A domain name has a unique identity (two parties cannot hold the same identity meaning the Internet identity is unique). A domain can be used as an online brand for a business (e.g. professional website and e-mail address). Some domain owners only realise how importance this is after losing their online identity.

The domain name is an address construct which can identify or seek computers using the Internet. Internet Protocol (or IP) addresses are a series of numbers which can be used to identify computers. The purpose of domain names was to incorporate names and phrases into web addresses instead of these numbers.

Catchy words or phrases are normally used in Domain Names. It would be beneficial to use some that are memorable, likely to attract traffic and relevant to your website. Business sites will usually incorporate the company name. Also try to keep your domain name as short as possible, around 5 to 20 characters is fine. The shorter the domain name the easier it will be to remember.

One thing to keep in mind is assumed spelling issues; if you think up a ‘clever’ domain name such as 1luv4u.com – One Love For You (dating service), people may type in oneloveforyou.com believing this is the domain name; or oneluv4u.com, or 1love4you.com etc. This leads to brand problems. In this case the “oneloveforyou.com” name would be best. Another unfortunate example: Flo Office Supplies – flooffice.com?

Short domain names will also help people remember the name (5 to 20 characters is ideal). Spelling issues however may have an adverse effect on brand problems regarding people searching for similar sites.

To acquire a domain name you can either register it yourself or get a web-host (ISP- Internet Service Provider) to register it. A Registrar can help you register a domain name (Registrars are ICANN accredited domain registration companies). The hundreds of Registrars available mean there is a competitive market offering low yearly fees.

Most web hosting companies offer domain registration services to clients. When you register a domain name through web hosts they will register domain names for you through their own approved registrar. An advantage in having your web host register a domain name for you is that, they have experience and necessary information ready.

This process saves time and with the correct domain name, there will be no unfamiliar dealings with Registrars. Loosing your domain name can result in loosing your entire online identity. You can normally only register a domain name for around a year, so make sure it is renewed before the expiry date. Once the domain expires you will no longer own the domain name.

The Registrar will then own it and sell the domain name to the highest bidder. To make sure you don’t loose the domain name you need to ensure you renew the domain name at least two weeks before expiry date. Make sure that the information is registered properly, (especially if the domain name was registered by someone else).

Ensure that information is displayed as the registrant, administrative and billing contacts; but most importantly make sure email addresses for contacts are ACTIVE. If you can’t receive mail from email addresses listed under the domain names contact it means you are at risk not of receiving important notifications about domain names, which could potentially result in loosing a domain name. People often miss the importance of having their unique domain names for their web sites. A domain name can represent you, your company and online presence. Without a domain name you will not be able to promote your online identity and web site.