Buying Domain Names Like a Pro

If you want to be taken seriously as an online presence, domain name registration is a necessity. You can choose a domain name and register it through many different domain name registrars, but from there it can get tricky. The original registrar will create a record on its domain name servers to tell other computers where to find your website address. Once you choose a web hosting company, you'll have to get the DNS record switched over to your new host, which can be confusing if you've never done it before.

The easier way is to choose a web hosting company and register for a web hosting account that includes a free domain name registration as part of the account package. Registering a new domain name - especially registering your first domain name - that way streamlines the process so that you don't have to worry about switching name servers and adjusting the records - the web hosting company does it all for you. You just tell them your desired domain name and the tech folks at the company will do the rest.

Before you take the plunge, though, be sure to ask the web host whether they register a domain name under your name or theirs. Some companies register all domains under their own name, which can become a problem if you're dissatisfied with your hosting experience and decide to move your website to another host. When the domain name is registered in your name, you control where the site is hosted. If the web hosting company registers it under their own name, they hold the control. If you want to move your site to another host, you may have to pay for them to release it. If you've spent time building up your web site visibility, or have invested in advertising materials that feature your website address, it can feel like your domain name is being held hostage. Avoid the issue altogether by asking up front what their policy is when a customer wants to move a domain registered through them to another hosting company.

In addition to control of your own domain name, you should look for a number of other features in a web hosting company. Find a host that offers a full package, including storage, email servers, databases and easy installation of blogs, photo albums, content management systems and other popular website features - all for one low, monthly price. Avoid a la carte packages, which may seem lower at first glance but charge you extra for basics like email servers, blog setup, databases and access to applications like blogs, content management systems, photo albums and email forwarders.

While you're at it, choose a web hosting company that allows you to host multiple domains under one hosting account. Once you understand how easy it is to set up your own website, you may decide that you need more than one. While most hosts only include one free domain name with a web hosting account, many will allow you to add additional domain and host other websites on your account. In most cases, you can register a domain name through any registrar and host it on your current account at no additional cost.