Many readers have written to us asking us about our recommendations on how to register a domain name. Despite the fact that a blog on Blogger.com or any other large hosting company will be less of a hassle and probably get indexed faster, we still strongly recommend that you get on your own domain name for branding purposes. Plus, when you have your own domain name and website hosting company, you are in possession of all your files (and intellectual property). (Recommended article: How to choose a web hosting service)
How to register a domain name?
How to register a domain name?
- First thing to do is, of course, to pick a name. If you already have one or several names in mind, you can simply go to one of the registrars and check availability. We have registered our domain names with Register but there are many other good ones like Hostway, GoDaddy, UpDaddy, Network Solutions, Yahoo, etc.
- If your domain is available, then simply go ahead and register it right away.
- The question is should you register your domain through your website hosting company. In many cases, it is a good idea because you will then be dealing with just one company and have to do one transaction. On the other hand, you might get stuck with one company in case you are not happy with their hosting services.
- The other issue is if you should register other options, e.g., .org, .net, etc. of the name that you have chosen. While technically it is a good idea, particularly if you are trying to build a brand, but very soon it can become quite an expense. You can always wait as you build your business. It used to be that squatters will register your domain name and then try to extort money out of you. Now that the courts favor the one who is the first one to publish a website and no one is willing to pay exorbitant sums for domain names, you have less of a worry on this account.
Recommended article: The ultimate guide to blogging