| Just like any business, your identity is very important. | | | | all domain names listed in italic are ficticious: |
| On the World Wide Web, your domain name is your | | | | |
| identity. Of course, you can opt for a subdomain | | | | 1. Think of appropriate name for that suit the theme |
| name that comes with many free web hosting like | | | | of your web site. For instance, an online dating |
| But if you are serious about being successful on the | | | | service may find domain name like more desirable |
| Internet, you have to get your own domain name, | | | | than say |
| like | | | | 2. Search for domain name availability. Every domain |
| Top 10 reasons to have your own domain | | | | name registrar will provide you with a search tool; |
| namePlease note that all domain names listed in italic | | | | although some search tools are better than other. |
| are ficticious: | | | | You will have to do a lot of searches because a lot |
| | | | of domain name that you wish to have is probably |
| 1. It is cheap and easy to get your own domain | | | | already owned by someone else (very common). |
| name (less than $15/year in most cases) | | | | 3. As you come across available domain names that |
| 2. You own the name (as long as you pay the annual | | | | you like, jot them down. Keep searching until you |
| fee) | | | | have about 3-5 different domain names to choose |
| 3. You are not dependent on one web hosting | | | | from. |
| company to let you use a subdomain, or worse, a | | | | 4. Choose a domain name and register it at a domain |
| subdirectory | | | | name ICANN Accredited registrar. |
| 4. Your web site promotion effort does not go to | | | | Other factors to consider |
| waste if you change your web hosting company | | | | - Initially, you will want the .com version of your |
| (because the domain name remains the same | | | | domain name. If your internet business takes off, |
| regardless of what host you use) | | | | you may want to consider registering other first-level |
| 5. The domain name can be optimized to your | | | | domains (i.e., .net) of your domain name and perhaps |
| business, like | | | | even similar domain names to prevent mistaken |
| 6. Your web site is more professional | | | | identity |
| 7. The domain name is easier to remember. For | | | | - Use domain name registrar that will register the |
| instance, rather than | | | | domain under your name under all contacts |
| 8. It is much easier to sell a web site with its own | | | | information (perhaps with the exception of technical |
| domain name | | | | contact). It should be clear that you own the domain |
| 9. A good domain name can be an asset | | | | name. |
| 10. It is cheap and easy to get your own domain | | | | - Use domain name registrar that provide good online |
| name (this one is worth repeating) | | | | account support. |
| How to register for a domain namePlease note that | | | | |