Websites for Individuals and Small Business

Domain Names

One of the most important features of your Web site is the Domain Name. It should be easy to remember and associated with the purpose of the site. It shouldn't be too long, people will be constantly misspelling it and not be able to find you. Remember you Domain Name is also going to be attached to your E-mail address. Tom@mybusiness.com is much better than Tom@mybusinessisthebestaroundforyou.com.

Domains used to be expensive and the process to register one was long and very techno oriented. Now the process is much simpler and less expensive. Your register your Domain with a Registrar. We like Godaddy.com . But there many other choices. Shop around.

What ever you do register your Domain yourself. It is separate from Web Hosting or your Web site. Many shady Designers and web hosts will offer to register a Domain for you, but when it comes time to change hosts or designers, you suddenly find out they have registered the Domain in their name and you don't own it.

If you have control of the Domain you can point it to whatever host you want at any time. Also all renewal notices will go directly to you, to ensure it does not expire, and the price is usually better when you register yourself.

Just be aware there are many fly by night registrars out there, many in countries with little or no regulation. When you shop around make sure you get good customer service and support. Remember the old phrase if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

The main task you will be doing with your Domain Name is pointing your Domain Name to your web site host. Read our article on hosting for more information on hosting itself. All Hosting companies have Computer servers they put your site on. These servers have names such as ns1.hostingcompany.com and ns2.hostincompany.com. When people put in your Domain name http://www.mydomain.com, for your web site to show it needs to "point" to your hosting company servers. To do this you log into your Domain registrars control panel and change the DNS (Domain Name Servers) to your hosting companies servers. There are usually two or more entries you must make.

This can be a little confusing the first time, but if you only have one Domain Name once it is done you don't have to do it again unless you change hosting company.

All Domain Registrars web sites will have a service to check and see if your choice has all ready been registered. Don't get frustrated when search for a Domain to use. Many of your choices will be taken. Try simple varieties of your choice, you will find a good match.

Remember your Domain Name is your face to the Internet. If you have any questions on Domain Names go to our Contact Page.

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Need a more custom site, or have a larger business or project? Contact us, if we are unable to build a site for your needs, we will refer you to someone who can.

Don't forget we do custom logos and grapics also. You are charged the hourly fee for this service.