The first step to launching a website is purchasing a web domain name. A web domain represents the address of a particular website. All websites are computers that are interconnected to each other. Every website on the internet is assigned an IP address. This address tells others where to find it. But an IP address is a long string of numbers that are hard to remember. As a result, websites IP addresses are converted into words which we call web domains. Also, this makes it easy to find a particular website without having to memorize numbers which represent each unique site you want to visit.Registrars sell web domains to individuals or entities. A domain registrar sells domain names that are not currently owned by someone. In addition, many allow you to sell or buy a domain name from someone else. The role of a domain registrar is to keep track of all web domains that exist. There are numerous companies that participate as domain registrar’s today. Furthermore, most domain registrars also offer DNS services. A DNS service makes sure that your domain name directs people to your website.
Other key factors about web domains and sellers of them
Domain registrars usually sell numerous domain suffixes. A domain suffix that fits your website is critical to have. A retail website that has a domain suffix of .edu would be suspicious to users. It is critical that you pick the correct suffix for the type of website you want to launch.Another important aspect of a domain registrar is the WHOIS directory. Many companies that sell domain names allow you to keep your personal information hidden from this directory. All domains are listed in a public listing directory. The public listing publishes all domains and those who are associated with each name. Some domain registrars charge for this privacy feature while others offer it for free.Computers communicating with web hosting servers to download web pages
Web hosting connection to domain names:
In many cases you can buy a web domain name from a web hosting company. For this reason, people confuse the two separate concepts of buying a domain name and buying web hosting. It is possible to buy a web domain from a different company than you buy web hosting from. It is fairly common to see companies bundle these services along with others together into compelling packages.A web host is the system where all the files of your website are stored. Anytime someone enters your website domain name into a computer browser you need a web host to fulfill the request. The web host actually sends the requesting computer the files needed to load the web page in a web browser.Every piece of content or functionality on a website is stored by your web host. But, you cannot access information stored on a web host without having it connected to your domain name. However, if you purchase a domain name from a different company than your web hosting you will need to take some extra steps to make everything work. In order to make everything work you must point you domain name to your web hosting company by editing the DNS settings. In contrast, if you purchase both from the same company then they handle everything for you.Domain buying tips
Web Domain Buying Tips:
When buying a domain name, it is important to remember that not all companies are the same. As a result, you will find some use unsavory tactics which can have a negative impact on you. Therefore, we will recommend a few simple tips for you to be aware of when buying a domain name.
Be on the look out for hidden fees
As with any service that you can buy, price can be a critical component in deciding which provider to buy from. Don’t be lured into buying a domain at a very low price without looking at all the facts. Some domain registrars will offer promotional pricing at very low prices, but then hide numerous additional fees in the agreement, lock you in long term, and charge high renewal rates. If you find a registrar who is offering very cheap domain prices it could be they use other less-than-ethical ways to make money.The most common trick is hidden costs buried in purchase agreements. Before you make a decision to purchase a domain, review the registrar’s “Terms of Service” for any questionable terms, obligations, or fees. In addition check what renewal rates they are offering in their agreement.Besides that check to ensure they don’t have transfer-out fees hidden in their agreements for moving your domain to another registrar. Furthermore, requiring transfer-out fees violate ICANN policy (ICANN oversees the use of Internet domains).
Ensure they allow you to protect your privacy
Another trick they may play is asking you pay to edit your WHOIS listing. Every domain registration has details which must be published to the public WHOIS directory, and you should be given the opportunity to change anything, without additional costs. Also, keep an eye out for any providers who charge fees when you want to edit your WHOIS records.Due to domain details being public record in the WHOIS directory, it is very common to want to keep your personal information private. Moreover any data published at risk of being used by spammers, hackers or criminals. Furthermore always buy from domain registrars who offer WHOIS privacy for free. Not to mention beware of any registrars who charge a premium for any privacy features.
Selling your data to third parties
In addition to failing to protect your private data in public records, some registrars actually sell your data to third parties. In conclusion ensure that the registrar you choose promises to never to sell or misuse your data.
Top places to buy domains from:
Domains.Google.com (focused on domains only but can buy other Google products)
Wix.com (they offer a full suite of services not just web hosting)
Squarespace.com they offer a full suite of services not just web hosting)
Any of these providers above can work depending on your situation. If you want someone else to handle everything for you then Wix or Squarespace are best. In fact, both of those provide you with an entire suite of services to easily launch many types of websites. Consequently, these easy services also reduce your ability to customize certain aspects of your site. The majority of changes you would want to make are available but in order to provide an easy service that is very reliable, they have to limit certain types of adjustments that could break their services.Additionally, the web hosting companies like Bluehost.com, GoDaddy.com, HostGator.com or InMotionHosting.com are also great options. Moreover, when you use a service like this, they are also your web host so it makes setup less complex since it is all handled by the same provider. Usually, these providers will offer web domains for free or extremely low prices if you also buy web hosting from them. This can be a great option for many who want to keep it simple.Finally, there are services that first and foremost are web domain sellers. While they may offer other niche services, their bread and butter is web domains. The top two providers that I have seen are Domains.Google.com and Namecheap.com. Both offer very low prices, great features and give you a great deal of control. This is my preferred method to acquiring a web domain name.Ultimately, the decision is up to you to weigh all the options. In future articles we will delve deeper into each provider or specific aspects of service providers solutions.
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