Before you register a domain name, here are a few things that will save you some time and money:

what your domain name should REALLY say

how to find a great name that will get you noticed

where to register a domain name for the best price

It probably doesn't hurt to use "your" name (BobsPlumbing.com). But, you really should be thinking about a name from the perspective of your clients and prospects. The cold truth is that they don't care about your name (or you, for that matter). People want benefits and solutions, and you should be telling your prospects what benefit they will receive by doing business with you - in a great domain name.

Despite what you might think, all the good ones are not taken. Granted, generic one-word names (i.e. business.com, computers.com) are not available or are very expensive if for sale - but that's OK. There are alternativess, and good ones. However, timeing is still critical! Gateway even offers domain name "parking", a temporary location to store your domain until you have a website. You cannot register a name without having a server. If you are not starting your website immediately, we can easily park it for you until your website is ready.

Since domain names are so cheap these days (they used to cost $35/year), you can afford to own several domains. Each domain can have its own web site. Most small sites use less than 5MB of hosting space, so you can host several sites for a small price. (i.e. www.gmo.com yourname.com) or you may consider adding subdomains to your existing domain (i.e. www.gmo.com/hosting.html www.gmo.com/webdesign.html)

What are the benefits of doing this? Linking each of these web sites together and submitting them to the search engines will increase your sites search engine rankings. It will also broaden the places visitors can access your business.

Step 1:
Brainstorm a few ideas. Make a list of keywords related to your business. Include some powerful, emotion-stirring adjectives, or at least words that might pique one's curiosity. Put them together in two or three word combinations. Get creative.

If you want your web site to have an added advantage in the search engines, think of a domain name that includes keywords visitors would search for in the main search engines. Make a list of all the possible names that would suit your business (i.e. Gateway Marketing Online provides low cost access to Internet Products and Services.). If the dotcom name you want is not available, create a longer name that describes your business.

Step 2:
Refine your list. If possible, keep your domain name short so it is easy to spell and easy to remember. Take into account someone may remember the name but forget there is a hyphen in it and you then miss out on those potential customers.

Stay away from hyphenated names unless you also own the unhyphenated version (no one remembers the hyphen, and people will accidentally visit your competitor).

Stay away from numbers (i.e. Websites4you.com) - sounds and looks cheesy; plus, it creates confusion if you advertise on the radio.

Opt for ".com" if possible. There may be more options with ".net" and ".org" (or any of the other zillion new extensions), but ".com" is still king. People remember ".com", and again, you don't want to send prospects to your competitors.

If the dotcom name is not available, try the other new abbreviations such as .BIZ, .US, INFO, .TV. These are not as popular as .COM, but you may get closer to the name you want.

Remember: this isn't 1994 - you can only be so choosey when it comes to selecting names. The one you really have your heart on may be taken. If it is, but doesn't appear to be in use, contact the owner and ask if it's available. Detailed name and contact information can usually be found by doing a search at Better-Whois.com.

Once you locate the owner, don't offer anything up front, just inquire (Remember this important rule of negotiating: The first to name a price usually loses). To get an idea of how much similar names are going for, first visit one of the good domain name auction sites like Afternic.com.

Step 3:
When you find something you like, before you take the plunge, ask a few people what they think. Get an objective opinion from someone who could be your customer. How does it sound if you say it out loud? If you advertise on the radio, you better make sure it's clear.

Step 4:
Before you register a name (especially if you're in the US), you may want to do a free search at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office website. It's a good way to see if your proposed domain name may potentially violate a registered federal trademark. Don't assume that because it is available, it's not trademarked. I've seen it happen. It could be a costly mistake if you assume and you're wrong.

In addition, there are also state and international trademark issues to consider. Internet and trademark law can be a bit overwhelming to the uninitiated. For a good summary of trademark-related questions, go to Trademark.com

For more info, go to CyberSpace Law for Non-Lawyers

Step 5:
You've done your homework, you've found a good, "benefits-focused" name, and you're ready to buy. Contact us as soon as you find the domain name you wish to use in order to secure that name for yourself! Some web hosts will provide you with a free registered domain name. This service is usually covered in their setup fee. Never, never, never purchase your domain name in this manner without documentation. Many web hosts that provide you with a free domain name register it in their name. Technically they own your domain name. If a time comes that you want to transfer your web site to another host or move your domain name to a registrar where you have control it could take weeks or months to get the rights to it. Gateway only registers your domain name in your own name, not our name. When you sign up for a new domain name Gateway will also send a reminder when your domain name is about to expire.

Keep these tips in mind, and you'll soon be on your way to finding a great, memorable, traffic-generating domain name.

Registration/Annual Fees
Without any discount, domain registration fees run about $35 per year. Any higher and you are paying too much. If you are ready to register, check with Gateway first and see what discounts are currently available. Often, many of the host providers we deal with will offer a lower domain registration fee. Just contact us to authorize the registration and we will get started right away!