A Beginner’s Guide to Domain Registration

domain registration

Website domain names are the new hub for your brand in this digital era. Globally, there are over 332 million domain names. The demand for domain registration is on the rise. The surge may be due to advancing technology.

Domain registration is a straightforward procedure but only to the knowledgeable. The rest of the population continues to struggle with the basics.

If you’re looking to build a website, domain registration is one of your first key steps. Check out our beginner’s guide to domain registration.

What Is Domain Registration?

It refers to the reservation of a name on the internet for a given period. The name is yours for as long as you renew it. Unfortunately, you can’t buy it forever.

Domain registration is necessary for your website. Most importantly, it guarantees your identity. Once you register, your information is available to the public, thus an upper edge in marketing your brand.

The pricing of domain registration varies with extension type and the individual nation.

Domain Formatting Basics

Understanding domain formatting procedures is the first step. The suffix represents top-level domains (TLDs) which are general descriptors, e.g. ‘.com,’ ‘.net’ or ‘.biz’. The number of characters in the TLDs differs according to the web location.

Specific descriptors, e.g., ‘goggle’ appears on the left of TLDs. They are the second level domains (SLDs). The machine name, e.g. ‘www’ appears on the left of the SLDs. A period separates the three classes.

An excellent example of a domain name with the three essential aspects is ‘www.goggle.com.’

Most recently, generic domains are in use. Before opting for generic domains, you should begin by understanding how the formatting works. Domain formatting is crucial in web development.

Familiarize With In-house Formatting Rules

After ingesting the basics, it is the high time for you to familiarize with specific rules. The validity of your domain name depends on your adherence to set principles.

First, they are insensitive to case. Mixing cases still gives the same result. Don’t add spaces between domains. Instead, use dashes for clarity. Avoid names with dashes to end ranking problems with search engines, e.g., Google.

You should never use special characters, e.g. ‘,’ ‘&’ and ‘?’. If anything, letters should dominate your domain name. You may also include numbers and dashes in exceptional cases. Your SLDs shouldn’t be longer than 63 characters.

Choosing a Domain Name

An appropriate domain name will play a critical role in marketing your website. It all begins with brainstorming. The name you want should be in line with the website’s purpose.

Always consider using ‘.com.’ as the extension. A majority of web-links use it for its exposure and reliability. In case the domain name is rejected, it is advisable to re-think the SLD other than going for other TLDs.

The length of the domain name is a determinant too. You’ve to limit yourself to a maximum of 63 characters. Keep off words with more than two syllables. Inside joke phrases also shouldn’t be part of the domain name.

Avoid numbers to make it easy to type.  Short names are easy to remember.

Other Factors to Consider When Choosing the Name

Convenient use of keywords is an essential element. Keywords are simple and easy to remember. These words help in your SEO optimization. At other times, localization will help you in case your site is promoting a local business.

Including regional and product names in the domain is a competent method of attracting internet users.

Consider researching your domain name to confirm legal and market compliance. Your choice shouldn’t infringe into other’s trademarks. Your brand name should be distinct from the existing ones. Always aim at standing out in the internet environment.

Invest In Privacy

Privacy protection for you and your domain should be a priority.

After registering your domain, there is the assumption that your data is no longer private. Anyone one who searches your domain has access to your data.

Look forward to investing in platforms that provide free domain protection.

Actual Domain Registration

Once all the selection procedures are over, time is ripe to register the domain. There are many domain registrars over the web that can help you out.

In the first year of hosting, most registrars offer a promotional fee that’s less than $5. Others will forego the promotional fee and charge between $10 and $20. Payment of the charges is usually electronic, i.e., through debit cards, credit card, or PayPal.

Paying for a domain serves to grant you ownership of the domain name. Domain registration and web hosting are two distinct services. Combination of a convenient domain name and a reliable web-hosting amounts to traffic in your site.

Domain Contract Issues

Buying a domain doesn’t guarantee ownership. The domain is only yours for some time after which you will have to renew the contract.

You’ve to examine the contract you’re signing with the registrar critically. Doing some thorough research will help you to understand what you are buying. You’ve to this analysis before you make any payments.

Depending on the agreement, registrars have the right to cancel your domain name. Such a situation means that domain rights belong to the registrar and not vice versa.

Registering and paying for your domain doesn’t mean that you’ll get it at once. It is a pay-and-wait scenario. After all, it is a situation that is way out of your hands.

After they are through with necessary background checks, you will get a notification, and you’re good to go.

Do You Need A Domain Name For Your Business?  

Well, you desperately need one. Online platforms offer room for advertisements. Owning sites allows you to advertise first-hand.

Most importantly, it’ll create a business identity. The identity comes along with better product and service branding. It as well adds credibility to your business.

With traffic, the reputation of your brand will rise. It’ll also make you relevant in modern markets, thus more sales.

Be Wary of Cybersecurity

The search for marketing avenues shouldn’t deceive you into forgetting emerging issues about the internet. In case of any queries on domain registration, contact us for a game-changing experience.