Domain Names 101Written by Jennifer Chiera
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obtaining domain name you really want, rather than settling for a .com domain name that is just so-so. Where should I register my domain? I have been dealing with domain names for quite some time now, so I've dealt with many domain name registrars. An important factor that you may not consider right away is how much control you have over your domain name(s). The key is going with a company that has a well known reputation. Reputations speak for themselves. The company you choose should have outstanding customer support and a simple control panel so that you can easily control your domain name settings. For domain name registration, I recommend two companies. 1) www.GoDaddy.com  , and 2) www.eNom.com *. Both of these companies have outstanding reputations, plus offer best control panels I've seen. The last thing you want is to be overwhelmed by your domain name. If it so happens that you don't like registrars I've recommended, feel free to do your own research, and find a company that works for you and your business. The Aftermarket Unless domain name you want to register is very unique, I wouldn't count on it being available for registration using .com extension. That's not to say that it's not for sale, however. After you try to register your name, and you find that has already been registered, go directly to web address on net, and see what's there. Sometimes there will be a developed website, sometimes there will be nothing but an error page, and sometimes you will find that domain name is for sale by owner. You can then attempt to contact current owner to purchase domain on aftermarket. Domain names are generally more expensive on aftermarket, so expect to pay more than you would if you were registering domain name through a company like GoDaddy.com. Keep in mind domain name market is competitive. The cost can be tremendous depending on demand for name. If you are just starting out, using an alternative extension would be a better option for you. Those will a larger budget should seriously consider investing in their first choice domain name if option is available. Whatever you decide to do, remember that your domain name is your web presence. You want people to remember your domain name, and never forget it. Try to choose something that represents your website or business, while being memorable and pleasant to say aloud. People tend to forget cumbersome domain names with too many words. Try to keep it as short as possible, if possible and let it flow. I chose DomainBash.com because it related to domain names, without being restrictive. It is also unique which allows me trademark or brand name. Combining a more common keyword, in this case “domain” with another word that is less commonly used “bash” is always a good idea if you want to include keywords in your domain. If you have any questions relating to this article, and you still don't feel prepared to register a domain name, please feel free to contact me, and I will help you in any way that I can.
Jennifer Chiera Webmaster/Domain Name Speculator/Investor DomainBash.com
| | Domain Name Registration - Key TipsWritten by Keith Thompson
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Probably most important aspect of your domain name registration is choice of keywords to use in your domain name. Try to use main keyword or phrase you'd like to optimize whole site for, and see if you can craft a domain name around it. The search engines seem to favor keyword-rich domain names. Nuff said. Keep it short if possible. A shorter name is easier to remember than a long one. Don't use your company name unless it has your keywords in it. There's no point in ranking high for your name if no one is looking for it yet. Try to keep your domain name registration topically relevant. As search engines get smarter and smarter, sites that display total relevance will rank higher than catch all sites. Lastly, be sure to avoid other companies trademarks and copyrights in your domain name. For example, let's say you're an affiliate of The Sharper Image. It's tempting to use some version of that name to promote your affiliate site, but don't do it, unless of course you'd like to meet their lawyers! To sum up, your domain name registration is easy to do, but important to do well. It can make difference in whether you get found or not!
Keith Thompson is the webmaster at Domain name Registration Today where you will find the latest news and information on domains.
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