You might need your own domain, such as www.your-domain-name.com, if you’re starting a business, launching a website, or publishing a blog.
It is easier for people to find you if you have your own domain, and it makes you appear more professional and credible. It also allows you to use a custom domain-based email address instead of a free Gmail account.
What is a domain name?
Your domain is part of the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) that people type into the address bar of a browser to go to your website, making it easy to find. In reality, the domain is a user-friendly representation of the website’s IP address written in plain English. When someone types a URL into a web browser, the browser uses a tool called a Domain Name Server to look up the IP address (DNS). Every web browser uses the DNS as a phone book.
But, in general, you don’t need to be concerned about most of it. The most important thing to remember is that you can buy a domain name from a registrar (or through your web hosting company, which can buy the domain name from the registrar on your behalf). You own the domain name as long as you renew it when it expires (usually every 12 months). People will be able to find your website more easily as a result of this.
How to buy a domain name?
First and foremost, do not procrastinate. You might be tempted to put off buying a domain name until you really need it, such as when your company launches or you’re about to launch your website. However, the longer you wait, the more likely it is that your desired domain name will be purchased by someone else.
To buy a domain name, go to Cloudhostservices, use the site’s search tool to find one you like, and then follow the on-screen instructions to buy it.
How much domain names cost?
The cost of a domain name varies greatly. A .com domain costs between $10 and $18, but prices vary depending on the registrar, domain name, and extension. Many registries will offer a steep discount (or even free) on the domain, but you will have to pay full price in subsequent years.
A list of domains that cost more than the standard fee may also be found. These are domains that Cloudhostservices owns, and you can buy one if the price is right — prices range from slightly above standard to through the roof, depending on how valuable the domain is thought to be.
Keep in mind that most domain names are only purchased for a year (though you may be able to pay for several years at once or set up auto-renew payments using your credit card). You will lose your domain if you do not pay the annual renewal fee, and it will be sold to someone else. Cloudhostservices frequently buy lapsed domains on the assumption that the owner forgot to renew and will have to pay an exorbitant fee to reclaim the URL.
How to choose a domain name?
You can buy any domain name you want as long as it’s not already taken and doesn’t break any of the technical rules for registering a domain name. Spaces, punctuation, or special symbols, with the exception of hyphens, are not permitted in domain names.
When you purchase a domain name, you must select a domain name extension (also known as a top-level domain, or TLD) to go with it. You’re probably familiar with.com, but there are roughly 1,600 others, including country-specific extensions (.ca for Canada and. the UK for the United Kingdom), as well as.info, .net, .mil, and hundreds of generic extensions implying various industries, such as .auto and .health. You are free to use any extension you want, though many websites prefer to use a more common TLD like .com because it is more widely used and thus easier to remember.
The sky’s the limit from there. Most experts recommend keeping the domain name as short as possible and choosing a domain name that matches or is very similar to your business name.
There are a few common dos and don’ts to keep in mind:
- Avoid hyphens because if the hyphens are not entered correctly, the user will be directed to the incorrect website.
- Avoid using numbers in URLs because they add ambiguity: Are you supposed to type the number symbol or the number as a word?
- Make sure it’s simple to type and remember.
- Create a domain that matches your business name or includes important keywords that reflect your website for search engine optimization (SEO).
- Find the best domain name and extension combination for your needs. This is frequently a result of a compromise. If the domain name you really want isn’t available with the.com extension, for example, you might be able to get it with another extension. But be cautious: many people will type [your-domain-name.com] out of habit when your domain name is actually [your-domain-name. Game]. However, if the alternative is a much less appealing.com domain, it might be worth it.
When buying a domain, there are 5 things to look out for
- Beware of fees. While domains are frequently inexpensive, web hosting companies and registrars frequently tack on significant fees to raise the price.
- Make sure you’re aware of the renewal fee. If you’re getting the first year for a low price, make sure there won’t be a domain renewal fee that balloons to a price you don’t want to pay in subsequent years.
- Avoid buying several similar domains. Web hosting companies may advise you to purchase multiple variations of the same domain with different extensions so that you can point them all to the same URL. While it’s a good idea, in theory, it’s rarely required and is almost always a waste of money.
- Working with registrars who only want to upsell you is a bad idea. Your registrar’s support staff should be able to effectively address technical support issues and resolve your issues.
- Make sure it’s possible to transfer your domain. It’s common wanting to transfer your domain to a new registrar, so make sure the registrar you’re about to work with makes the process simple — ask about it or look up information in the online help files. Look elsewhere if the process is overly complicated or the company charges a fee to do so.
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