Domain Name Registration and Ownership

May 17th, 2012

Over the last 20 years or so, the Internet has grown and evolved to become an essential part of our lives.  Increasingly, more and more people are migrating from simply using the Internet for looking at websites and using email to actively participating in hosting web blogs, community websites, and small business websites.  To host a site like one of these, the first thing needed is a domain name.

A domain name, Google.com and Ebay.com are domain names for example, is what you type in the location bar on a web browser to connect you to a website.  Without getting overly technical, your web browser will look up the domain name through a process called Domain Name Service (DNS), and converts the human-understandable domain name to the numeric location (IP address) on the web where the site is hosted, and voila, your web browser and you are connected to the website you were looking for.

A question that props up every now and again from people I talk to about domain names is the question of ownership.  Since domain names are registered for a finite period of time, some people consider domain ownership more like a lease than outright ownership of a tangible good, and that’s the question we often see.  “When I register a domain with you, do I own the domain or does the domain registrar?  Am I leasing the domain from you?”  While there are some similarities between leasing and domain ownership, there are some significant differences.

When you lease a car, for example, the car dealer is selling the car to the finance company, and you will sign a lease agreement that allows you full use of the car, provided you make your payments to the leasing company.  At the end of the lease term, you’ll have the option to release, buy the car outright for a fixed price, or walk away from the car.  At lease end, you have the choice to take ownership of the car or leave it to the finance company.  While you are leasing the car, you cannot for example choose to sell the car to someone else.

With domain name registration, things are different.  When you register domain name, you will provide your domain registrar with contact information, namely your first and last name, company name if you’re registering the domain for a company, snail mail (postal) and email address, and phone (and optional fax) number.  This information will go into the public Whois record for your domain name.  The person or organization listed as the Organizational or Owner contact in the Whois record is the legal owner of the domain name.

In the case where your domain registrar provides free Whois Privacy with registration (which few do), the legal ownership does get more complicated.   Ownership is proxied through the provider of the privacy service, but all you need do to revert ownership to yourself is disable the privacy service.  In essence you still own the domain.

Similar to that car you lease or buy, domain names can have value.  There are people called domainers who speculate in trading domain names.  While inexpensive to register, domain names can gain significant value.  The top-grossing sale of a domain name is 2011 was personalloans.com.  It sold for $1,000,000!

Where domain ownership is different from that of other tangible goods is on your need to keep your domain name renewed.  All domain registrations are for a finite period of time, typically from 1 to 10 years.  When the registration time elapses, you will cease to own the domain name.  In most cases you will be able to renew your domain for a period of time after expiry and recover ownership, but that’s a topic for another article.  As long as you keep your registration current, your ownership is secured.

Register4Less, Inc. now an ICANN Accredited Registrar

May 1st, 2012

Register4Less.com first started in Sept. 2000 providing domain name registration service as a reseller for the registrar Tucows.  A reseller is a company that buys wholesale domain registration service from an ICANN Accredited registrar, and then resells this service to retail customers, usually via their website.

We are now an ICANN Accredited Registrar ourselves, and are registering .com, .net, and .org domain names directly through our registrar, Register4Less, Inc.

For customers, whether their domains are registered through our reseller account or with us directly, all domains and services are still managed under the same account.

Transfers to Register4Less, Inc. Are On Sale

For the month of May, 2012, transfers of .com, .net, and .org domains registered through our reseller account to our registrar will be discounted by an additional dollar.  Each transfer provides a one year renewal, and the renewal time is always added to the existing expiry date for each domain.  If you’re a Register4Less.com customer reading this, there are details on our website for how you can transfer your domains and save on the renewal of your .com, .net, and .org domain name.

How to register domains – For Dummies

April 20th, 2012

If you are new to the world of e-business, there is a strong possibility that you may not have much idea about the process of domain registration. Irrespective of whether you have a blog or a website, registering a domain name is extremely important. In its favor, the process for domain registration is quite straightforward; in order to register your domain, all you need to do is select a name that represents your product or service while rhyming with the nature of your organization. Here, it is particularly vital for you to ensure that the name chosen is truly unique in order to eliminate any possibility of copyright infringement.

To buy a name for your domain and get your website online, you need to search for a reputed domain registrar to get the registration done, and then search for a reliable web host.  Some domain registrars will offer both services. There are various registrars that provide free web hosting with their domain register services, allowing your to combine your domain name with effective web hosting service for one low price per year.  Imagine, you can have your own domain name plus web hosting and not have to pay monthly hosting fees.  You can choose a reputed registrar online to check whether the selected domain name is available or not, and follow some simple instructions to get it registered.

You can choose to register the selected name for one year or for multiple years at a time, depending on your need and scope of the project. However, here you need to know that finding a host that has a clean and user-friendly interface makes a huge difference while updating or making changes to your web domain; hence, it is important to choose your registrar as well as host extremely carefully.

