That’s one of the most frequent questions we receive from beginning webmasters. In this article, we’ll answer that question and address other domain name issues that affect all webmasters.

How do I decide on a domain name?

We’ve covered that particular question in a lot of detail. But basically, you want a name with these characteristics:

  • Short: The maximum allowed size is 63 characters, but keep the name as short a possible. That’s easier to type and remember.
  • Memorable: Names with special characters like hyphens and underbars are harder to describe to customers over the phone. Visitors aren’t as used to them either and you may inadvertently send customers to your competitors if they have similar names without special characters!
  • Descriptive: Use your company name or a description of your product instead of company initials. People would instantly know what a site called “NeverPayIncomeTaxAgain” is about (although they might be suspicious). The full title is much more descriptive than the acronym “NPITA.”

Get more detailed information about domain name selection from these previous Webmaster Tips:
  • Get the most from your domain name
  • A name of your own
  • What makes a good domain name?

I typed the domain name into my browser and got an error message. Does that mean it’s available?

Not always. Here are some possibilities:

 
  1. The domain name is available.
  2. The owner is designing the site but hasn’t posted it yet.
  3. The owner purchased the name for future use.
  4. The owner bought the name, hoping to resell it at a profit.

Just because a name doesn’t come up in a browser or a search engine is no guarantee of availability!

So how do I really check availability?

Most Web hosting companies and domain registrars let you check the availability of a domain name and it associated extensions (like .com or .org). Some even offer alternate versions if the name you searched on isn’t available.

How do I register the name?

You’ll need to use an accredited domain name registrar or one of their agents. Often, your Web hosting company has a relationship with a particular registrar that allows you to purchase your Web hosting account and domain name with one transaction.

That’s easy, but it isn’t always the cheapest option. You can buy a domain name from any authorized dealer; you aren’t required to go through your Web hosting company. Prices for domain name registration vary widely – from as little as $8.00 to $35.00 for the same name!

This is one area where it pays to shop around!

What if the name I want is taken?

Go to the InterNIC WhoIs search page to find the owner. Perhaps he/she is willing to transfer the name to you. Transferring ownership is simple. It may not be cheap.

Some people buy hundreds of domain names on a speculative basis, hoping to sell them at a profit. Expect to pay a premium if you approach a speculator. Depending on the name’s perceived value, you may have to pay hundreds, even thousands for it.

However, if an individual owner has just lost interest or decided not to use the name, you can probably get it for very little or nothing.

You can also investigate some relatively new services that allow you to immediately register a domain name if the owner doesn’t renew it.

Is it ok to buy an expired domain name?

That depends on the name’s history. Find out why the previous owner doesn’t want it anymore. The most obvious reasons are pretty benign:

 
  • Lost interest in maintaining the site.
  • Bought it on a speculative basis and couldn’t sell it.
  • No longer running the online business.

A less obvious – and more dangerous reason – is that one or more search engines have permanently banned the site for spam tactics. Gambling and adult sites like to buy up domain names, link them together, and use every spam trick they know to try to boost the search engine rank.

Once the search engines discover the spam sites (it usually doesn’t take long), the site (or sites) may have their URLs permanently banned. At that point, the URL is worthless to the spammers: they release it and buy more.  That means that no matter how hard you work at link popularity, how carefully you create content and optimize your pages for particular engines, you’ll never achieve a high rank with the expired domain name.  Check out the history of expired domain names before you buy at theWayback Machine. It’s a historical search engine that maintains records of how Web sites appeared months – or even years – in the past.   Enter the domain name you’re interested in into the search box and check its history. Steer clear of sites that appear to have consisted mainly of affiliate links, online gambling, or adult content.

Your domain name is your online identity so make sure that it’s clear and memorable enough that visitors can find your site after their initial visit. But remember that most first-time visitors will find you through search engines. That’s why it’s important to optimize your page usingSearch Engine Power Pack. It’s an online tool that gives you valuable advice about selecting keywords, writing META tags, optimizing your page for particular search engines, and submitting your site.

A good domain name is just your first step to online success. Search engine promotion is a continuing process that keeps traffic coming to your site.