Business Domain Names

Business domain names are extremely important for people planning to promote their business online or people running a business that is exclusively online. A web name should reflect the services or products and preferably be the name of the company. If someone sells holiday baskets, perhaps they will want to purchase a domain name using the phrase "holiday basket." Some businesses buy several web addresses for one website to get more hits on the site. Plus, more names for one site can make the website more accessible. Although some names are free, webmasters will most likely have to buy them from a company. These sellers also offer other Internet tools such as email, web hosting and online marketing. Choosing the right company can be a daunting task, but if the webmaster knows what to look for, their website will soon be accessed through a great web address.

The prices tend to vary from service to service. The cost to buy domain names is typically around $25 per year. However, many companies will offer a lower rate per year if the customer signs up for a longer term. These services may offer terms as long as ten years. This, of course, means that webmasters will have to pay for that address for the next 10 years, but the rate may be as low as $7.00 per year. The name may be very valuable and calls for protection indefinitely. Customers can compare the prices and terms for these services online. Simply visit the companies' websites to get rates to buy domain names. Those who have any questions can usually reach them by phone or email. Consider combining services in one package. It will often save more money than using a different service for every business web tool.

Consumers will want to consider several factors when choosing web addresses. It's good to consider the length of the name. If possible, don't choose a long name. These can be harder for people to remember. Leave out such business terms as store, incorporated, gallery, company, etc. These only make the web address longer. For those who have a business with more than three words, consider using an abbreviation. Instead of John Doe and Associates Law Firm, it's possible to get business domain names with a phrase like "jdalfirm." The shorter the name, the easier it is to remember and the easier it is to spell. A long domain name will often be typed in wrong and people will only assume that there is a problem with the name - not their typing skills. Another factor in the domain name is the extension. There are specific extensions at the end of business domain names that signify what the company is. The extensions .COM, .NET and .BIZ are often used for for-profit companies. Non-profit companies often use the extension .ORG. Government agencies at all levels tend to use .GOV as part of the extension. The webmaster will want to choose an extension that is easy to remember. Bare in mind, though, that the more common extensions with the preferred name may already be taken.

In addition, webmasters will want to think about how similar the name is to some other web address. This can be a blessing and a curse. If the name is close to a major website name, many accidental visitors who typed the domain name wrong or remembered it wrong will end up at the wrong site. This could help one's website with exposure. However, should the similar website notice, they may try to sue for the domain name because of its similarity to their own. It's always better to play it safe and buy domain names that are as unique as possible. Many domain services will assist customers in doing this. They will suggest other names when they find that one is taken.

To select the right domain name service company, don't just look at the price, but also the company's reputation and years in business. "A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies" (Proverbs 14:25). Ask other businessmen with websites what business domain names companies they use. They may even recommend a local company. Some people prefer working face-to-face rather than on the Internet or over the phone. Before consumers buy domain names, they should make sure that the service has no complaints with the Better Business Bureau or the Federal Trade Commission. Read all about the business on its website. If possible, find out who their biggest clients are. Talk to a representative about the services offered. Webmasters will most likely be working with them for at least the next year so it's best to be sure that services won't need to be cancelled.