| One of the very first steps in getting yourself your | | | | Names that are available can be purchased. The |
| own website is to register a domain name. | | | | transaction for purchasing a domain name is like any |
| What is a domain name? | | | | other online transaction; just have you credit card |
| It is simply an address which defines the location of a | | | | handy. |
| website. | | | | Before you go off and register a domain name, |
| The process of registering a domain name is | | | | consider the traits of quality domain names. |
| relatively simple. | | | | Remember that a domain name, in and of itself, can |
| First, you need to have an idea of a name. | | | | have value. Domains with the most most end in |
| Second, find an accredited domain name registrar. | | | | .COM. Make sure your domain name is under 26 |
| Once at the registrar's website there should be some | | | | characters. Don't use hyphens or numbers. By all |
| sort of domain name search capability. | | | | means, do not infringe on the trademark or copyright |
| Enter you domain name and click search. | | | | rights of others. |
| Typically, domain name registrars will return a list of | | | | As quick guidelines, remember these three rules: |
| domains. The list will include all possible suffixes to | | | | 1) is the domain memorable? |
| your domain name. Example: yourdomain.com, | | | | 2) can it be typed into a browser address bar |
| yourdomain.net, yourdomain.org, etc. | | | | without special characters? |
| The registrar will indicate whether any of the domain | | | | 3) does it communicate the content of the website? |
| names are currently available. Most do this by | | | | While there are more things to consider when |
| displaying some form of a green checkmark indicating | | | | purchasing a domain name, these three questions are |
| availability or a big red X indicating the domain name | | | | a place to start. |
| is registered by another party. | | | | |