Domain Name Selection and Registration
I usually create my homepage first, then decide on a domain name. Granted, I already have a domain name in mind before I make the homepage, but my method for doing it that way is a simple one. A long time ago, I use to register a domain name first, then make the website. This one time though, after I created the homepage I discovered accidently a GREAT domain name that would have worked way better than the domain name I registered. So what did I do? I registered the domain name that I discovered! And, forwarded the other one to the same site. The discovered domain name worked much better than the first one, as I suspected. So after that experience, I wait until the homepage is done, since you may come up with something better once you get it finished.
Of course, this all assumes that the domain name you want to use, is actually available for registering. In todays day and age, chances are good that it won’t be, but you never know. 3 & 4 (or more) word domain names are still obtainable if they are not highly popular. Most registering services have a section on their site that can give you some choices, options, or similar domain names that you can purchase if the one you want isn’t.
Registration of a domain name isn’t difficult at all. There’s numerous places you can go to, to get this accomplished. Price, service, and what you get with them pretty much make up all your choices. We like namecheap. For about 9 bucks you can get your domain name. Why we like them is that you get the “privacy” protection included for free. Privacy protection keeps your own name (and home address + phone number) OFF the internet. Yes, if you didn’t know it, when you register a domain name, and it doesn’t matter where you register at, if you don’t opt for the privacy protection (sometimes called “whois protection”) your name & personal information will be readily available for anyone and everyone to see. If you don’t mind random strangers (at best) knowing EXACTLY where you live, then don’t worry about this. However, if you think privacy is a good thing (which if you don’t, whats wrong with you?) then ALWAYS get this extra service, even if it costs you a few dollars.
Since I decided to make this website with a few different goals in mind, I had already picked out this domain name, success or not, before I started the homepage, and it still seemed the right one even after I finished making the homepage. Then when I went to register it, I got lucky & it was available!
This is probably the first time in quite awhile for 2 things:
1. I had a name picked out that I stuck with AFTER making the homepage.
2. That the domain name I wanted was actually available!
I’d be curious to know how other people choose their domain names! Do you choose one based on whats available? Or specifically for certain keywords? Something you THINK will work? Or is cutesy? How? Post your answers!
Tags: domain name registration, domain name selection, register a domain name, whois privacy