There are many factors to take into consideration before you buy a web address. A domain name (aka Web Address) is how the rest of the world will find your website amongst the myriad of other sites currently in existence. On average, about 33,000 top-level domain names are registered daily, while nearly twice as many expire or are deleted. By the second quarter of 2024, the total number of domain name registrations across all top-level domains (TLDs) had reached approximately 362.4 million. The United States has nearly five times the amount of IP address as any other country. China is the current distant second with various outlying islands and territories coming in last.
Web Address breakdown
A computer accesses the internet using a unique set of numbers, similar to a telephone number. These IP, or internet protocol, addresses form the domain name system. It how the world wide web distinguishes one website from another. It is important to make sure you have control over your web address by not allowing a development company to register your domain name.
Certain companies will offer this as a free service, but it could lead to a dispute about who actually owns the domain name. It is best to pay a little more for additional security, honesty, and quality. However, higher costs do not always guarantee higher quality. Also, make sure your domain registration company has 24-hour technical support staff on hand to answer any problems that might arise. A telephone support number is preferable, but at a minimum, be sure they have a quick email response time.
Domain Registration Companies
Nationally recognized and accredited domain registration companies are more likely to clearly and understandably explain all the conditions that might apply to your account. You want to be sure you know exactly how much it will cost to sign-up and renew your web address. Most companies allow for auto-renewal to be set-up. Some services will offer discounted or free first-year renewals, but these often contain exorbitant fees after the first year. It is safer to know at least five to ten years down the road what your domain name will be costing you.
Easy Domain Registration
Managing your domain name’s details should be effortless, and you shouldn’t face penalties for switching to another registrar when purchasing a web address. When given the option, lock-in your web address to prevent anyone from transferring or modifying the name you choose. It is a good idea only to use email addresses to guarantee access whenever you need it. At times, emails linked to work or other services may become unusable after leaving a position. Additionally, keep your registration password private to prevent unauthorized activity on your account.
Whois.net is an IP search tool that provides public information about your domain name. For just a few dollars more, you can add a privacy service that replaces your information with generic, non-personal details on your account. Otherwise, if you use your real address, name, and phone number, anyone can easily locate you. This a potential security risk that can cost you much more than the privacy fee. Many different services will provide this service free of charge.
How much should buying an address cost?
Acquiring a domain does not have to be a costly affair. There is no need to pay more than thirty dollars a year to buy a web address. However, you should be wary of any service offering domains for less than five dollars. They tend to have hidden fees and poor customer support. A high-quality provider should offer services such as free domain pointing. Whenever someone types your web name into a browser, they are instantly directed to your specific page.
The domain name you choose needs to meet certain criteria to be successful. The International Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, or ICANN, is the agency responsible for regulating domain names’ legitimacy and legality. When searching for a web site address, it is crucial to choose common keywords associated with your business line. Search engines use various algorithms to rank web pages, and keywords contribute to a website receiving hits. Your name should be short and easy to remember. The keywords used need to clearly identify your intent. Common practices include using a keyword in conjunction with synonyms, adjectives, or numbers. You can use Whois.com to check the availability of your desired web address.
Web Address TLD choice
Chose a TLD, or top-level domain name, to avoid being associated with various spam sites who use the .info extension. It is wise to stick to the .com, .biz, .org, or .net extensions to protect your credibility. Another important factor to consider is the international interpretation of your domain name. Many words sound harmless in English but could have unintended consequences in other languages. If you can’t find an available web address or come up with an acceptable variation, you may have the option to purchase an existing one.
There are a few other things to consider when deciding on a domain name. ICANN prevents using trademarked words anywhere within your web address. People once bought names of unregistered companies and tried to sell them back at an inflated price. New regulations have now made it possible for a company to now sue for copyright infringement. When you buy a web address, it can be beneficial also to buy other extensions with the same name. Owning the .net or .biz for your web address can save you from headaches down the road. It is alright to have a creative and original name. Unless you have the capital for advertising, choose a name people instantly associate with your service.
Find a good Web Address Registrar
Picking out a domain registration company aka Web Address Registrar might seem confusing at first, but it is really quite simple. A few common pitfalls to avoid are choosing price over quality. Regardless of your website’s purpose, research thoroughly to ensure it meets your specific needs. Using one service to register your domain name and another to host your web page is generally safer. All-inclusive packages will sometimes retain too much control over your web address, leaving you with few options if disputes arise. It is also much easier to manage your account and web page separately on a server dedicated to web hosting. Forethought and planning are essential to making your web address reliable and unique for users.