Registering a domain name is the first step towards strengthening your online presence and gaining visitors. We'll show you how to create and register a domain, avoid some pitfalls, and show you which domain name to choose so that as many people as possible visit your site. Read on to get started building a successful website!
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Registering a Domain
Method 1: Using Hosting
Step 1. Decide on the choice
Your site will consist of a bunch of files that need to be stored somewhere. You can keep them on your own computer (no hosting) or on the servers of another company (hosting). Most hosting providers are also capable of registering a domain name for you. Decide which option to use and follow the appropriate set of instructions.
Step 2. Choose a web host
Choose a service to host your site or use an existing one (if you got a ready-made site). You should choose one of the well-established services that tend to have different customer service policies and prices. Choose the one that suits you best.
- Reputable hosting services include register.com, GoDaddy.com, OnlyDomains.com, and eNom.com.
- All hosts use the same ICANN database, which is responsible for keeping track of all domain names, so they all have the same information.
Step 3. Check the domain name for availability
All of these sites are capable of checking the availability of the site; you just need to enter the domain name, and you will immediately know if it is available, and if it is not available, they will offer you alternative options. Some may even report having a cheaper domain with a slightly different name.
Step 4. Select other services
Once you have found an available domain name, you will need to select it and follow the instructions for the service you are using. When choosing a domain name, you will also have the opportunity to use other services provided by hosting. Choose the ones that suit you best.
Step 5. Complete all forms
You will be asked to enter a bunch of information. This is required for registration in the WHOIS database, where website owners are required to provide information about themselves. This information can be either made public or kept secret (usually for an additional fee).
Step 6. Pay for services
Website development costs money! Enter your billing information and make sure it is accurate. This is why it is so important to choose a popular site, because they will have your billing information.
Step 7. Use their tools
After successfully registering, you can use their toolkit to upload content to your site. You can also customize loading through programs like Firefox or Dreamweaver.
Method 2: Not Using Hosting Services
Step 1. Contact your provider
So, the problem with hosting your site on your own servers is that some ISPs (ISPs) do not allow this. They will block traffic. Thus, your first priority is to contact your ISP and see if this is allowed and if you have to do something about it. If the provider does not allow server hosting, you need to either change the provider, or forget about hosting altogether.
Step 2. Select a domain registrar
Choose from any of the major hosting services, or find a site that can do this, like Domjax. You can simply register your domain name through many hosting companies. You are not required to host the site on their hosting. Just find a reputable and certified domain name registrar.
Please be aware that some services and registrars are only allowed to register certain top-level domains (or TLDs) like.org,.xxx, and so on
Step 3. Get the server out
You will need a server to host your site on it. Depending on your needs, you can either repurpose your old computer or build a real server. The main thing is that it can meet the needs of your site. If you are counting on getting a lot of traffic, you will need a powerful system. The staff at your local computer store should be able to advise you on the best options for your needs.
Step 4. Get a static IP address
You need to configure your IP address so that it doesn't change. As a rule, they change, but in this case people will not be able to visit your site! Imagine that the Internet is the post office and your IP address is your home address. It should stay the same if you want mail to arrive!
Step 5. Install the required software
You need it to run the server, so pick the one that works for you and that you can learn how to use. The most common program is Apache.
Step 6. Configure the router and firewall
For your site to work, you must reconfigure your router and firewall. The router must correctly route connections to port 80, and the firewall must allow inbound and outbound traffic.
Step 7. Route domain traffic to your computer
Make sure everything is configured correctly and that your domain traffic is going to the right place - to your server! Once you're done, test it out on your computer and anywhere else (like another home).
Step 8. Determine the security risks
You should understand that running your own server is a serious security risk, as it is much easier to hack, which means that you need to take appropriate security measures. Monitor your site closely and look for signs of a security breach.
Part 2 of 3: Improving your domain name
Step 1. Don't freeze
Did you find that the domain name you are looking for was already taken? Do you want your domain name to be successful and people can find your site? So as not to get stuck and give up or pick a bad name, here are some tips to help you come up with the right domain name.
Step 2. Keep it modern
Choose a domain name that sounds modern and not like something from the 90s or 2000s. Avoid using numbers or signs that replace words (2, 4, U, and so on), as well as obsolete words.
