How to Register Your Domain Name And Get It Out On 'Da Innerwebz

When you are preparing your server or website and you want to get a domain name, here are the steps you will need to take.

Research company names and existing domains

You will need to make sure you're not going to use a domain that's close to or matches an existing company name. Do your research and also, try going to a domain registrar like Network Solutions or GoDaddy to see if the domain is taken.

Choose both the .com and the .org at minimum

You don't want to make a mistake and not register at least these two. If you want to grab more - .net, .info, etc. then feel free, but the basic ones to always get are the .com and the .org. The reason is that if someone has a grudge or otherwise wants to compete with you and you don't have at least those two, they could set up a website/domain with the .org if you have the .com (or the .com if you have just the .org).

Make an offer if the domain is already taken

You might be able to work out a deal with whomever has it if the domain is taken and you really want it - if it's not being used actively. Use a "whois" search to see who owns it, like this: http://www.whois.sc/www.mydomain123.com and it should tell you who to contact.

Pick at least 2 years for the length, if not more

It will ask you how many years you want it for. If you're planning on a quick project that will end in a year, you might go for the 1 year registration. But you'll probably want 2 or 3. There will be discounts if you go longer.

Avoid the low-priced domain resellers

If you Google "domain registration" you will come up with a ton of what are called "Domain Registrars." Do your research on them, because the lower-level, lower-priced domain registrars also come with little to no help when you need it.

Wait the right number of days and then add the domain to your server

You will need to change the DNS entries on the domain registrar to point to the IP address of your server (or that of your website host), then wait about 3 days for the domain and the DNS entries to spread around the Internet. While that's happening, pop the domain into the appropriate place on the server's admin screen, and you're good to go!

Registering a domain name and getting it on your server is much easier than it sounds. Do the legwork, pick some great domain names, and you're up and running in days!