So You Want to Stake Your Claim on the Internet: A (Mostly) Painless Guide to Domain Names
Ah, the domain name. The flashy billboard of the internet, the name that separates you from the millions of "[invalid URL removed]" websites (not that there's anything wrong with those... maybe). But where do you even begin to snag your own internet turf? Fear not, intrepid web wanderer, for this guide will be your compass... or at least your poorly drawn map scribbled on a napkin.
QuickTip: Reading carefully once is better than rushing twice.
QuickTip: Focus more on the ‘how’ than the ‘what’.
QuickTip: Repetition reinforces learning.
QuickTip: Return to sections that felt unclear.
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| How To Purchase Your Domain Name |
Step 1: Brainstorm Like a Boss (or at least acaffeinated college student)
- Keyword Kombat: What's your website about? Dog memes? Underwater basket weaving tutorials? Craft a list of words that scream "This is what I do!" Bonus points for creativity!
- The Great Name Game: Now comes the fun part (or the terrifying part, depending on your caffeine levels). Play around with those keywords! Combine them! Juxtapose them! Just avoid anything trademarked or resembling your crazy neighbour's wi-fi password.
- The Friend Zone Filter: Run your genius creations by a trusted friend. Warning: This may involve them snorting coffee through their nose at some of your choices. That's okay! Friends don't let friends register regrettable domain names.
Step 2: The Domain Name Inquisition (aka, Is it Available?!)
- Enter the Domain Name Rodeo: Head on over to a domain registrar - these are the folks who rent out little pieces of internet real estate. There are a bunch out there, so shop around!
- The Search of Truth (and Availability): Type in your masterpiece of a domain name and brace yourself... is it available? Do a happy dance if it is! Consider offering sacrifices to the internet gods if it isn't.
But wait! There's more! Just because a domain name is available with a .com extension doesn't mean it's unavailable with a .net or .org. Get creative with your extensions, my friends!
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Step 3: Claim Your Prize! (and Maybe Get a Discount)
- Pay the Domain Name Toll: Yes, there's usually a yearly fee to hold onto your domain name. Think of it as rent for your internet mansion (or shack, depending on the extension). Registrars often have introductory discounts, so keep an eye out for those!
- Fill Out the Paperwork (aka Clickity-Click, Done!) It's usually a pretty straightforward process. Just make sure you enter your information correctly. Nobody wants their website mysteriously showing up in Albania.
Congratulations! You've Officially Claimed Your Corner of the Internet!
Now you can point your domain name to your website (which hopefully isn't just a page with "Under Construction" scrawled across it). But that's a story for another day. For now, go forth and conquer the world wide web with your awesome new domain name!
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