Get a Domain Name for your Website
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What is a domain name?
Practically speaking, your domain name (web address) is the core of your Internet identity, your online brand. Your customers and friends will remember this name and use it to find your website, your products or your services. Since no two parties can ever hold the same domain name (web address) simultaneously, your Internet identity is totally unique. |
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Selecting a domain name
Selecting a domain name is possibly the first and most important step you should take when beginning to develop a website. The domain name that you choose will be the name that your visitors will use to identify your website in the future. It is like a brand name or nickname that you would like your visitors to remember. There are several things to consider when picking a domain name.
- Pick a name that reflects the nature of your website or a name that stands out and captures the eye. (i.e. This second method is called branding) Although there are millions of domain names already in use on the web it is surprising how many unused names are still available.
- Keep it as short as possible. Keep the length of your domain name to 13 characters or less. This helps to make it easy to remember and requires less typing for your visitors. Of course this is one of those rules that is meant to be broken. A free flowing domain name that is easy to remember is really your goal.
- Be sure that you have full ownership of your domain name. Some hosting services will offer cheap domain name registration but keep the rights to the name themselves. This means that should you wish to change to another hosting service you will have to give up your domain name.
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Domain name registrationFor a fee, which usually costs about $7.95 - $39.95 US (i.e. depends upon if you buy it in a hosting plan or not), you can register a domain name. This will give you an address on the internet that can be hosted on a web server and accessed by anyone. The registration of domain names is administrated by several companies who are licensed to handle the task. |
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Registering your domain name
These links will provide you with access to services which can show you how to find a domain name registrar and registering your domain name. They also explain the mechanics of domain names and their construction. Also, most of them can provide hosting for your website.
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ICANN
Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. (The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) oversees the domain registration business. If you ever have trouble with your registrar or if you are looking for an approved domain name registrar this is the place to go.
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Network Solutions
Network Solutions, LLC (commonly abbreviated NetSol) —a technology company founded in 1979—was the first and the only registrar of domain names. Network Solutions currently manages more than 7.6 million domain names. |
Starting a Website
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How to Choose the Right Domain Name
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Your domain name will be your “Internet identity,” so it will be helpful if it closely matches the name of your business, product, or service. |
Registering Your Domain Name
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Registering a domain name is a quick process that often seems complex. It is far easier than most general web surfers suspect. You can quickly learn how to register a domain name with a little forethought. |
What Do I Need in a Web Hosting Package?
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If you are buying web hosting for the first time, you may have some questions about what you need and what you don't. |
Types of Websites
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There are several types of websites on the Internet each specializing in a particular service or use. |
Website Goals
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No matter how great the graphics might be or the navigation scheme or the flowery words, the success of your website will depend on how concisely, clearly and effectively you present your ideas. |
Designing Web Pages
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Designing good webpages begins with good webpage layout and good webpage layout is not rocket science. |
Promoting Your New Website
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If your new website has not been properly optimized for the search engines, then this is a necessary first step you must take. |
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