You’ve probably heard that “all good domain names are taken”, but that’s just not the case. However, getting your first choice domain name is getting harder and more costly to obtain. That is why it is a good idea to purchase your domain name now even if you do not currently have a website. For most of us, the domain naming process can be frustrating. With a lot of the the good names taken, finding a name that works for you or your company can be a tedious trial-and-error-process. So to help you get started we have some beginner tips on how you can get the most from your domain name. In today’s world of business not having some form of an online presence can cost you more than just clients and money.

Overview :
Domain Name Registration is the process of reserving the rights to an Internet Domain {e.g Http://YourNameHere.com} for a predetermined amount of time. Domains are generally registered anywhere from 1-to-10 years. Generally unregistered domains can cost anywhere between $5.99 & $35.00  a year depending on the registrar you make your purchase with as well as what tools are included.  
 

How It Works:
The domain name registration process begins with a search for available names. Once a domain has been registered or transferred an intuitive interface allows the registrant to perform all domain-related maintenance functions.

How do I decide on a domain name?
     Basically you want a name with these characteristics:

• Short: The maximum allowed size is 63 characters, but keep the name as short as possible. That’s easier to type and remember.
• Memorable: Names with special characters like hyphens and underscores are harder to describe to customers and clients over the phone. Visitors aren’t as used to them either and you may inadvertently send customers to your competitors if they have similar names without special characters.
• Descriptive: Use your company name or description of your product instead  of company initials. People would instantly know what a site called “NeverPayIncomeTaxAgain” is about without even looking at your site. The full title is much more descriptive than the acronym “NPITA”

Register multiple versions of your name:
     When you poll your friends and customers about your domain name, don’t let the majority decide your domain name. Instead, try to register every name that’s mentioned. Someone, Somewhere will use that name to find you. You can always forward a group of domain names to point to a single location. (for more information on domain forwarding just scroll down)

PlatinumProWeb.com offers these great tools to enhance your domain name and make it more accessible.

Private Domain Registrations:
      Private registrations allows a domain name registrant to keep his/her personal information out of the Whois Database, thus protecting the registrant’s identity from the public eye.

Domain Name Forwarding: Free w/purchase of new domain
     Domain name forwarding, which can be applied to any domain, is a service that instantly redirects all domain traffic to a predetermined Web Address. For example if you own SampleDomain.com, and have recently purchased SampleDomain.org &.net. You can point both the .org and .net domain to redirect all traffic to Sampledomain.com. So when a person types into their web browser SampleDomain.org it will take them to SampleDomain.com.

Domain Name Masking: Free w/purchase of new domain
     Domain name masking- used in conjunction with domain forwarding- ensures that the URL in the Web browser’s address bar remains the one typed in, even after the Internet user has been redirected to the destination address. This functionality serves to conceal- or “mask” - the fact that a domain has been forwarded.

Domain Appraisals:
     A domain appraisal reviews the market value of a given domain name. Two types of appraisals are available: Express Appraisals and Certified Domain Appraisals.

• Express Appraisals is an automated process that incorporates such factors as the domain’s brand recognition, length, top-level domain, and word count. It is usually completed in two hours or less.
• Certified Appraisals use the same metrics as Express Appraisals but add human review by an industry expert to further determine the domain’s value. It is usually completed within two days or less as well as includes a Certified Domain Appraisals seal.

For more information on how to register your domain name or to purchase a domain name today, please visit us at PlatinumProWeb.com

Did you like this? If so, please bookmark it, about it, and subscribe to the blog RSS feed.