Buying Domain Names
Here Peter Hanley looks at Buying Domain Names and what it means to you and furthermore how you can obtain the best market value.
What is a Domain name?
Basically, it is your website address which is controlled by a hosting company to deliver people to your website, or I should say it is one of the ways to deliver visitors.
Now I searched Wiki and a few others for a great explanation on domain names and was left confused so let’s just move on.
When the world wide web (WWW) was started they had to have an address for you so it started HTTP:// which is basically just a transfer protocol and the www. to follow.
Then we add a name of the company say Google to become
Transfer on the WWW. to Google this search.
In history. they then added a .com which stands for Commercial or business.
so transfer to the www address. Google which is a commercial endeavour.
Time moves on
The transfer protocol HTTP was a bit flakey so they added a new level of security and called it https://.
Initially, they were selling security certificates but these days they are generally free. The old HTTP will soon be gone.
Better to identify your country domain
As the .com started to fill they added .net and. Gov etc so people had twice the choice, if you could not get google.com then you could get google.net.
This is not all silly because Google then had to buy every type of dot on the market greatly increasing sales.
Next was country codes for those wanting to use the net in a confined area or the www in say UK or AU
This made it easier to target business by location.
So we now have https://www.Google.com.uk A secure link to a known business in the UK. Yes, we have gone even further by narrowing down to say https://www.google.gov.uk. Same same but a government department
Enough you say, give me something I didn’t know. Well, excuse me I had to research what .com was. I have used it for years and it never occurred to me that it meant commercial so we all learn as we go along.
What is the best domain to choose?
I have a similar conversation about phone numbers and it depends on where you wish to market.
If the world is your oyster don’t include a country but if you are only marketing in say Australia add a dot AU or a dot gov.au if you are a government.
The choices these days are very broad but don’t try and mystify the occasion by using dot XYZ or dot co although I believe .org is coming into favour and is a reasonable choice
Do you own your domain?
Nup, you rent it for a fee paid to the host. Stop paying and wave goodbye to your domain.
How to pick a domain name.
If you can get one with your company name the choice is easy but you can try different ways, for example;
John Pickles and son signwriter.
could be Pickles signs, JP signwriters, signsatpickles, Pickles and co etc
then choose from .com or .net or maybe .com.au as a country code.
Using a search facility you will be offered alternatives.
try godaddy.com
and here you will see Mr pickles has lots of options and pricing with a range of dot options as well.
Godaddy is probably the largest and best-known domain house and they come with one real problem. The front end is cheap the following years may be dearer.
The domain register holds your name for you and sends it to a Host.
Let’s clear up some important issues first. If the name is trademarked don’t use it. Examples are brands and well-known names. you will get sued.
Check the name is available in Social media and register at the same time.
You can use Hyphens if you wish, like Pickles-signs but it does create a position of a potential error although it opens up more options.
I would generally avoid numbers because do you use a 3 or three when explaining the domain. For instance threecom.com or 3com.com.
Near me, we have a 777chemist because the address is 777 Albany highway. In this case, numbers would be ideal.
Finally, try and keep it short and easy to remember.
Some hosts that are popular include Godaddy, NameCheap, crazy domains.
Now, uk.domains.co.uk only need a hyphen and a number to make it really difficult.
I buy mine at Wealthy affiliate because they are priced correctly and don’t jack the price up each year.
Finally, in some countries, you must pay for two years up front and an example is .com.au
Can you sell a domain name?
Yes, you can and there is a lucrative market out there for good names.
To be more specific you sell the right of use to the name or a transfer fee because it is really not yours to sell. Usually packaged with a website and some traffic.
Buying domain names can be lucrative.
Point your domain where you want.
Your domain name is the directory of where you want to transport people too. It can be to a Blog, a funnel or a website and can be changed at any time.
You just log in and make the changes.
Hosting your domain
This is the place that your website resides. When you buy a domain you can send it anywhere to a host. Most domain companies also do hosting making it a bit easier but not necessary. I have used Godaddy often because I hosted on several sites but have now consolidated to The Wealthy Affiliate site.
One payment 25 sites all with extras.
Do not go to a host who does not offer free https. Nearly everyone does now so do not pay extra.
Check the speed of the host before you go there. Speed matters and has an effect on your SEO. That is the speed of opening your pages.
Next, we have site protection with Spam blocking, this should be free.
Lastly is site support, it needs to be available 24-7 without a long wait time.
You have a domain name, you have a host now you just need to build your website.
Learn how here
In conclusion, I advise to chose your domain, company name and Social links carefully because over time it becomes your image and brand and shows your business to the best intent.
Peter Hanley
