compromise your registration by stealing your domain name. Don’t respond to emails, mailings, or phone calls that ask you to pay money or give personal information to renew your domain name registration. If presented with a solicitation like these, contact your domain registrar directly to determine the solicitation’s validity. You will probably find that it’s bogus.

You Can Do It!

Don’t let domain name registration woes detract from your entire website experience. It’s really quite simple if you follow some simple, common sense steps. You’ll soon be on your way to a successful website!

Category: Website Design and Hosting