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What’s in a website name?


Alphabet LettersNow learn a little about how to select a website name known as a ‘domain’ and keeping it live on the web through ‘hosting’.

Choosing a Domain

Your domain is the equivalent of your address on the Internet, so a good address can make a big difference.  Try to find a domain that provides your potential client base with an idea of what they’re likely to find on your site. Additionally you will probably wish to link it to your brand or business name.   It’s choosing the right name that takes time.
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Domain registration

One of the first steps to take when you are planning a new website is to register a domain name for your business, e.g. www.(yourbusiness).co.uk.  Registration is often carried out by your website designer or directly with a hosting company and it’s a fairly simple process. Your domain name registration will require regular renewals (often on an annual basis) to retain the use of the name.
It is recommended that you try to secure both the .co.uk and .com suffixes to protect your brand.

Tip: It’s really important to purchase your unique domain address. Ensure it’s registered in your name and not the web designers name otherwise your designer is technically the legal owner of the domain.

To check who is the registrant of your business domain visit whois.domaintools.com
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Hosting

A website hosting service allows individuals, organisations and businesses to make their website accessible via the web.  Web hosts are companies that provide web space on a server they own or lease for use by their clients and provide Internet connectivity.  The services of website hosting companies varies considerably from hosting  simple web pages to more complex sites requiring database support and much more.  Your web designer will be able to offer you advice on your hosting requirements and will often be a reseller for some of the major hosting companies.  For more information on hosting follow the thread on www.businesslink.gov.uk:  Home > IT & e-commerce >   Develop a website   > Website hosting options  
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