Need Help With Domain Names?

Do you need help with domain names? If you're a beginner, no worries - we'll give you the domain name help you need. Below are some basic tips that will help guide you through the domain name process.

Let's start with the basics - What is a Domain Name?
A domain name is the name of your website, e.g. "www.yourwebsitename.com." It's your online identity. It's what people can type in to find your website.

Next - Choosing a Domain Name
Choosing a domain name can be tough because you have to pick one that's not already taken. You can use GoDaddy.com or NameCheap.com to see if your domain name is available. To have a better chance of appearing in search results, try choosing a domain name similar to what people are typing into Google when they're looking for your services; e.g. "chicago electrician services." If it's available, buy www.chicagoelectricianservices.com (or .net, .co, etc - as a rule of thumb, .coms are best if you're website or business is located in the US). That might be the best help with domain names out there from an SEO perspective (search engine optimization).

How to Get a Domain Name (aka, How to Get a Website Name)
So you want to know how to get a website name (or domain name). They typically range from $8 - $20 a year if they're available. If they're not available and you want to buy it from the owner, expect to pay $500 and up. If you're really stuck on buying a website name that's currently owned, try clicking on the "Who Is" option (or Find out who owns this) so you can get their contact info. You never know, maybe their willing to sell it for cheap. Typically though, if you want to know how to get a domain name for cheap, either buy one that's available or bid on one that's about to expire. So where do you buy these damn things?

Where to Buy Domain Names
I have a couple suggestions as where to buy domain names - It just depends on your preferences. If you need purchasing help with domain names, GoDaddy.com has a 24 hour customer service phone number. Even though they're a little more expensive, their customer service is awesome. If you want to know where to buy domain names for cheap, the name says it all - NameCheap.com. Even though there's no hotline, the interface is ten times more simple and easier to navigate than the million options GoDaddy bombards you with. And just to provide a third option for the hell of it, check out NetworkSolutions.com. They're nothing to write home about, but they've also been in business for a while, and three options are better than two :)

One Last Tip to Help With Domain Names
Last but not least, one more tip to help with domain names. Do NOT purchase hosting with the same company you bought your domain name from. It's a conflict of interest that works against you. If you buy your domain name from one company, purchase your hosting from another. If your website is "the business," then your domain name is "the name," and your hosting is "the rent" for the building.

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You have the domain name, now... need help building your website? Check out my blog on what to look for and how to pick web designers for small business... 
Top 5 Tips When Picking Web Designers for Small Business Websites