You can find a reputed domain registrar online using keywords such as “domain register,” “domain registration” and the like; however, it is extremely important to check the credibility of the provider before availing yourself of their services. Hence, make it a point to refer to the reviews received by the shortlisted provider before finalizing the choice.

How to Avoid Copyright Infringement during Domain Registration

April 11th, 2012

One of the major aspects of selecting a domain name is that it should be non-infringing. However, this is not an easy task as most of the popular and unique names that may represent a conceivable business are usually already taken by others; thus, restricting the number of prospective domain names from the marketing point of view, inflating the demand of professional domain register services promising potent domain names.

This limitation on the number of domain names has given birth to cases of copyright infringement. In fact, a large number of enterprises have already taken legal action against other organizations or individuals over suspected copyright violations of their domain names. Hence, in order to save yourself and your business from all possible copyright violations, it is extremely important for you to follow some fundamental guidelines before finalizing the domain registration process for your website.

To begin with, you need to select a few suitable domain names harmonizing with your business model. When selecting suitable domain names, it is advisable to keep at least two to three options as you can never be sure about the availability of the domain name you select. Once you have shortlisted on some suitable domain names, it is time to search for a prominent domain registrar to check whether the required name is available for registration.

A competent domain registration firm can potentially help you to avoid copyright infringement while helping you acquire valuable expired domain names, previously owned by other individual or corporations.  Ultimately, though, as the domain owner, you are responsible for making sure your domain name registration does not infringe on existing copyrights.

Availing the services of a trusted registrar not only helps you in the process of domain registration, but may also promise other benefits such as free web hosting, multiple domain register management, etc., making the deal extremely desirable, and potentially very profitable!

Domain Name Registration – Why It Matters

April 4th, 2012

A domain name is and integral part of how computers connect on the Internet to turn a raw IP address such as ‘192.168.21.2’ into a human-friendly web site name such as brave.org or , drdish.com and the like. Whenever visitors reach a website or scroll through the results of major search engines such as Google, Yahoo or Bing, they look at the domain names of the websites and formulate an instantaneous first impression which plays a pivotal role in deciding whether or not they will choose to visit that web site.

Your domain name reveals so much about your business, products and services that your potential visitor on seeing your domain in a search engine result will either take interest in your website and visit it, or carry on looking for another website. A well thought out, attractive and appealing name for your domain that is evocative in nature can sure become a crowd puller and work towards building the brand image of your organization.  It is safe to say that not choosing a domain name for your business is simply not an option!

Selecting an appropriate name for a domain is not merely a formality. Due to the criticality held by this vital facet of your business, it is important that you do spend some time towards an in-depth research for finding a perfect name.  For new businesses, it is better to first seek out a good domain name that is available and then give your business a name that matches the domain name you cose.  You may also consult reputed domain registrars online to check the availability of suitable domain names and get the name registered at a competitive price.

A number of leading domain registrars also provide free hosting with domain registration to let you save you a considerable amount of money.  With register4less.com, you not only get the free hosting, but also free Whois privacy and the best technical support in the industry!

Domain Search – Grab a Name That Best Suits Your Needs

March 26th, 2012

An impressive and user friendly domain name is important for the overall success of your website; if anyone tells you otherwise, they are either unaware of the potential of the web or have absolutely no idea what they are talking about. You need a suitable domain name for your business if you are serious about attracting potential customers and being a notable online entity.

To convert a one-time visitor into a customer (known as conversion in the web development and hosting business), it is imperative to make a good first impression through a domain name that precisely represents your business, rather than going for free geocities addresses that are usually too perplexing, long and cumbrous for the visitors to remember.  A good domain name will not only help your customer remember your web address better, it will make your web site more easy to find by search engines.

These days, domain names are so reasonably priced that there is absolutely no excuse for not getting one registered for your business. Though an easy domain search will help you get various suitable domain names; however, following are some of the critical factors you need to consider when making your final pick.

  1. Easy to remember: In order to make a lasting impression, you must ensure to register a domain name that is simple, business specific, unique and easy to remember. Usually, generic words and phrases that describe your product or service are considered to be the best suited options.
  2. The smaller the better: When it comes to selecting a domain name, nothing can beat single product or service oriented words or phrases. A short domain name is easier to brand, simple to remember, and harder to misspell.
  3. Make it catchy:  Choosing a domain name that is a clever turn of phrase or humorous makes it easier for your customers to remember.  If you can combine this with a domain name that also describes your business, you’ve found the perfect domain name!
  4. Protect your name:  You should consider other extensions (not just the .com) when registering your domain name to prevent your competition from being able to secure the domain.  It’s much easier and cheaper to do a preventative domain registration than to try to dispute a domain registration down the line.

Further to the aforesaid, it is also important to find a renowned domain registrar to register a domain name if you want to maximize your online presence and make the most out of the opportunities the web has to offer.

