May 9, 2019

What Are The Best Domains To Buy?

written by

Joe Uddeme

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Right at the top of the to-do list for any new business is “launch with a great brand name”. You’ll also need a website domain name to match – which is where NameExperts.com Director Joe Uddeme can help. Find out how to choose and register a great URL for your business in this guide.

For more than 15 years, NameExperts.com has been helping brands buy premium domain names that will help them grow. The issue most new firms have today is that pretty much every great domain name they can think of has gone. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t available.

As well as advising fledgling companies on which great brand names to choose, we spend much of our time tracking down domain name owners and reaching out to them on behalf of our clients. It’s what domain brokers do – we’re your secret weapon when trying to get a great name owned by someone else (and not paying over the odds for it).

In this post, we’ve rounded up 10 of our best tips for anyone who wants to buy a domain name for their business. And if you get stuck, just reach out to us for some expert help.

What are the best domain names to buy? Stick with the classics!

Though it might be tempting to use options like .net, .edu, .biz or even things such as .shop, or .blog, it’s usually better to go with a .com domain name whenever possible. That’s mainly because everyone is familiar with .com. No matter how good the domain name you’ve landed, they won’t remember the all-important last bit (known as the top-level domain or TLD) if it’s something obscure.

Everyone will automatically assume your domain is a dot com – so you might as well give your customers what they are expecting.

Additionally, the .com name is worth more. Search engines cater to sites that give the user the best experience, and .com sites are seen as more credible to users and help establish brand authority.

Choose a brandable name

If you’re just getting started with establishing your brand, choose something brandable. Think about something unique that your competition won’t have. A brandable name might mean that your name doesn’t mean anything at all, as is the case with Etsy or YouTube. You also want your domain to be easy to remember and easy to pronounce.

Something else you’ll want to consider is to not choose something that sounds shady or untrustworthy. The goal is to create something that can be developed over time, so choosing the right name is important.

Keep it short and simple

If you’re trying to add keywords (terms people will tap into Google when searching for a business like yours) to your domain name, make sure you don’t go overboard. It’s better to have something short and simple that accurately represents your brand. We recommend keeping your domain under 15 characters and avoid using numbers – unless they are specifically a part of your brand.

Try to avoid weird or unique spellings of common words. If your name is Smyth and you want to include that in your brand, odds are that every single person will type Smith.

Alternatively, if you’re dead set on using your unique brand that might be a variation of a common word or name, you can work with us to buy the domains that include the common misspellings. That way, even if users type it in wrong, it will redirect to your website.

Avoid double letters and hyphens

Another tip we would suggest is to avoid double letters or hyphens in your domain. It makes your domain much more complicated. For example, if your website is classset.com, you will probably lose traffic because of typos. Avoiding double or triple letters like this will keep it simple and easier to type and remember.

Additionally, always avoid hyphens. Hyphens are typically associated with spam websites, and you don’t want your business or blog to be tainted off the bat. Plus no one will remember the hyphen! If the reason you’re using a hyphen in your name is that a competitor has the domain you want, chances are you’ll be sending clients right to them. So, find a different and unique name.

If you’re having trouble, contact us. We love helping clients find the very best domain for their business – and at the right price, too.

Don’t limit yourself with a domain that is too specific

Choosing a name related to the industry you’re in is a smart choice because you automatically give users an idea of what your website is about. However, you don’t want to limit yourself and not give your brand the opportunity to expand.

If you’re a baker, you might consider the name frostedcupcakes.com – but what if you wanted to include more than just cupcakes in your bakery? Your domain might dissuade users from exploring what other services you offer because they have a preconceived idea of what you do. Try to pick something flexible that can grow with you.

Research the history of your domain before you buy

This is where an expert domain name broker can really add value. We research your domain to find out who owns it, and then we spend time finding out what the reputation of that domain is.

Why? Because sometimes even an “amazing” domain just isn’t worth it. If your desired name is tainted because it’s associated with spam or an inappropriate site, it might be worth looking at another domain name.

Keeping that in mind, you don’t want to choose an alternative name that’s too similar to the one you’ve just abandoned because of its bad reputation. You never want your name associated with anything untrustworthy.

Domain names are like real estate

Every day, new domains are registered globally. If you find a domain name you want, don’t wait too long! We’ve often described domain names as being similar to real estate. People all over are looking for good brandable names that they can register and then try to sell at better rates later.

If you don’t act fast (or consult an expert like us), someone else might go ahead and register your domain name before you do. That being said, not all domain names are worth as much as you might think (or their sellers would have you believe). So don’t just buy domain names just to have them – buy names you actually think you might use in the future.

If a name you want is in use, think laterally. Website copywriter Mike Peake, who sometimes helps out on the NameExperts website, had to do this when he tried to register mikepeake.com many years ago, only to discover it was already registered. Rather than choose a .co.uk TLD (he’s a Brit), he went with bymikepeake.com instead.

Make sure you’re set to auto-renew

Typically when registering a domain name, you get to choose the registration period – usually a time span between 12-24 months. If you don’t renew your domain after that time, you will miss your window and it will become available to the public to buy.

Sometimes, if you fail to renew in the time allotted, brokers and other domain purchasing sites will buy your recently expired domain and then charge you an arm and a leg to get it back. Avoid all that nonsense by setting your payment to auto-renew! Nearly every registrar gives you the option, so better be safe than sorry.

Don’t worry if your domain is taken

Honestly – that’s what domain brokers are for! We are in the business of buying domains on your behalf, even if they are already taken. We have a tried and true process that really works.

