How to Register a Domain Name (Step 5)

TIP: Thought of a good domain name?

Take a look at web hosting plans as you may be able to register a free domain when you purchase one of their hosting packages.

What is a Domain Name?

Your own domain name will uniquely identify your site on the internet. Your domain consists of two main parts, for example www.createawebsitetutorial.com:

The first part of "createawebsitetutorial" - of your own domain represents your business and how people view you.
The second part: dot com - is one of the top level domains. See below why you should stick to one of the top levels if possible.

Top Level Domains - Do I need one?

The top level extension are dot com, dot org, dot net, dot edu (educational institutes only), dot gov(government use only). Try to stick to a dot com domain when creating your site name since most people are very used to those extension. There are many good ones left, but you may have to be a little creative.

Choose a Domain Name for your website

While trying to create a name for your site, if possible try to use one of your main keywords in your name but don't make it to long, example joeandsuewidgetstorepalace.com is to long. How will people remember that? Even though you can have up to 64 characters in your name, you need something people can remember. Try colorwidgets.com (I checked and this name is not taken). Even though many of the one and two word names have been taken, there are still good domains available. You just need to be creative. If you want to add a dash in the name to help break it up, that is ok, but try to use only one or two at the most.

Also be careful when selecting your web name to not use any portion in your name that is trademarked, example: Amazon, Google, Walt Disney or many of the thousands. These names have been trademarked. It is not worth the legal headache you will get with the company (and their attorneys).

TIP: Don't try to build a website around a domain name. Create the web site first, then find a name.

Buying a Domain Name

When you are ready, you can register a name at any domain registrar, park it, then find web hosting or to simplify the process; purchase your name with the hosting company you will use for your site. Many hosting companies will give you a free domain when you host your website with them. Before you buy a name, check if they have private domain name registration. If you are not sure what that is, see my how to choose the best web host for the information. Keeping your information off the internet can help you down the road with spammers and scammers.

When you are looking for a new web site name

Take your time.
Don't pick the first one you find available.
Make a list of the top 3 or 4 you like
Take a day or so to think

The first domain name I ever registered sounded good at 2 a.m., but now I am not sure what I will do with it.

Go to Step 6 - Create your website content

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