Domain Names - What You Need To Know

A Domain name is a name that identifies a particular website, technically speaking, one or more IP addresses and is used in URLs to identify particular Web pages.

It is important that you choose a a name that will help identify what your website does or is about!  Here are three rules to keep in mind when choosing a domain name:

1. It should be relevant (to your site);
2. It should be memorably: a short word or phrase;  and
3. it should not contain any trademarked terms or phrases for which you could be later sued!

After picking a name, you need to register it through an official ICANN-certified domain name registrar.  The prices vary: currently, our top choice is GoDaddy.com (we have no affiliation with them, nor do they pay us!).  And here's a couple of secret tips:  Enter the promotion code Alex or DIIG to get a discount; the latter 10%!  If these codes don't work, try this page for the current set!

Another good registrar is cheap-domainregistration.com

Some web hosting companies will register the name for you, either included in their hosting plans as a free service, or for a fee. Be sure that you own the domain name the web host gives you; that you can continue using it, even if you change hosts later.

Just to provide a number of alternatives; here is our top 7 best value and performance domain registrar list:

1. GoDaddy.com - inexpensive, large, good resources, easy to use and easy to manage you domains.
2. cheap-domainregistration.com - very similar to GoDaddy.  Slightly more expensive.
3. AIT Domains - ICANN-accredited registrar, charges $7.99 per domain per year. 

4. GKG.net - Charges $10 per domain per year. Free Parking.

5. Joker - German company,$10.50 ($12 inc. VAT).

6. Registry  at Info Avenue - Ranges from $13 to $24 per domain per year.  They have a partner program for multiple registrations. Free parking. 

7. ItsYourDomain $15 per domain per year. reliable, easy to use, but not the cheapest for the same service.