Domain names are the words users enter into the address bar of their browser to visit a site. These domain names are attached to a DNS.

 

The DNS (Domain Naming System) is used to translate these domain names into IP addresses. Each web site on the Internet has an IP address behind the name that points to the computer it is hosted on.

A domain name is essentially a signpost on the Internet. Almost every web site you've ever been to, and every email you've ever composed, has used a domain name in its address.

 

People register domain names in order to 'stake a claim' to a particular name -- whether for business or personal reasons.

 

Once you register a domain name, it is entirely yours, no other party may use that identity online as long as you continue to pay the yearly renewal fee and abide by the terms of use.

 

Below is a list of some simple Dos and Don’ts that should enable an individual, whether it they are starting a new business, registering a business or business concept, or just improving the branding of an existing company to select an appropriate domain name.

 

Tips:

 

- Keep your domain name as short as possible

 

- Try to avoid initials in your domain name (they   mean nothing to people or search engines)

 

- Keep your domain as close to your company      name as possible

 

- Look at your competitors’ domains to get a feel for how they have chosen them

 

- Make a list (you may find that your choices have already been taken)

 

- Bounce your domain name off friends and/or service providers you trust

 

 

 

 

 

Domain Names

Extensions are categories of Internet domain names. There are several of them to choose from and they vary in cost to register:

 

.com represents the word "commercial," and is the most widely used extension in the world. Most businesses prefer a .com domain name because it is a highly recognised symbol for having a business presence on the Internet.

 

.net represents the word "network," and is most commonly used by Internet service providers, Web-hosting companies or other businesses that are directly involved in the infrastructure of the Internet. Additionally, some businesses choose domain names with a .net extension for their intranet Web sites.

 

.org represents the word "organisation," and is primarily used by non-profits groups or trade associations.

 

.biz is used for small business Web sites.

 

.info is for credible resource Web sites and signifies a "resource" web site. It's the most popular extension beyond .com, .net and .org.

 

.mobi (short for "mobile") is reserved for Web sites built for easy viewing on mobile devices.

 

.tv is for rich content/multi-media Web sites, commonly used within the entertainment or media industry.

 

.name is the only domain extension specifically designed for personal use. It is commonly used for easy to remember e-mail addresses and personal web sites that display photos or personal information about an individual.

 

.co.uk is the country code for United Kingdom. The .co portion of the extension indicates the domain name is for commercial purposes (similar to a standard .com extension). It is unrestricted and may be registered by anyone, from any country.

 

.org.uk is the country code for United Kingdom. The .org portion of the extension indicates the domain name is for an organization. It is unrestricted and may be registered by anyone, from any country.

 

.me.uk is the country code for United Kingdom. The .me portion of the extension indicates the domain name is for an individual. It is unrestricted and may be registered by anyone, from any country.

 

.co.?? There are also country codes for the majority of countries all around the world.

 

 

 

 

Domain Extensions

There are a large quantity of companies that offer Domain Name registration and vary in cost.

 

It is worth shopping around to find the best deal available and comparing the providers offering this service.

 

It is worthwhile using a registrar that is based in the UK so that any customer service queries can be dealt with within your working day.

 

 

 

 

 

Domain Name Registration