Getting a Domain Name
Domain Registrars
Domain names are purchased from a domain reseller known as a Domain Registrar. A Domain Registrar accepts payment for registering your domain name with ICANN, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. ICANN is the official database for all domain names, and your registrar takes care of adding your domain to this registry when you purchase it from them. Domain registration is typically just one service that these companies provide, often in addition to web hosting or email services.
Registering New Domains
Domain Registrars can charge whatever they want for a domain name and some companies can be substantially more expensive than others.
Getting a Good Name
Getting the perfect name can be a challenge because of the sheer number of websites that already exist. Here are some things to consider:
- Start with the name of your organization. If your groups has a very unique name, you might have a good chance of getting a domain name that is the same.
- Try to keep it as short as possible. Long names invite typing errors.
- Avoid acronyms or abbreviations if possible. Try to use full words that have a clear meaning.
- Avoid dashes or underscores
- Avoid numbers, unless its a normal part of your name
- If your organization is a non-profit, try a .org extension before .com or .net.
- Mix in a local city or state name if needed.
- If you have trouble finding the perfect name using the more familiar domain extensions, consider some ideas in the next section…
Domain Extensions
If you have had your domain for some time, it is most likely a .com, .org or .net address. However, there are many new and exciting domain extensions called Top Level Domains (TLDs) that are available and can add interest and flare to your domain name. If you are registering a new domain, consider a new TLD such as these. Be aware though, that not all TLDs have the same price point.