How to register a website name

Registering your website name

Looking to get on the web but don't know what to name your website or how to register the name? Here are some tips for you:

• Open an account with a Domain Name registratar like GoDaddy, Network Solutions or DirectNIC


• Make sure you keep your login and password in a safe place. You'll need it in the future because without it, you won't be able to edit or renew your listing. Give them an email address you'll most likely keep for a long time as this is the address they will use to send you reminders when your name expires


• Each registrar has a form you can use to see if your name is available. Don't be surprised if your name is already taken as there are companies that buys names in bulk, and then try to sell them to you at exorbitant prices.
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• Keep your name reasonably easy to remember, as your business email will be based on your domain (web site) name. If it's long, full of dashes and tough to spell, it'll create a problem for you later.


• The internet uses extensions to classify a business. Like .com, .net, .biz, .edu (schools), .gov (government), .tv, and .info. If your name is not available as .com, you may want to buy the .net or .biz version. Also, if you can buy the .com, consider purchasing the .net and .biz versions so competitors don't buy them and use the same domain name


• A domain name needs muliple contacts. When you complete the contact fields, make sure it's your information in there so you can access the account later. Important tip: if your web designer registers your site, make sure they put it in your name, not their's, as that could be a real headache later. Whomever's name is in the registration contact information owns the name!


• If you are going to use a web hosting service other than the registrar you selected, make sure to call them and get their "named servers" information. What's this? Simply put, every domain name needs to be associated with a web server (computer) so the internet can find you. Usually they are in the format like this: ns1.servername.net, ns2.servername.net. If you don't know this information when you register your name, you can go back later and change it.


• Buy your names for at least 2 years so you don't have to deal with registering it every year


• Remember, you only "rent" your name and don't own it forever. Be sure to keep your account information and email contact information up-to-date so your registrar can remind you when it's time to renew


• One last thought: you'll get junk email or even junk snail mail telling you it's time to renew and pay some company you never heard of. Delete it or throw it away!

Hope this helps you get your North Carolina business online!