Domain Name FAQs
 

*What is a domain name? Do I need one?

A domain name is an address that is used to uniquely identify and locate websites on the internet. Much like telephone numbers, domain names cannot have more than one owner and are globally recognized identities. A properly selected domain name, in the form of a name or word(s), plays a key role in the professional image of an online business.
If you want your business on the web, you need a domain name.

*What are my benefits in having a domain name?

  1. Alternate, user friendly choice for IP addresses
    An IP address, which is a series of numbers separated by periods, is the way the computers of the internet identify and locate a web page. Your domain name interfaces with the website addressing system which directs a browser to your IP address; because they are in alphanumeric format, they are easily remembered and branded.
  2. Professionally
    Regardless of the size and type of a business, a properly selected domain name can give an organization a certain level of professionalism and credibility in an era where a company website is an important issue among many Internet users in the world.
  3. Mobility
    Regardless of how often you change your website, reorganize your online business model or technical infrastructure, or even move the physical location of your business, your domain name and its increasing marketing value will remain intact and continue to bring traffic to your online business.
  4. Property investment
    Domain names are considered to be extremely valuable real estate. The Internet is a powerful and global medium where the significance of physical distance, size, and location of brick and mortar companies have been made unimportant. All that stands between your potentially profitable online business and the global market is an Internet connection and your domain name!
  5. Additional traffic
    Search engines drive 80% of the traffic to websites. The search engines use keywords of product names, services, and the domain name itself to rank web sites. In certain cases, choosing a strategic domain name can transform a company's website traffic, from zero to thousands of visitors, overnight!

*How do I choose a domain name?

There are certain issues that have to be taken into account in order to successfully acquire an ideal domain name. This selection process can be significantly more efficient and quicker if you carefully take into consideration all specific attributes of your online business. Ask yourself the following questions:
  1. What makes your online business different?
  2. What is your competitive edge?
  3. What are your long term directions?
  4. What is the theme of your website?
Once you have clarified all key characteristics of your business model, you will be able to better select names that reflect these attributes and be more decisive.

*How do I choose the best name for my business?

There are many key factors involved. Whether you are personally handling the registration of your domain name, using a brokerage service or hiring a consultant, there are certain issues that have to be taken into account in order to successfully acquire an ideal domain name.
Here are some simple guidelines to follow:
  1. Brandability Can you sell it? Is it brandable? [even names that sound "strange" can have serious Value due to branding potential.] This is a very important and subjective factor.
  2. Marketability Who will buy it? Do you know market segment buying habits? It can help to look at the market you are selling to. Your best bet maybe the industry itself, who are the most likely buyers.
  3. Memorability Will people remember it? Can they pronounce it? Does it sound good? This is tied into Brandability but, it's a measure of how often you repeat it to yourself, outloud, or heard by others. [imagine your domain name becoming a part of everyday speech]
  4. Visual test Take a good look at your domain name. Does it read well? Do the letters look nice? Would it look good up in lights for all to see? Can you remember the spelling? Are there three of the same letter in a row (for example; "s's")?
  5. Marketing Slogan Many companies register a domain name that reflects on their business's slogan in addition to their main website address.{example; WhereDoYouWantToGoToday.com" is a slogan for Microsoft"} who uses it in advertising. This allows your website to receive walk-in traffic by many curious Internet users, who will type your slogan in their browser in order to find out where it goes. There are many benefits in having more than one domain name representing your company's service and/or products, each one pointing to the same website.
  6. Theme, fad test Will my product be a success? For how long? Unfortunatly a fad interests many people but only for a short time. It is well known that themes lose value quickly.{example, Pokemon and pet rocks} avoiding such names could keep you off the list of the destined to fall.
There are certain restrictions with regard to the content, length, spelling, and availability of Domain names.
Here are some simple guidelines to follow;
  1. Domain names may contain; letters, numbers, or hyphens(-). Names can not start or end with a hyphen. No other characters, symbols, or spaces are permitted. When using (0) zero be careful not to confuse it with the letter (o O). You can use both upper or lower case letters.
  2. Domain names are limited to 63 characters with a minimum of 2 characters. All names with 2 characters can only be registered if they are a registered trademark of the company.
  3. There are many registries where no abusive or offensive domain names are allowed.
  4. Although you should be able to register any name that is available, you might have a problem with names that are trademarked or too similar to another companies name. Policy rules and/or regulations vary, so we suggest contacting your domain registry for an up to date report.

*What if I am not ready to buy my name yet? When I'm ready for business will the name be available?

Probably not! Domain names are being bought up quickly. There are over 30,000 names registered each day.

Am I allowed to buy available names any time? Do I have to pay any penalty for buying in advance?

  • There is no penalty for buying a domain name in advance, in fact, it is good to buy the name as soon as possible.
  • When searching domain names it is important to know that the available name you see today maybe gone tommorrow.
  • When buying a name in advance it is called "parking" and is allowed for use in the future.
  • When registering any name, it still requires to be linked to at least two name servers(i.e., "hosted") in order to remain valid. Your web site hosting service can supply these servers, even if you don't actually use your website yet.