If you’re a business owner, a company’s IT specialist, or an entrepreneur, you’ve likely come across the word “domain name.” Right?
You know that it has something to do with a website URL and that a domain name is how people find you online.
Now, you may feel intimidated when thoughts of working with domain names enter your mind. You may think that you don’t have the necessary knowledge, the time, or the budget to work with domain names.
Maybe you don’t yet have a website and think a domain name isn’t necessary for your business.
Despite all the excuses out there to avoid working with domain names, they are simpler than you think.
Here are 5 of the most common Domain Name myths concerning domain names that most people get caught up on:
Myth 1: Registering a Domain Name is Difficult
Numerous domain names are available on the web, just waiting for someone to claim them. Most domain names can be registered in 5 minutes or less.
All you need to do is visit an online domain name retailer to browse their available domain names. Select the one or two, or more that you want, pay, and voila!
Some domain name retailers, like GoDaddy, sell domain names and manage web hosting and other aspects of a customer’s domain names.
This allows you to not only register a domain but also set up a website all at once.
Myth 2: I Only Need a Domain Name if I Have a Website
While domain names are an essential part of any website, you can still use a domain name even if you don’t have a website.
Before launching a website, it is a good idea to register a domain name you like, or that is a great fit for your company.
Even if a website is many years down the road, at least you’ll own (if you keep renewing the domain name) that domain and not have to worry about someone else taking it.
Even if you have a website, registering additional domains can greatly help your company’s future rebranding or product expansion endeavors.
Some people even register domain names to create a branded email address and alternative social media pages.
In any case, having the domain name you want before creating a website will reduce your frustration when it is built and becomes live.
Myth 3: Registering a Domain Name is Expensive
Certain specialty, premium, and top-level domain names may be expensive, especially when there is great competition for them, and can be enough to break the bank.
However, most domain names are reasonably priced. Some go for as little as $.90 per year.
In fact, the prices of most domain names are so inexpensive that many companies buy multiple domain names and use them in a portfolio to use for branding or as part of their brand protection strategy.
Myth 4: Domain Name Registration Equals Domain Name Ownership
It is a common mistake to equate domain name ownership with domain name registration.
While companies may say they own a domain name, they actually only have sole use of it as long as they renew the registration and keep it from expiring.
Domain names are priced on a subscription-type schedule that allows a person or a company to register and keep that domain for a certain length of time, which is usually in yearly increments.
At the end of the registration period, the domain name registrant has the option to renew the domain name or let it expire. Once a domain name expires, it is released, and someone else can register and claim it.
It is important to renew your domain name registration. A new domain name will require a complete rebranding campaign, and all the hard work you did for the company website will either be for naught or will be provided free work to the person who registered your expired domain name.
Myth 5: .Com Domain Names are the Only Option if I Want to Look Professional
There are many different types of domain name extensions out there and more keep getting invented every year.
The .com domain name extension is still the most popular and easily recognized one. Because it is so prevalent in the business space, most consumers associate it with authority and trustworthiness.
Other domain name extensions, while not as common or memorable, can still be professional. .Net, .org, .biz, .edu, and .co are alternative domain name extensions that are also commonly used and seen as legitimate.
Selecting the most appropriate domain name for your company’s website will take much thought and research. Your domain name will need to include your company’s targeted keywords and be short enough to be easily recalled, remembered, and interesting.
Sometimes, the domain you want is not available with the .com ending, but it is available using the .biz ending. Don’t let the unavailability of the .com ending force you to utilize a less effective keyword. Try alternate domain name endings first.
Registering a domain name is easier and cheaper than you think. You don’t need extensive IT knowledge.
You should register or reserve your desired domain name even if you don’t have a website, and you should do extensive research to find the keywords to use in your domain name.
If the .com domain name extension is already in use, try for a less common, though just as legitimate, domain name extension.
If you’re interested in getting a domain name, start by browsing the extensive selection of available domains at Domain Market. We have domain names at every price point and appropriate for a variety of industries.
Final Thoughts
Securing the right domain name is a simple but important step in developing your internet presence.
Many fallacies make the process appear complicated or expensive, but in truth, it is quick, inexpensive, and accessible. You don’t have to be an IT professional to register a domain name, and it only takes minutes.
While “.com” is popular, alternative extensions such as .net, .org, and .biz are all professional and acceptable choices.
Owning a domain name gives your business an advantage, whether you’re establishing a website now or later. Don’t let the Domain Name myth hold you back; claiming your digital space is easier than you think and critical to long-term success.
