About Domain Names

A domain name (something like www.example.com) is your address on the world wide web.  It is the address where people drive their web browsers to visit your information on the internet.  In today's business climate, having a website is as critical as accepting credit cards.  Some people will not do business with you until they can read more about you on your site.

How to choose a GREAT domain name

When you begin the process of looking for a domain name, keep in mind what internet surfers are looking for -- information.  They are usually not looking for your name first. 

You should choose a domain name that describes what you know and do rather than who you are.  This will go a long way in helping you with the Search Engines.  Remember, Search Engines are computers that don't make judgements.  They compare their programming with your site.  They cannot think to themselves, "Joe Smith - He is a great real estate agent.  I think I will put him in the top ten this week."

A search engine is looking for what Joe Smith does, not who he is.  So, given that example, Joe would be way better off with a name like tulsa-real-estate.com  rather than joesmith.com. Do you see the difference? 

BEFORE YOU BUY ONE there are a few more considerations

Below these paragraphs are links to the major domain name houses where you can purchase your domain, but I want to let you in on a couple of things prior to purchasing your new domain name.  Considering the following, you might want to use  Register Compass first to search out your domain name. 

The problems with new domains with regard to Search Engines

	New domain names can take 3-4 months for Google to index. This is known as the Google Sandbox.
	New domains should be listed in DMOZ to help with their search engine rankings, however DMOZ is incredibly difficult to get listed in.
	New domains should be listed in the Yahoo! directory because it helps with search optimization. There is a payment of $299 and a waiting period.
	New domains don't have a Google PR (page rank).
	New domains don't have any traffic.
	New domains don't have any links pointing to them, a time consuming task to be sure.

With a service like Register Compass, you can search expiring domains that might already be listed in Yahoo!, DMOZ, have a Google Page Rank or traffic.  Expiring domains won't have to wait in the sandbox to be indexed in Google. 

With Register Compass, you can search the entire database of expiring domains and possibly find one that is perfect for you.

If you are still ready to purchase a domain, then click one of the links below:

When you are ready to pick a domain name, you should head to www.GoDaddy.com , Network Solutions, or Dotster.com.  All offer very reasonable prices for your domain name.