Domains

TIPS WHEN CHOOSING A DOMAIN NAME

Your domain name is extremely important and the center of your Internet identity. The following you should take into consideration when choosing the name that will represent you on the Web? GraphiX Web Design offers these 9 handy tips.

1. Keep it short when possible. Although you can register a name with up to 63 characters, you have to keep in mind that you people to be able to remember it, as well as easily type it into their browser. Try to register the shortest name that your customers and visitors will associate with your company or type of business.
2. Register Your Domain NOW Domain names are being registered at an extremely fast pace. IT IS IMPORTANT you are cautious where you search your domain names at - we have seen many domain sites work with domain pirates who hijack your name that same day and then try to sell it to you for $100's of dollars more the very next day. If you see a name you like REGISTER IT ASAP. If all else fails you can sell your domain name on EBay or one of the auction houses to recoup some/all your money, or even make a profit from it. $9.95 is cheap insurance to know the name you like is yours and can not be stolen.
3. One May Not Be Enough Sometimes, it isn't a bad idea to register several similar domain names. If you have "yourname.com", register "yourname.net" so no one else takes it. You can register your full company name and a shorter, easier to remember version. Some people even register common misspellings of their company’s name. (You don't need a separate Web page for each. Several domains can point to the same Website.) GraphiX Web Design can point all the domains you register to your one website at no additional cost. (Domain Aliases)
4. Dot What?  There are many different extensions available right now. For businesses, we recommend a .com suffix. It is the first extension that most people try when searching for a Website. Also, since it is one of the oldest extensions, .com shows that your business has been around for a while and that you have a well-established presence on the Web. Also depending on your budget we suggest you tie up .org and .net when possible to keep your competition from registering them and pointing them to their website.
5. Character Types! Just a reminder. Domain names can only use letters, numbers, and dashes. Spaces and symbols are not allowed. Also, domain names are not case sensitive.
6. Ask Around. When you have settled on several available name choices, see what your friends and clients have to say. A name that may make perfect sense to you may be too hard for other people to remember. Is your domain easy to say? Is it hard to spell? Do you have to explain why you chose the name?
7. Don't Shell Out Large Amounts of $$$  Some companies charge an astronomical amount of money to register a domain name, you should never spend over $10. Of course we believe you should register with our sister company www.digitaldomainsales.com as it makes things easier to have one place to call for all your website needs.
8. If you can not find a domain name you like, try searching domain auctions. Many times it is difficult to find the domain you are looking for - it can be frustrating as you will find many of the good names have been purchased by domain squatters who purchased the name in hopes of selling it for big profits. Personally I have found much success in searching www.ebay.com or GoDaddy Auctions for domains, but their are many other auction sites where you may find that perfect domain name for your business.
9. Always make sure your DOMAIN NAME IS REGISTERED IN YOUR NAME It is important that you register your domain name in your name. I have seen a number of times when web designers have held people hostage for their domain names when they have decided to move on to a different web designer.