In a world that is increasingly powered by the Internet, it makes tremendous sense to build a website promoting your business. The first step in this process is domain name registration. It's just not enough to hire domain name registration services and set the ball rolling. You will need to think your domain name through and put some thought into the process.
The extension of your domain name is of paramount importance. It tells the user about your precedents and the kind of audience or users that you want to attract. For e.g. .us tells people that a company is operating out of the United Kingdom.
Some companies might not give due importance to it and therefore the extension has an individual merit. Many companies want to give an impression of being a global company, therefore adopting a .com extension.
Whichever company you select for your domain name registration, do pick one taking due care about the track-record of the company in question. At times, a few middlemen get into the act and register your domain name at rates that are much higher that what you are actually required to pay. Moreover, at times, the domain name is registered; using their own information, hence is in their control.
A thorough background research is a must, when you select the domain name registration services of a particular company.
Its best that your domain name is short therefore, easier to spell. Don't register a domain name that is too long to write and too difficult to spell.
You must avoid using the registered trademark of various companies. If found out, you will be liable for trademark and copyright infringement. Don't try to play off another business and use your own good judgment and faith before your domain name registration.
Try to list all the possible connections that might be a point of similarity between you and another business and steer away from it.
The use of hyphens is a strict no-no. Keep the name plain and simple and extremely straightforward. However, make sure that the name that you give your site is completely unique. If you think a hyphen is a must and it will differentiate your website from all others, then so be it.
Bear in mind that you might register a name called pizzaparlor.com but somebody else might just register a domain name called pizzaparlor.net. Therefore it is important that you purchase several different extensions so that nobody infringes on your success or the name of your website.
Companies who value their reputation will always have a string of valuable accreditations like ICANN etc, which essentially also boosts their image. These accreditations are very important when it comes to domain registrations services as it means that the company integrates superior ethics, and business practices.
As can be seen domain name registration requires a whole lot of forethought. So take due care when you embark upon this important process, which is almost the first step in the aim of getting a successful web presence.