What to Know about Internet Domain Names in 2024

Did you know that domain names can offer clues about economic conditions??

Well, consider this. Researchers at WhoisXMLAPI estimated that newly registered domain names reached 31 million in the last quarter of 2023. While it's a modest 10 percent jump from the previous quarter, the numbers suggest the digital economy is growing. People are creating businesses.?

Now imagine if you needed to find information about one of these businesses on the internet, but when you went into the browser, you typed a lengthy string of numbers. Would you be encouraged to continue that search?

Well, that's why we have a domain name. A domain name differs from the internet protocol address. This address consists of four digits used to reach a specific website you want to visit.?

Fortunately, the domain name avoids this approach and instead often uses a unique and memorable combination of letters and numbers. A website owner can use this user-friendly alternative to describe their brand's identity and website's purpose.?

As far as the set of stringy numbers, well, they make the communication between devices, computers, and servers across the internet possible. Once you enter the domain name into the internet browser, a naming database called the domain naming system, or DNS, translates the name into the IP address.?

Creating a Name?

You may be scratching your head trying to come up with a domain name. The name needs to? set your business apart from its competitors, and it needs to be available for use. However,? theses days creating a unique name is easier than you may think.?

According to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), which regulates and coordinates the internet domain namespace, more than 1200 generic top-level domains exist.?

A top-level domain is the last part of the domain name. Some examples of generic top-level domain include .com, .gov, .org, .net and .biz. They stand for commercial, government, organization, network, and business. If you choose one of the newer top-level domains, such as .phd for PHDs or .prof for professionals,? you may have to pay more because it's uncommon.

As you consider a name, it's essential to evaluate the target audience, the words they use when talking about the niche you are honing in on within your specific industry, and how to differentiate your business from competitors.??

Some AI domain name generators are available to help with this, and they are generally free. They let you enter descriptions and keywords and then list potential domain names and the availability of top-level domains. You can use what they provide; however, the suggestions can inspire or help you expand some of your own ideas.?

Check Availability?

While an AI name generator is helpful, you may come up with a name on your own, so check its availability. Namecheap, Google Domain, and GoDaddy have domain name search tools that let you learn if the name is available.?

WHO.IS is a directory that keeps the registration details of websites and combats malicious activities. It's a place where you can check the domain name and find alternative top-level domains. If the domain name is in use, you can learn information that includes the domain's registration and expiration date and registrant, as well as administrative and technical contacts. The information can help locate the registrant and connect with them.

You may have a domain name in mind, but you must check its online reputation. So, have a couple options on hand. Checking the online reputation requires searching the internet and using different search engines to see what appears. Take advantage of this crucial step before purchasing the domain name.?

Once your site is up and running, you will incorporate your name everywhere, including title tags, headings, image names, meta descriptions (along with an enticing value proposition), and alternative text. So, it's essential to know what businesses, news stories, social media handles and posts, and other content align with your domain name when someone searches.?

Also, consider getting online notifications, such as a Google Alert, to track when someone mentions the name. This activity lets you monitor who’s talking about it and what shows up alongside the name. It also warns you of any issues and enables you to take precautions to ensure what appears doesn't harm your brand.?

Register the Name?

When you register the name, you only keep it for a short time. So, make sure you are working with a reliable organization. ICANN recommends its accredited registrars and maintains a list of them on its site. Some registrars may offer to host your website, in other words, store your site on a server. However, it is not required; you can choose another web hosting provider.?

Once you register the name, the name and contact information become public. You may want to hide that information to prevent unsolicited emails and spammers. If so, consider choosing a registrar with good privacy service protections.?

The annual cost to register your domain name is typically less than $20. The registrar may offer multi-year options and automatic renewals. Remember that you are leasing the name, so according to ICANN, unexpired terms don't go beyond 10 years.?

Costs can skyrocket if the domain name has popular keywords that make it more searchable or if it's already owned and you want to bid for the name. Registrars can take the name back if they notice you doing something inappropriate or illegal. Read the contract to stay aware of what can happen to the domain name.?

The domain name creates a path to obtain information. It helps establish the business's online presence. Once you have a domain name, you can set it up with a hosting provider. You don't necessarily have to use the name immediately, but you can purchase it as you develop your brand strategy.