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	How To Register A Web Domain Name

Web Domain Information

When you set out to register a domain name prior to the year 2000, there was really just one game in town, and the game was Network Solutions. Without going into all the domain registration history, netsol.com charged $35 per year, per domain. Worse yet, there was a 2 year minimum on new domain registrations. Shelling out $70 was a risky investment for those just learning about domain names, and many mistakes were made. Even so, most companies that were ready to build their first corporate website and establish an email address purchased one or more web domains, and lots of speculative buyers snapped up names they believed might someday be of value.

Fast forward ten years and the domain industry is going strong. There are now several hundred domain registrars that can assist you with registering a web domain. In addition, many of these ICANN accredited companies offer annual registration fees below $10 per year, with occasional promotions that sometimes include up to 12 months free. Some of the most popular domain registrars include GoDaddy, eNom, Tucows, 1and1, Moniker, and Register.com.

The most popular domain name extension has always be .com. Right behind are .net, .org, .edu, and .gov. Today there are more than 100 domain name extensions including .us, .info, .mobi, .biz, .name, and the list goes on and on. According to a Zooknic report, more than 160 million "top level" domains and another 63 million country code top-level domains (ccTLD's) were registered as of April, 2008. Over the past few quarters, more than 3 million new web domain name registrations have occurred each month.

How To Register A Web Domain Name (for hosting your website and email)

1. Do some research do determine which domain name registrar you'd like to use
2. Use the registrar's domain name search box to see if your preferred domain name is available
3. If your web domain is not currently registered by someone else, follow directions to register it
4. If the domain you wanted is taken, search for another one or attempt to contact the current registrar

Some of the most useful sites for domain name research and registration:

1. For quick, real time web domain searches try www.instantdomainsearch.com
2. To search many domain names at once, try www.moniker.com
3. To find out who has registered the domain you want, try www.domaintools.com
4. To search for domain names on the secondary market, try www.dnforum.com

One thing to keep in mind before you register a domain name is trademarks. You don't want to register a web domain that includes a trademarked word or phrase. While there may be some exceptions to the rule, unless you are sure that you are not infringing on another company's mark, pass on domains that could later land you in court. For example, don't register something like bestmicrosoftadvisor.net.

Looking a bit further down the line, if you are getting a domain name because to plan to build a website, there may be advantages to buying domains that include specific keywords and phrases. If your business is repairing motorcycles in Des Moines, Iowa you might want to consider a domain such as DesMoinesMotorcycleRepair.com. Learn more about how to use domain names to generate more traffic to your website.