Volume II, Issue 3
ISSN: 1547-7754
August 2004
printable version

Chris King, Editor
By subscription only, this monthly e-newsletter is loaded with short, "down and dirty" tips to help you with solving the everchanging and growing puzzle of the Internet. This e-zine serves as a place to ask your questions and find the answers. So, send me your burning questions.

When someone hires me to design their website, or even mentions to me that they are thinking of having a website, I suggest that they get a domain name as soon as possible. Even without a website in the offing, it is a good idea to have a domain name for e-mail purposes. That way you won't have to change your e-mail address every time you change Internet providers. (And if you are listed in many directories, changing your e-mail address can become a real hassle). Realizing that choosing, finding, registering for and deciphering the mysteries surrounding domains can be as confusing as many other facets of the Internet, I decided to devote this issue to the subject by answering many of the common questions.

QUESTION #1. What is a domain name?

• Whenever we are connected to the Internet, we are using an IP (Internet Protocol) address that provides a way to move data and a system of unique addresses to make delivery possible. These addresses are numerical, four sets of digits (in groups of up to three digits) separated by decimals. Because numbers are hard to remember and easy to type incorrectly, the most practical way of addressing is through names. DNS (Domain Name Service) is the Internet's master directory of domain names. For example, the numeric name for www.creativekeys.biz is 198.173.243.37 . Can you imagine me telling people that as my website?
• Also, if I ever change my Internet Service Provider or they change to a different server, the same name will be moved to another numeric address.

QUESTION #2. How do I choose a domain name?

• Start with the obvious. My business name has been Creative Keys since 1992, so when I was planning my first website in 1999 I tried to get the name www.creativekeys.com. It was unavailable, so I settled for www.creativekeys.net. Don't be disappointed if your desired name is already being used. I don't feel that having .net has hurt me at all.
• So, what do all of the endings mean, anyway? The three most common have been .com (commercial sites), .org (nonprofits and organizations), and .net (communications). .edu is for educational institutions and now we have .info (information), .biz (business) and many more.
• What about length, and should I use hyphens to separate? Back when I was searching years ago there was a limit on length, and many swooped up the short, four or five letter names (they are still difficult to find). Then, we were allowed up to 27 characters. Still the most obvious and simplest work the best. You want people to find you. I don't care for hyphens or cute and/or too clever.

QUESTION #3. How much do they cost and how do I register for a domain name?

• Today, domain names cost from $9.00 to $50.00. Realize that you don't own your domain name. You are renting it, so must make sure you don't allow it to expire (more about expiration spams later).
• My registrar of choice is www.godaddy.com. They are reasonably priced, accredited, easy to work with and once you register, your domain is parked or pointed free of charge.
• Steps of registration include the following:

  • Picking an available name.
  • Setting up an account (keep track of your ID and password).
  • Naming yourself as registrant, administrative and technical contact.
  • Use an e-mail address that you plan to keep if possible (you must update this if it changes, otherwise transferring in the future could be a problem).

QUESTION #4. What are some of the domain tricks you refer to?

• Purchase several domains for your website. You are probably wondering why you would want more than one domain for a site. Now that names are so reasonably priced, we can afford to think of variations that would be smart. For example, if your name has a strange spelling, get a domain with the correct spelling and another with the way many people would think its spelled. For example, Fred Gleeck has a site: FredGleeck.com and a FredGleek.com. He also markets to speakers and has a site spelled: speeking, which gets lots of visitors. Now when I am considering a new site, I purchase several names with various endings.
• Beware of expiration notices. Once you have a domain name, you will start getting notices in the mail warning you about your domain's expiration. These even look like invoices. They are actually trying to trick you into transferring your domain to them. Read the small print.
• If your name is already taken, registrars will usually give you suggestions, and one other trick I heard is that if you want to use you name and it is unavailable, add the work "the" to the beginning: www.TheChrisKing.com.

Have fun choosing and getting a domain name. Just think of what visitors might easily remember that makes sense. And also keep in mind that you can choose many.

Remember, send your comments and questions to me at chris@creativekeys.biz. I love to receive feedback and will answer your questions in future e-zines.