| If you're starting an online business or just want to | | | | cheaper package may seem attractive initially but it |
| have your own identity on the Internet, one of the | | | | may prove to be expensive to use in the long run. |
| most critical decisions you have to make is registering | | | | Conversely, choosing the most expensive package |
| and maintaining your domain name. After all, the | | | | may not work for you if it has too many services |
| domain name is what will set you apart and make | | | | you can't make full use of. |
| you identifiable in the organized chaos that is the | | | | Got a domain name double? Register other name |
| Web. Here are tips on effective domain name | | | | variations |
| registration and maintenance you can use: | | | | If you're building a business or an online identity in a |
| Decide on a memorable domain name | | | | popular or industry-specific niche, it's possible that you |
| Before registering a domain name, decide carefully if | | | | could have similar names with other businesses or |
| it is the right name to use. A domain name will | | | | websites. If your domain name is domainname.com, |
| identify and represent you. Don't register a domain | | | | for example, there could be another website out |
| name you will regret later or get you sued. If you | | | | there with another owner that has a similar domain |
| have a few names floating around, check if they | | | | name, such as or domainname.net. Whatever the |
| have been registered or trademarked. | | | | name or names may be, consider these as a cut in |
| Find a reliable company to register with | | | | your potential market share. |
| There are dozens of companies that offer domain | | | | You could minimize the confusion and competition by |
| name registration for a fee. The cost can vary, | | | | registering your other domain name variations. Check |
| ranging from really cheap ones with basic services to | | | | to see if there are no existing websites or registered |
| expensive ones that offer a few extras. If you want | | | | domain names using those variations and register |
| to be cost effective, make sure you do your | | | | them yourself. You can then redirect any searches or |
| research first before you decide on which registrar to | | | | clicks to your own website. While this can be costly, |
| sign up with. | | | | it can still be worth every penny if it ensures that |
| Consider the type of services you can make use of | | | | your targeted traffic comes to you. |
| There are domain name registrars that not only lets | | | | Can't handle all the work? Outsource domain name |
| you register your website but also offers you | | | | maintenance |
| maintenance. Ask about terms of service and the | | | | If you're swamped, you could always pay someone |
| length of the agreement. In most cases, you'll | | | | else to do domain name maintenance for your |
| probably find service packages ranging from basic to | | | | website. You can then focus on running your business |
| premium. | | | | and doing other tasks to help build your reputation |
| Compare the services for each package to see | | | | online. |
| which one suits your present and future needs. A | | | | |