Domain Name Basics

A domain name is what your visitors will type into their browsers to find your website. For example, to get to this website you type : www.netsensemedia.com - this is also called an URL. Your name can be used as a link on other websites, a suffix for email addresses and more.

Behind the scenes, your domain name is actually pointing to an server IP address, which is where your website files are located in your hosting account. The IP address consists of a bunch of numbers that are not easily remembered. The name itself is a lot like a contact in your cell phone. For example, if you want to call your buddy Jim, you don't know what his number is off the top of your head, but you have an entry for "Jim" in your cell phone that contains that number - you press the "Jim" button and the phone dials the number for you. Same concept, the reality is a bit more complex, but that covers the basic idea.

Simply put, a website is not easily accessible without one. It's possible to have a website without a domain name, but it's not really practical. Your Domain Name will also serve as your online identity and be used to access and market all aspects of your site.

Setting up a Domain Name improperly can cause major headaches down the road, anything from your website going offline or being taken over by someone else, to you completely losing the name forever. Here are some tips and considerations to keep you on top of things.

This is mainly for convenience and ease of accessibility for you and your visitors. If your domain name is really long, you'll have to type and use it in all of your emails, promotions ECT. This may be fine if your business has a long name to start with, but it's definitely worth a bit of thought and searching to find to right name. If you're not happy with your name down the road, you can always purchase additional domain names at a later date, but this costs more money and could confuse existing clients - better to get it right the first time.

If Search Engine Optimization is in your plans, try to use a domain name that has your keywords in it already, this will help you out in the long run.

When signing up for a domain name, you should do either do it yourself or ensure that the individual or company that is setting it up for you registers it with your contact information. If not, you run the risk of losing your name at some point in the future, which can lead to all sorts of nasty scenarios. Worst case, you could lose your name forever, which could be a problem if you've built a successful business using that name.

This is very important. This login is what you'll use to access the controls for your domain name through the website of the Domain provider. This is where you set up which servers and hosting your domain points to. This is also where you pay your bill and update your contact information should it change. This account information should be sent to you when you sign up - keep it in a safe but accessible location.

If someone else set up your domain name for you - make to to get this information from them and update your contact info as soon as possible.

An accredited registrar is a licensed company that is authorized to sell domain names. If you're considering using a company that you've never heard of before, make sure they are accredited and reputable - or better yet, use a company with a trusted name. A domain name on average runs $10-$15 per year, so trying to save a few cents by going through a discounted service could cost you big time down the road.

Many internet and hosting companies that sell domain names, including us, use reseller accounts to sell domain names through accredited registrars. Make sure you know which registrar your domain name is registered through.

Make sure you understand the billing policies, general practices and terms of service that your domain provider uses. It's worth taking some time to ask any questions you may have before deciding on a domain provider.

Some hosting accounts "include" a Domain name registration. This can be a good thing, a good value and an easy setup. But what happens to your domain if you decide cancel or move your hosting account? Make sure you know or ask before you buy.

Domain names require an annual fee to stay active. Once you purchase a domain name, it is yours, but you need to pay the yearly maintenance fee to keep control of it. It's a nominal fee of around $10-$15 per year. If your billing lapses, not only does your domain name become inactive, it is also becomes available for purchase. This means that someone else can buy and take control of your name. If that happens, there is nothing you can do to get it back - other than contacting the party that purchased it and begging them to sell it back to you. Some unscrupulous types actually search for domain names that have recently expired, purchase them, then hold them hostage and try to sell them back to the original owners for quite a bit more than they paid - it happens. The only way to ensure it never happens to you is to keep your account in good standing.

Going back to #2 for a second, this is the main reason why registering your Domain in your name with your contact information is so important. The bill from your provider is sent to the contact person listed on the account. If someone else set it up for you and they are getting the emails, you could be in a bit of trouble if that person doesn't let you know that your account is about to expire. Don't roll the dice on that - do it right.

These are the most important considerations when registering a domain. As long as you have control over your domain and keep your account in good standing, it's not difficult to maintain. As always, feel free to contact us if you have more questions or concerns.

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