How To Register Domain Names

Registering a domain name is the first and most important step to complete in order to establish a presence on the Internet. Here is a detailed guide on how to register domain names.

• Finding a Domain Name - Most web hosting services usually offer a domain name when you sign-up with them, but it is better to secure a domain name yourself. Make a shortlist of potential domain names that you like and search to check if they are available. Try out all extensions such as .com or .org or .net when checking for availability. Selecting and registering a domain name by yourself is better than letting your web host do it for you; you might want to change web hosts at a later date or become one yourself!
• The Registration Process - The registration of domain names is managed by ICANN, a company run under the aegis of the US Department of Commerce. ICANN has a list of approved domain name registrars, with whom you can complete the registration process. Domain name registration involves payment of a fee ranging from as little as $10 up to $35.  This fee enables us the free use of the chosen domain name for a period of one year and will need to be paid annually for renewal as long as you want to use the domain name.  Pay the required fees using a credit card or PayPal or other payment modes accepted by the registrar.

  Fill in the necessary details which are required on the registration form and make sure that you register yourself as the owner, administration and technical contact for that domain name.  In case you already have a web host, contact them to get their primary and secondary DNS (domain name server).  This will enable you to link your newly-registered domain name with your website.  In case you do not have a website your domain name gets automatically linked with a dummy website for later use.

With this your registration process is complete!  All you need to do next is to set up your website and get going.

Listed below are some approved registrars who will register you chosen domain name for you.

1. Go Daddy.com
2. ENOM
3. Tucows
4. Network Solutions
5. Schlund & Partner

These are listed in order of market share gained in the domain name registry segment.  You can browse through the Internet for more information on these and hundreds of other registrars!  Remember, the first thing you need to do is lock in your chosen domain name(s) and register them before someone else beats you to it!