This post focuses on domain names. But to get started and as a refresher there are 5 key things to keep in mind when you are deciding about building a website.
- domain name: Once you’ve decided on the business name, do a search in the worldwide database to see if a similar domain name is available. If it is, you should purchase your domain name right away. Otherwise, someone else can swoop in and take that name so they can either use it or resell it to you – it happens, trust me! Note: Domain registration has to be renewed annually or in whatever time frequency you choose, i.e., 1, 2, 3 years). Continue reading this post to find out more about domain names.
- web hosting package: The web host is a company that stores your website files. They provide space on a server where your website data will be housed and made available /accessible on the internet. You need to purchase a web hosting package through a highly reputable company. It can be same company where you’ve registered your domain name. That is often the cleanest and best way to do it. NOTE: Hosting has to be renewed annually or in whatever time frequency you choose, i.e., 1, 2, 3 years
- design and website set up: If you have the knowledge and time, you can do this yourself. It puts you in complete control but keep in mind it is time consuming. The site should be secure, functional, and look amazing. Or, you can contract a web developer to do this for you.
- content management: Once you have all the information on your website, you have to keep it up to date. It should be relevant and accurate with lots of current promotions about you, your products and events. I recommend you see to the bulk of this yourself. It’s too costly to have to pay someone else do it and it’s nothing you can’t handle once you get the hang of it.
- website maintenance: This has to be an ongoing and forever thing when you have a website. It is the backend work that keeps your website secure (or at least as secure as possible given the issues with cybersecurity these days). You can tackle this yourself if you are comfortable with that sort of thing. The other option is to have your web developer handle this. There will be an ongoing cost for this service. Whether a monthly or annual fee will depend on the vendor you hire.
Now, back to the focus of this particular post, your domain name.
What is a Domain Name and IP Number
An IP is a unique address of a server on the internet. Similar to how a telephone number allows you to connect to a specific phone on the telecom network, similarly, an IP address allows your computer to connect to a specific server on the internet. Domain names and IP numbers are the framework upon which the entire world wide web is built.
Things to Consider
Immediate things to consider about your domain name:
- It should be short and should give an indication of what the website is about.
- If you are a business, consider using a name that indicates your industry or niche.
- Make it unique and brandable.
- It should be easy to spell and easy for your customers/readership to remember.
- If at all possible, choose .com as the domain extension. Other suggested alternatives are .net, .org or geographic location such as .ca.
- Do your homework – research to ensure no infringements
Tips for Choosing
- as short as possible
- say what the website is about
- unique / brandable
- easy to remember
- easy to remember
- easy to spell
- no numbers or hyphens
- .com extension if possible
- is it available
- research potential infringements
The Deeper Dive
Check Availability on WHOIS
After deciding on the best name for you, you will need to search the WHOIS database to see if it is available. WHOIS domain lookup allows you to trace the ownership and tenure of a domain name. Similar to how all houses are registered with a governing authority, all domain name registries maintain a record of information about every domain name purchased through them, along with who owns it, and the date till which it has been purchased. The database contains details such as the registration date of the domain name, when it expires, ownership and contact information, nameserver information of the domain, the registrar via which the domain was purchased, etc. You can access the WHOIS database through any domain registrar.
Research
Even if the domain name hasn’t been registered, don’t assume your use of the name is free and clear. It may be used on a social media account or the name of a business or be subject to copyright. You do not want a lawsuit on your hands. Do your homework to ensure there are no infringements on the name.
The searches should include:
- Internet
- Social Media (Facebook, Instagram; Twitter)
- Canadian Copyrights Database
- United States Patent and Trademark Office
- Provincial and Federal Business Registries
If the name you selected (or a similar variation) shows up in either of those searches, choose another name.
Purchasing the Domain Name
TIP: Buy Immediately
There is heavy competition for domain names. As soon as you have done your homework and are satisfied with the domain name, it is wise to purchase it right away. Otherwise somebody else may get in ahead of you.
Choose a Domain Registrar
The next step is to decide which company to use to register your domain name. There are hundreds of companies providing domain registration services and it can be confusing. To narrow it down, we’ve taken the top 10 and pared it down to two.
NOTE: Your domain name registration and web hosting packages can be purchased through separate companies. For instances, there are circumstances when that may not be possible. For instance, .ca extensions are available through GoDaddy but NOT through Bluehost or some of the other registrars.
Annual Renewals
Registration is done on a yearly basis (or for up to 10 years). The cost can range between $20 to $35CD annually depending on the extension.
You can register the domain with the same company you choose for web hosting. If you do that, you may be entitled to free registration for the first year. Check it out before making your final decision.
We Can Help!
If you aren’t familiar with website development, navigating domain registration and setting up a web hosting package can be a bit daunting. At Bouzane Consulting we have the expertise. We can take the weight off your shoulders and handle all of these steps for you, quickly and efficiently. Be sure to contact us to discuss the details and get started.
providing all extension (.ca; .com; .org; etc. etc)
GoDaddy is one of the oldest and most popular domain registration companies. They manage more than 84 million domain names for over 20 million customers. As well there is a suite of other web services available including, hosting, emails and more.
Bluehost is one of the largest companies in the world. As part of their hosting services they offer domain registration.
Bouzane Consulting clients can get a free domain name (for first year), free SSL certificate and a discount on web hosting. For approximately $4.05 per month you can get up and running with a free domain name to boot.
NOTE: We use Bluehost as our web hosting provider.