Getting your first dot-com can be a great experience. I can remember how exciting it was when I first registered a domain name nine years ago. I sometimes get a chill every now and then when I register domains for my clients, especially those who are getting a website for the very first time. It is definitely a big step to take, but it doesn’t have to be a difficult one.
Research
Check the Internet Archive and Google to see if the domain previously existed. If you purchase a used domain that was banned from the search engines, you may be stuck with that penalty. Doing proper research first ensures that you will get a quality domain.
Costs
Back in the day domain registration used to cost $35 per year. Nowadays, you can find offers for as low as $1.99. But beware of additional costs when purchasing low priced domain names. Registrars such as GoDaddy have a great service and price.
Domain Hijacking
Beware when a web site company registers your domain name. Make sure that you have it in writing that you own all rights to the registered domain. Some companies do not allow you to retain ownership, which can result in a whole slew of problems if you decide to go to another company.
Cyber Squatters
Some companies and individuals will register similar domains hoping that either you will purchase them for a hefty price or will use them to gain traffic from your brand. Beware if you check the availability of a domain on Network Solutions. They have been notorious for registering domains people have searched for in hopes that they will purchase the domain from them.
Registering a domain name can be a great and exciting experience. Be sure to research accordingly, check for additional costs, be aware of hijacking and cyber squatting scams. Congratulations on your big step online.
