| Selecting and purchasing a domain name is the first | | | | else. If so, ensure it didn't have any unsavoury |
| step required before you even begin to design your | | | | connections that may hurt the reputation of your |
| website. Fortunately, there are many companies | | | | business. For example, if your desired name was |
| called domain registrars that can sell you a domain | | | | previously owned by a gambling, spam or |
| name. Although prices can vary greatly-from $8.95 up | | | | pornography site, I would find another one. Previous |
| to $29.95-we don't recommend spending more than | | | | site owners who used your domain name may have |
| $8.95 for your domain name. | | | | also resorted to using unethical black hat tactics in |
| Step 1 | | | | their business. Therefore, if your proposed name |
| You will find many search boxes where you can | | | | appears on websites that appear unethical, don't |
| search for available domain names. If possible, choose | | | | waste your time using it. It is much safer to choose |
| a ".com" name containing no dashes for your principal | | | | another domain name so you can establish a positive |
| website. Make sure the name is easy to pronounce | | | | impression right from the start. |
| and spell, and is not too long. Including an essential | | | | Step 3 |
| keyword as a part of your domain name is not | | | | Once you have confirmed the suitability of your |
| necessary, but highly useful. For example, if you own | | | | domain name, you need to apply for an account with |
| a site related to selling products about dogs, you | | | | a domain registrar and purchase the name. Most |
| may want to choose "dogitems.com" as an | | | | companies allow you to register your domain name |
| appropriate name. However, it's better to choose a | | | | for several years, but this depends on the company. |
| domain that is short and easy to spell, rather than | | | | I recommend paying for a domain name that is |
| including a length or awkward keyword. | | | | reserved for a minimum of two years. The reason is |
| Step 2 | | | | that many fraudulent or spam sites remain registered |
| As soon as you have found a suitable name, conduct | | | | for only one year. Therefore, new sites that are only |
| a search for that particular name in a major search | | | | registered for one year may be viewed negatively |
| engine such as Yahoo!, MSN or Google. Check to see | | | | by search engines such as Google. |
| if your proposed name was ever owned by anyone | | | | Good luck with your new domain name! |