The
first step in your internet domain registration is to choose a domain
name. The name you choose can be just about anything you want, as long
as it is not already taken. The rules are not complicated for what is
allowed. You must use only letters, numbers, and or hyphens and is
limited to 70 characters. However, you should consider fewer characters
so that people will be able to remember the domain name. Also, they are
case insensitive so capitalization does not matter.
The next
step is to determine where you are going to perform your internet
domain registration. All domains must be registered, and that can only
be done by a certified registrar. There are, literally, hundreds of
certified registrars out there that can do an internet domain
registration for you. They amount they charge for their service can
vary a great deal as well. These companies are closely regulated, but
they are allowed to offer internet domain registration through third
party companies. If you do choose to act through a third party
registrar though, you will likely pay more money.
In most
cases, internet domain registrations is for at least a year. If you
like, though, you are allowed to register your domain name for up to 10
years at a time. The majority of companies charge you less per year for
a longer registration. So if you are positive you are going to be on
the web for a while, you may want to consider a multiple year internet
domain registration. In addition, you will find that if you register a
large number of different domain names, you can save money as well.
With that in mind, if you do have several domains, it can be very cost
effective to transfer all of the names to one registrar. Check them all
out first, though, and find out who will offer you the best deal.