Register a Domain Name to Reach Out to the World

March 15th, 2012

Considering the increasing competitiveness amongst online businesses, it is safe to say that the need for businesses to register domain name has become more important than ever. Today, when almost every popular domain name is taken, it is essential to register your domain or idea as soon as it strikes your mind. Regardless of whether your business deals in shoes or cars, securing a domain name has become simply indispensable and is sure to enhance your business by a sizable margin.

When it comes to finding a suitable domain registrar; regardless of whether you are the proud owner of multiple domains or are a first timer, it is important that you opt for a service provider that offers easy domain management tools along with domain name registration at competitive prices.  Factors in your choice of domain name registrar should also include free toll-free telephone support, service extras like free Whois Privacy Service, and enhanced account monitoring for your security.

As the domain name will be the virtual image of your business, it will play a pivotal role in deciding whether or not your prospective customers are able to find you. Hence, you need to ensure that you select a domain name that describes your products or services aptly.

To make a unique web presence for your venture, it is important to consider following points while choosing a domain name.

  • Keep it short and easily memorable
  • Establish your brand through the name
  • Reflect exactly what you do or sell
  • Keep it unique and impressive
  • Do not hesitate to play with words or be creative

If you have a particular name in mind, it is wise to get it registered at the earliest. Keeping in mind the pace with which websites are being developed, there is no assurance that a domain name available today will remain available tomorrow as well.  Hence, if you believe you can leverage from the globalization of the web, search for a reputed domain name registration provider today and make your mark in the webosphere!

SEO Tips: Significance of Domain Registration and Web Hosting

February 24th, 2012

When it comes to the ranking and popularity of a website, it is apparent that there are several influential factors. While most people do pay attention to aspects such as headings, titles, META tags, content, link building strategies, and other conventional website promotion methodologies, not many are sure about how to use domain name and web hosting to achieve better rankings.

This post will explain some substantial factors aimed at enhancing the online popularity of websites.

Selecting appropriate TLD
While some people say TLD (Top Level Domain) does not affect website ranking, most believe that it does; and from personal experience, I must go with the majority. For instance, if you are writing in your native language other than English, a country specific TLD will inform search engines where the website is based and to whom it addresses.

Brandable vs. Keyword Domain Names
A domain name that is created by using a keyword will definitely help you in enhancing the ranking of your website for any product or service. Still, that does not mean that a well optimized blog or website, using a creative and captivating name will not rank well by experimenting with thoughtfully selected keywords.

Choosing a Registrar for Domain Registration
When it comes to domain registration, not registering a domain is simply not an option! A reputed domain registrar such as register4less.com can provide domain registration at competitive prices. You may also get free hosting with domain, which will certainly save you a substantial amount of money. Now, you know what makes register4less.com better than others in the business.

Grab a Domain Name to Expand Network Online

February 10th, 2012

The number of top-level domain names is predicted to become much more populated in the coming years because purchasing domains has become an everyday task for busy online entrepreneurs, whose final goal is to recurrently expand their network of websites and increase their overall business revenue.

Having a website is not enough; reaching correct potential customers at correct hours decides success and failure of an online venture. This makes domain registration and speculation a science of sorts needing patience, industry knowledge, dedication, awareness and persistence.

Although, almost all the attractive .com, .net and .org domain names have been already purchased, it is still possible to acquire product/services friendly domain using correct registrar such as register4less.com.

If money is a constraint, one way to achieve your aim of getting cheapest name is by comparing various domain registration service providers and their prices while going through the process of domain look up.

Although, most registrars offer registration at similar prices, a reputed service provider such as register4less.com offers additional incentives such as free web hosting, domain management tool etc. which make them much more affordable than others.

A correct domain name can make or break an online business, grab one at register4less.com today to expand your business and maximize revenues!

Migrate Your Blog from Blogger or WordPress for Better Branding

February 6th, 2012

Like almost every beginner, you started your first blog on Blogger or WordPress because the services were free and additional technical skills were not required. Apart from that, they allowed the use of several widgets, plug-ins, and themes which helped customize the blog without any additional help.

Then, as your blog gained popularity and just when the desire to experiment increased you found certain limitations. For instance, you are unable to use your favorite theme because choices are limited. With the world of internet run by search engines like Google, Yahoo and Bing, having a blog on Blogger and WordPress will make it just another sheep in the herd, whereas having your personal domain automatically makes it unique and places you higher in major search engines.

Apart from aforementioned, a major reason why it is important to migrate your blog to a personal web domain is branding. It is seen that a lot of users like to get a personal domain name for their blogs but aren’t sure about the process or feel that changing its name might lessen its popularity.

If you are someone who has a great blog and are interested in personalizing it, it is important to perform a comprehensive domain search and check whether or not domain name of your choice is available. You may consult a reputed domain registrar such as register4less.com to get free hosting with domain and other benefits.

A blog with personal web domain can add to your web presence and help make the most of your creativity!