What are domain names and how much do they cost ?
The URL which makes up a web address is split into 3 sections, each
separated by a dot. All begin with
www (World Wide Web),
followed by the
name of the registered domain, and end with an
extension or
TLD (Top Level Domain)
for example:
www.yourname.com
or for a country specific domain extension
www.yourname.co.uk
Extensions
or
TLDs for domain names
generally include the following:
|
.com |
the commercial
business domain |
|
.co.uk |
a country
specific domain extension |
|
.net |
for a commercial
network |
|
.org |
for organizations |
|
.edu |
an educational
institution |
|
.mil |
for the military |
|
.gov |
a government
agency |
Additional domain name extensions include: biz, bz, info, tv, name, etc. A domain
registrar will offer cheap domain registration of .biz and .info domains for websites but beware of high priced renewal fees.
Registration of a dot com domain extension is in the region of $11 (approx £10) per
year upwards and can be renewed annually.
Generally a country-specific domain extension
like .co.uk is registered for a minimum of 2 years but some registrars
are offering 1 year options as well. Registering charges for these domains are from around £10
for 2 years (£5 per year).
Registration prices for domains vary
considerably! At Web World Designs we have our finger on the pulse of reputable domain registrars and will be happy to guide you in the
right direction.
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How to choose a domain name / web address URL for your website
Choosing the right domain name (also known as your web address or URL) for your web site is very
important ... it will pay to spend a little time thinking about your options. If possible, register your domain name before you start your business website!
With tens of millions of domain names already registered, and thousands more being registered every week, it is becoming more and more challenging to
find a suitable domain which will reflect your company.
When your business caters to the local or national community, such as a taxi
firm plumber, electrician or double glazing company for example, it makes sense to register a country-specific domain extension. Your web site will benefit from the use of a local TLD
(Top Level Domain) because people will know they are dealing with a local company the moment they see your web address.
Someone in the UK, for example, is not likely to order double glazing
from windows.com because it suggests a US or an international site. Better to register a UK domain like windows.co.uk instead. The
Swiss like to see .ch at the end of their websites, the Belgians .be and so on.
For an international business or a company based in the USA, aim to register a
dot com rather than a .biz or .info extension.
Your domain name can be from a minimum of 3 up to a maximum of 67 characters
and include lower case letters of the English alphabet, numbers from 0 to 9 and hyphens (-). However, it may not begin nor end with
a hyphen and other symbols, including the ampersand '&' and apostrophes
("), are not allowed.
Web World Designs hints on what to name your domain and website
Try to register a domain name containing a popular keyword which is
applicable for your industry, it will help customers remember your web address.
Hyphens have advantages and disadvantages, depending on your needs.
People can forget they are there, and may end up at your competitor's website. If you decide on hyphens, register the non-hyphenated URL as well, then
you can simply re-direct visitors to your other domain.
Be wary of using the zero in domains unless it is obvious that it is a number and not
the letter. 0 and O are easily confused.
Avoid registration of domains that contain '2' for "to", '4' for "for" and 'u' for
"you". Customers will get confused. If you must register such a domain, register the expanded form of the domain as well, and use it to redirect
your visitors to your other website.
Ask family and friends for their opinion of your choice of website URL. What seems
good to you may not appeal to others.
Never use a well-known company, product, trade mark, or any variation of
this in your domain name registration in the hope of attracting more customers to your web site. Not only is this unethical, it can also land you in court!
Register your web address in your own name. Sometimes your host may offer
registration for you, but this could cause you problems in the future, should you decide to transfer your web site domain to another hosting company.
When you register your new domain name, make sure your domain registrar will
send you a reminder when your domain name is about to expire.
Most dot com domain names are registered for a minimum of 1 year. Local URL extensions,
like .co.uk, .ch, .be, .ca and so on, are usually registered for a minimum of 2 years. You may register for several years in advance
if you wish, or renew annually.
Web World Designs will be happy to carry out a domain search for you completely free of charge and offer advice on choosing your website URL.
Registration of domain names is fast and simple. You need no technical
know-how or expertise. We will explain how, and direct you to reliable and affordable domain registrars. New businesses can take advantage of
the special
start-up packages which include your domain name, website design and hosting when required. These
complete start up packages are available with and without organic website optimization (SEO)
and/or Local SEO (for companies which limit or specify the area(s)
covered by their services).
