The first step in getting a domain name is finding out if the name you want, along with the extension (.com, .net, .org), is available. You can do this by going to www.register.com, or by visiting any major web hosting company’s site.

Click on the area that says something similar to, “See if my domain name is available.” This will run a search and let you know if you can have your desired name. If it is, you will be given the opportunity to reserve that domain name by paying a yearly fee. You can get a lower yearly cost if you reserve for more than one year at a time.

Picking a domain name is a very important task in your online business. If you have an existing business, it is important to find a name descriptive for your business. Confusing or long domain names are not suggested as it will be difficult for consumers to find your company.

You might also want to consider buying the same domain name in the other extensions. For example, you bought www.xyzcompany.com. You might also want to buy www.xyzcompany.net, so that even if a potential customer types in the wrong URL (web address) because they were unsure of your correct extension, they will still be directed to your site (to do this, you simply have your web developer “point” both domain names to the same location). This limits the possibility that prospects will end up visiting the site of another company with your same name (one that happens to own the .net extension).