 |
 |
| |
|
 |
| |
Choosing a Domain Name
> What's a domain name and why should I care?
A domain name is basically your Web site's address on the Internet. Typically, it's a word or phrase followed by a .com, .net or .org (example: mysite.com). These names correspond to long, hard-to-remember numeric addresses that identify each web or mail server connected to the Internet (EXAMPLE: http://www.yahoo.com's IP is 204.71.200.33)
It's not only your address, but also your brand. A good domain name is memorable yet practical. After all, a customer's visit to your site depends on them being able to type it in. A few things to keep in mind:
- Shorter is better - It's a lesson learned offline by established brands like Fed Ex (Federal Express), KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) and IHOP (International House of Pancakes). Online, an established bookseller quickly realized it was easier -- and likelier -- that customers would type in bn.com instead of BarnesAndNoble.com.
- If you have to spell it, don't use it - Again, you want people to remember your domain, but not at the risk of them misspelling and missing it altogether.
- At last count, over 6 million sites have "web" somewhere in the name. So, please, don't use it unless you really, REALLY have to. Otherwise, you might be dated in a few years when everything goes wireless. (Just how valuable would your AT&T stock be if they were still called American Telephone & Telegraph?)
> How do I get a domain name and how much does it cost?
Until recently, only one company — InterNIC — was sanctioned by the U.S. Government to issue domain names. Today, there are dozens of registration services.
But why wade through them all? Minerva will submit your domain name at no cost. Just give us your preferred domain when signing up for one of our web hosting plans. (Domains are subject to availability)
Do I have to use .com? No, but experts recommend you use .com if you're on the Internet for business or e-commerce. Sure, .com is everywhere, but that means it's easy for customers to remember, right?
Still, sites hosted in the United States can also be registered with a .net or .org. If you're determined to have an uncommon URL, you may obtain domains from other countries.
Examples of international extensions:
.to (Tonga)
.cx (Christmas Islands)
.md (Moldova)
.co.uk (United Kingdom)
To learn more about how domain names work, click here.
|
|
|
