Heck, at some places you can claim your domain for less than $10 a year, and get a free email box with at the same time. In an age when a couple of gallons of gas cost more than an Internet name and email for an entire year, that seems like a screaming bargain.
So here's what you do:
- Choose a domain name for your company's Web site.
- Check to see if the name is available, or already registered. If it's not available, keep looking until you find one that is.
- Once you have your name, register it with a domain registration service. If all you want for now is the name, you can stop there. Or see what further services the registrar offers that can help you get set up with a Web site and business email to your own domain.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Select of company that can deliver a complete line of other Web services
Make your life easy and go with one of the big guys. Today's top dogs offer either a la carte or comprehensive services, including: domain name search tools, registration, Web hosting, email, ecommerce solutions and even design and blogging software.I recommend: Some of the big names in registration and hosting include Register.com, GoDaddy.com and Network Solutions. DomainDirect includes blogging software and hosting as an adjunct to your site. Of these, "Daddy" is the cheapest, and Network Solutions the biggest.
Open your search to other registration options
Looking for something different?I recommend: The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, or ICANN, a non-profit organization that coordinates the Internet's domain name system, provides a listing of accredited registrars. RegSelect offers comparison shopping among several registrars at once.
Stay on top of domain renewals
Most domain registrars offer discounts if you sign up for multiple years. Be sure your registration service also offers timely reminders to renew your registration and that you've provided the proper address where you want those notices to go.I recommend: GoDaddy.com sends renewal notices by email at regular intervals when your domain name registration is about to expire. If you use a calendar through your email software, such as Microsoft Outlook, enter the expiration date and set it to remind you several weeks before your registration ends.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- If you're a solo practitioner working from home, consider registering your domain "by proxy" — paying a service to register your site at a post office box rather than listing your home address.
- Go for the discounts — registering for five years is often a much better bargain than just one.
- If you haven't selected a Web designer or determined how to DIY your own design, you can "park" your domain name without hosting it anywhere — a temporary front page appears indicating that the domain name is taken and a site is forthcoming.
- Always ensure that your domain name registration service offers secure payment options — look for a Frequently Asked Questions link or a section referencing secure payment options.
- Scope out the home pages of registrars for special discounts or coupons, or sign up for a potential registrar's email newsletter — special offers are often sent to subscribers.
the Domain Registration page at Business.com
Register Your Domain with Dotster
Dotster has been trusted by businesses for over 10 years. Learn why Dotster is the right place to register your business Domain.
Domain Names | Hosting | Email | SSL Certificates
Dotster.com
Dotster has been trusted by businesses for over 10 years. Learn why Dotster is the right place to register your business Domain.
Domain Names | Hosting | Email | SSL Certificates
Dotster.com
Domain Name for Your Own Customized Website
Customizable templates with your own domain, including websites, widgets, newsletters, banners, flyers and more. Hosting Included. Get started Today!
Sign Up Today
wix.com
Customizable templates with your own domain, including websites, widgets, newsletters, banners, flyers and more. Hosting Included. Get started Today!
Sign Up Today
wix.com
Qwest® Business
Your one-stop small business shop for phone, fiber-optic Internet, web site development, digital security and high-speed networking solutions.
www.qwest.com/smallbusiness
Your one-stop small business shop for phone, fiber-optic Internet, web site development, digital security and high-speed networking solutions.
www.qwest.com/smallbusiness
Comcast Business Internet
Get Comcast Business Class Today Find Local Offer For Your Business
Call Now | Consultation | Availiability
www.ComcastBusinessServices.com
Get Comcast Business Class Today Find Local Offer For Your Business
Call Now | Consultation | Availiability
www.ComcastBusinessServices.com
Free B2B search marketing whitepaper, B2B Search Marketing Strategy Guide: Advice From the Pros.
