Be the Master of Your Domain

Sure, you've got a website. Heck, the 10-year-old down the street probably has one these days. Case in point, today's business world isn't just about having an online presence, it's about having a good online presence. And all that starts with the domain - what you name it, where you register it, when you renew it, who administers it, and more.

For most people out there, keeping up on all that has got to be a pretty tricky responsibility, right? Well, no. Not really. The following is pretty much all you need to become the master of your domain.

How to choose a domain name

A domain name can make or break your personal website or online business. Here are a few tips to help you find and choose the right domain for your site or company:

• Try to keep your domain name on the short side. This can be difficult since many short domains are already registered.
• Limit the number of words in your domain to a maximum of 3 or 4.
• Be sure to register all other TLDs (.net, .org, .biz, etc.) for your domain and have them redirect to your main site.
• Avoid using hyphenated domain names. While it can be good, in theory, for search engine rankings, it will take away from the overall branding value of your site. Hyphenated domains can also send visitors away from your site, as they might automatically type the URL in without the hyphens when thinking of your domain.
• Make it easy to remember. This applies to the spelling of your domain as well. People will remember “DedicatedServerNews.com” much more easily than “DedictdSrvrNwz.com”.
• Millions of registered domains are deleted each day. If the domain name you want is taken, try out a service like DeletedDomains.com to see if it has been recently deleted or put on-hold.
• Check out domain auction sites like DomainersEdge.com to see if there are any domains up for sale that would fit with what you are looking for.

The domain name is the one of the most basic parts of your website, but it is also one of the most important. Take care in selecting the right domain name for your site or company, as it can have a lasting effect, both good and bad, now and in the future.

Avoid hyphenated copycat names

Think carefully before you try an alternative version of a domain name that is already registered to someone else. For example, you might consider using a hyphenated version such as example-business.com. Remember that users typing the name are likely to forget the hyphens so check what they will see if they type the un-hyphenated version into a browser.

Remember that E-mail uses your domain, and will be more of a problem - what will happen if your customers try to send you an e-mail without the hyphens in the name? The message will go to someone else.

Make sure your domain name is really yours

Make sure that you are listed as the registrant for your domain name (not the agent/person who registers it for you). We time & time again run into people who don't have control of their domain. Either a former employee, or a company they used (usually for a really low cost) to design & develop their website has it in their own name and won't hand it over.

Keep track of renewal dates

Keep your own records of your domain names - the contact details, registrars details, dates bought and when they are due for renewal.

Keep your contact details up to date

Be careful about the contact details that you provide - if you change your address, phone number or e-mail, remember to notify the registrar or you may miss out on reminders for renewing your name.

Check out your support options

Choose a registrar that offers the level of support that you will need - if you want a telephone support number then you may have to pay more.

Avoid hidden costs

Check that there are no hidden costs and that you aren't tied in to one provider. For example, you shouldn't be obliged to have your web site and e-mail hosted by the company that registered your domain name if you don't want to. Also, importantly, transferring your domain name to another provider at a later date should be straightforward and free. Watch out for renewal scams.

Any correspondence associated with renewing your domain name should come from ICANN, Nominet or your original registrar. Watch out for reminders for domain name renewals that come through snail mail or facsimile demanding urgent payment and don't have your registrar's details on them - they are just another of the many Internet scams and are usually more expensive than using your original registrar. If in doubt contact your registrar.

Concerned about having your details in a public registry?

When you have chosen a registrar you will give them your contact details. These will be added to the central registry and made public. For most businesses this is not a problem, since business contact details are freely available through the phone book and many other sources already. However, some people are uncomfortable with this - usually those with small businesses who are working from home whose concerns tend to be around security.

If this applies to you then consider using a PO box address or renting a 'virtual office' which will give you a business address. Remember, if you ever change that address to make sure your details are updated in the registry, you may miss out on domain name renewal reminders.

That's it. That's pretty much all it takes to take control of your domain. Still, you wouldn't believe how many times people call upon Traction to redesign and/or move their site to a new server... BUT! They don't know anything about their domain name; therefore they can't access it; therefore they can't take it with them.

Trust us, you don't want that to happen to you. All you have to do to ensure it doesn't, is follow the simple measures listed above.