A domain is the name users type into their browsers to get to your new website — like google.com, websitebuilder101.org, or whitehouse.gov. There are several companies that sell domain names; we’ll let you know which ones we recommend.

Every computer connected to the Internet is identified by a string of numbers called an IP address. A typical IP address looks like this:

215.17.65.137

These numbers can be hard to remember. A domain works like a forwarding address. It’s a shortcut that lets you get to a website by typing in an easy to remember word or phrase.

Buying and registering a domain name has several advantages:

• It makes it easier for people to remember your web address (URL).  A domain name makes your site appear more professional to visitors.  Your web address never changes — even if you switch web hosting companies.

When you are choosing a domain name keep the following in mind:

• The name should be short and easy to remember.
• Make it easy to spell. Avoid names with silent letters or possible misspellings.
• Avoid numbers - vistors won’t remember if it’s “2″ or “two”.
• Avoid hyphens - your visitors may forget to type that hyphen.

You will also need to decide on the “extension” for your domain name. Extensions are categories of Internet domain names. There are several of them to choose from:

• .com represents the word “commercial,” and is the most widely used extension in the world. Most businesses prefer a .com domain name because it is a highly recognized symbol for having a business presence on the Internet.
• .net represents the word “network,” and is most commonly used by Internet service providers, Web-hosting companies or other businesses that are directly involved in the infrastructure of the Internet. Additionally, some businesses choose domain names with a .net extension for their intranet Websites.
   
• .org represents the word “organization,” and is primarily used by non-profits groups or trade associations.
   
• .biz is used for small business Web sites.
   
• .info is for credible resource Web sites and signifies a “resource” web site. It’s the most popular extension beyond .com, .net and .org.
   
• .us is for USA Web sites and is the newest extension. It has the largest amount of available names in inventory.

You are free to choose any extension you want.  No one will make you prove you are a commercial venture to obtain a “.com” domain.

Step #2:  Purchase Domain Name