Owning your own domain name (.com) is easier than you think. And, if you are in any type of business even a hobby business, non-profit business or a club/association having your own identity with a domain name is very important to your professional image.

It is important in:
Customer recognition
Easy to find in search engines
Decrease in the website address length
Cohesive email address youremail@yourdomain.com
Ability to offer additional email addresses to staff/workers/volunteers to keep business issues in a business email
Personal ownership and pride

Acquiring your domain is really a simple process. All domains must be registered with InterNic. This registration service is offered by a variety of companies, called registrars. Registrars have the legal authority to sell the registration of a domain. They each also can set their own prices.

To find a registrar, you can search one of the search engines for domain name registration and then evaluate the pricing and what is included. (The company I use is www.TotalWebsitesOnline.com) In todays market, a registration should not be more than $10 per year. Most are about $8.95 per year. Cheaper offers are there, but watch out for the fine print. More expensive ones are there as well.

Your registration fee should include, at a minimum:
Complete Email
Forwarding / Masking
Starter Web Page (NOT an under-construction page)
"For Sale" and/or Parked Page (under construction page)
Domain Name Locking
Email Forwards or aliases (at least 10)
Telephone and Email support

Most registrars also offer hosting, marketing and a variety of other internet tools.

Once you find your registrar, you are ready to being the process. Most follow the same basic procedure. They should have a search form or box Register Your Domain Name Here or Search for Your Domain Name Here.

Enter your domain name choice choosing either a .com or a .net. If you are an organization, you can try for the .org as well. I do not recommend any of the other extensions such as .ws, .info or .biz as a first choice.

If a domain is already registered by someone else, you are not able to register that domain. Many companies, like TotalWebsitesOnline will offer suggestions that are available if your first choice is not. If your choice is not available, try again.

When you find a domain name that is available, you will have the option to continue with the registration process. You may also have the option to choose the other extensions at a discount. If you have a business, you may want to purchase these, especially if your name is trademarked or you plan on having it trademarked.

Complete the information accurately and be sure to use an email address that you have constant access to. Notices will go this email account.

Many registrars now offer Privacy Registrations or Registrations by Proxy. If you do not want your information (name, address, phone, email) to be accessible by a search of the InterNic database WHOIS, this is an add-on you might want to consider. Most companies offer this service for about $10 per year.

Once you have made your selections, check-out and the domain is yours!