Step 3. Be a professional
Choose a name that sounds professional and legal. If you don't want to be mistaken for a porn site or a scam, choose a name that sounds professional. For example, don't call your travel site Travel4U.biz, but rather choose something like QualityTravel.net.
Step 4. Make sure the name is readable
The domain name should be easy to read. Avoid names that contain multiple words with the same or similar letters, such as wikihowworld or wikiliki. They will be difficult to read on many computers and print media.
Step 5. Brevity is the sister of talent
Shorter domain names are more appropriate because they are easier to read, type, and remember. But if your website is much easier to remember and highlight, like wikiHow.com than wHow.com, then don't worry about it.
Step 6. The name should be memorable
If someone wants to know about your site in a conversation, you need to make it easy to remember. This is why it’s best to name it after your business or yourself (if it’s something like a portfolio site).
Step 7. Choose something related to you
Link your domain name to your brand, not your product. This will make your site easier to find and remember. It can also reduce the cost of your domain. For example, wikiHow.com is better than GoodInfo.com.
Step 8. Use Google tools
Boost your SEO (search engine optimization) by using Google tools like Google Trends and Google Keywords. They can help you find easier or more frequently searched alternatives and calculate the expected number of requests.
Step 9. Avoid copyright infringement
Do not name your site in violation of someone else's copyright. Trust me, this is a total nightmare that you shouldn't mess with. Do not confuse the terms with intellectual property or do anything offensive about someone else's copyright. For example, the decision to name your site DisneyMovies.com or PedoMickeyMouse.com is a very bad idea.
Part 3 of 3: Choose a top-level domain
Step 1. Select a regular top-level domain
Top-level domains (or TLDs) are the final part of your domain name, namely the letters following the period. Regardless of the nature of the site, there are usually two TLDs used,.com or.net. The convenience is that people will assume it's one of them if they forget or don't know your web address.
Step 2. Specify the business
Besides the standard two, there are a few other domains that are used for business, so consider using them. Choosing one of the unusual TLDs can help keep costs down as they usually cost less to register. Examples include.biz,.info, and industry and industry options.
Step 3. Specify the organization
Although the.org TLD is already open to everyone, it is generally used to refer to a regular or non-profit organization. If this is about you, then it is better to choose one of these domains to give your organization legitimacy.
Step 4. Specify a personal site
While the two most common top-level domains are typically used for My Sites, there are a wide variety of options available if you are looking to separate or save money. Think carefully about your options before choosing something.
Step 5. Specify your region
There are also top-level domains for different countries and regions. If your business is located only in your country, why not choose one of them? They also serve to make your site stand out from the crowd and reduce the cost as such names will be less in demand.
Step 6. Analyze the result
Once you've chosen a name and TLD, read them aloud to see how they sound together. Look for variants where the spelling or pronunciation might change with the deletion of the period. People accidentally create awkward or offensive phrases, especially when using non-standard TLDs. You can also use this to your advantage and turn your web address into a phrase like "noneofyour.biz" or "weare.us".
Step 7. Don't forget about restrictions
Certain top-level domains require identification to obtain. These domains include.aero,.int,.museum, or.pro. If you have the required documents to obtain one of these domains, consider using them. Otherwise, forget about them, you still won't be able to get them.
Advice
- After registering your domain name, your site will be halfway to the Internet. You will also need to find a hosting service. That is, the company that you will pay to use their server to host your site. Web hosting companies keep their servers live to ensure that sites are always available. Many companies provide similar services, such as WordPress. Search the internet, look at forums and reviews - prices and quality vary a lot.
- Top-level domains on different servers can cost differently and have different features and qualities. For example, Wordpress sites under the.com index are cheaper but have more restrictions than.org.
- Network Solutions offers a free "whois" service that allows you to find out who owns a particular domain name. If your desired domain name is occupied, then using this service you can find out the name and address of its owner, contact him and offer to redeem the domain name.
Warnings
- Be careful with sites offering free domain names. A free domain name may be offered to you in exchange for your permission to host the site. However, if you decide to change hosting, such a site will remain the owner of the domain name.
- Pros should think twice about sites with a domain name at the end of a website. For example, if you are running a computer-selling business, a domain name like “www.geocities.com/AppleComputer” does not in any way increase the level of confidence in your business. People believe domain names.