Registering a new domain name is simple

Once you’ve completed the brainstorm and decided upon the domain name that you wish to buy, you will need to go through the process of domain registration in order to find out whether that name is available and if it is how to become the registered owner of that address.

ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) is the global organisation responsible for the naming conventions on the web. Rather than try to handle the registration of all worldwide domain names, it has appointed a number of accredited companies in every internet-enabled country to handle the registration process locally.

The first stage of registration is to make sure that the domain name or names that you desire are actually available. You can do this by checking online with your country’s selected domain registration companies or through a web hosting company who purchase domain names on behalf of their clients. You will be able to enter the names you want and after trawling the DNS databases you will be instantly informed of whether they are available.

There is a registration fee payable to ICANN for each domain registered. Depending upon the top-level domain – ie .co.uk, .com etc – that fee can vary and if registering through a web hosting company that fee may be incorporated in their annual hosting charges. Before buying a domain name it may be prudent to shop around hosting companies to see if any are offering special deals such as; buying two domains for the price of one and a period of free hosting, typically two or three months.

However, if you wish to progress to domain name registration stage but still haven’t decided upon a name, then a selection of hosting companies offer a naming wizard option. Simply enter keywords relevant to your business or industry and their software will return available suggested domain names, which you can then immediately register.

Also, look out for other welcome extras that can be included as incentives for registering with web hosting companies, such as unlimited e-mail addresses, advanced DNS control and free website forwarding. Some hosts that offer the latter facility also apply adverts to their forwarding services. For a more professional look make sure you choose a host that offers no adverts on their forwarding services.

Once you commit to buying the domain name you will enter your details, pay your registration fee (if not included as part of a hosting package) and subsequently receive an e-mail that confirms you as the owner of that domain name – simple!

Jonathan Wallace writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

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