Our service includes a pre-consultation phase, followed by a more detailed consultation and then in-depth research. After that, we contact the seller for you and negotiate the price. We take all the hassle out of the process and make sure your domain gets transferred to you.

What are the best domains to buy? It’s all down to you and what you want your brand to represent. But don’t panic if your dream name doesn’t appear to be available. We can work wonders with our ‘little black book’ and negotiation skills – or we can steer you in an exciting new direction if that’s a better route.

The goal in both cases is to help you secure the best domain name that works for you.

About the author

Joe Uddeme is Director and Principal of Name Experts, one of the world’s leading domain name brokerage services. He has overseen domain name sales and acquisitions totaling more than $150 million and is renowned worldwide as a go-to expert in buying and selling premium domains. Contact us at: [email protected]

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Before getting excited about the domain name you want being available, ask yourself why it is up for grabs – especially if it appears to be a great name. Many domain names on the open market have a hidden past – as NameExperts.com Director Joe Uddeme explains… Let’s say you just found out you can secure a domain name that matches the name of your new business. Or maybe you’re doing it the other way around and want to start with an available domain name that you’ll build your business around. Now let’s suppose it’s one of those short, snappy modern domain names made up of five letters that don’t mean anything. Now press pause. Before you plan the entire history of your brand around these five letters, it’s advisable to perform some due diligence – just as it is when buying any domain name. When buying a car, it’s helpful to have a trusted mechanic perform an inspection and to review the vehicle’s service history before handing over your cash. A similar thing applies to purchasing domain names. It’s necessary to perform proper due diligence – or you risk wasting money. This article will give you a due diligence checklist to follow to ensure you make a worthy purchase and ensure you don’t buy a domain name with a damaging hidden past. Key Takeaways Spammy “past lives” of your domain name could damage your reputation Discover the tools that help you discover your name’s true past Make sure there are no trademark issues Why You Need To Conduct Due Diligence For Any Potential Acquisition Due diligence means investigating the details of a business or person that you want to enter a commercial transaction with. It’s necessary because it helps you understand the nature of what you want to buy, the risks involved, and anything else that could be a hindrance. Not conducting domain name due diligence before buying can cause trouble. For example, you may buy a domain that has been blacklisted for spam activities and wonder why your website isn’t getting traffic. Or why any email sent from your domain goes to the recipient’s spam folder. You could also buy a stolen domain and be subject to lawsuits accusing you of theft – or one that used to be an adult site. The list of potential risks is endless, so always carry out domain due diligence before any purchase. Domain Due Diligence Checklist WHOIS WHOIS is a public database containing information about domain name owners. You can run a WHOIS lookup to trace the ownership of a domain name, and it’s advisable to do this for any domain you want to buy a domain name. Check the WHOIS history for at least a year to see if there were any ownership changes. If you notice any, you can contact the prior owner to ensure that they actually transferred the ownership and the domain wasn’t stolen. Domain thieves try to sell domains in a hurry, and this process helps you avoid buying a stolen domain and exposing yourself to legal troubles. Because of Europe’s GDPR data protection laws, you may not be able to see details about a domain’s owner (it’ll appear as redacted). However, access is granted to certain licensed third parties that, in turn, offer that data to people for a fee. DomainIQ and DomainTools are two examples of such parties. Domain History The WHOIS lookup will help you verify that the domain is owned by a legitimate buyer and not a hacker. After that, the next step of the domain name due diligence is to check how the domain was utilized in the past. What type of website was it used for? Is it something that could have gotten it into a blacklist? A good website to check a domain’s history and utilization is the Wayback Machine. This is a digital archive that lets you see how the website for any domain looked in the past. The idea is to ensure that the domain was used for appropriate activities. If it was used for nefarious things like unregulated gambling, domain name scams, or data theft, it’s a signal to stay clear because the domain may have been blacklisted by search engines and email providers. Potential Trademark Issues Ensure that the domain name you want to use is not similar to an established trademark because this can lead to infringement lawsuits and a possible court order to hand over the domain. There was a popular case of an entrepreneur called Mike Rowe, who registered the “MikeRoweSoft.com” domain for his software company. Microsoft, the well-known software company, filed a lawsuit alleging trademark infringement, and Mike Rowe had to hand over ownership of the domain in exchange for an Xbox and some certification training. If the domain name you want to buy is similar to an established trademark, it’s best to avoid it and go for something else. Search Value Another important part of the due diligence checklist is to see how the domain name performs on search engines. If you can’t find valid results when you input the domain name of a search engine, it’s a signal that it may have been blacklisted due to past activity. Check if there are backlinks from nefarious sites pointing to the domain because that represents another red flag. It’s also important to see if a domain has been marked by email blacklists. If so, emails from that domain will likely end up in the recipient’s spam folder instead of the main inbox. Popular email blacklists include Spamhaus, Barracuda, and Proofpoint, and most of them let you run a simple scan to see if a domain is part of the list. During the Acquisition Process Once you have ticked all the boxes in your acquisition due diligence checklist and decided to proceed with the purchase, there are some essential tips to follow. Tracking Each Step You should create a spreadsheet to track each step of the domain name sale. The spreadsheet should contain sections like “current status”, “date transferred”, and “price”. This will help you stay on top of every detail of the imminent domain acquisition. Setting Up Escrow Escrow refers to a neutral third party that holds the money before it is transferred from the domain buyer to the seller. It’s necessary to use an escrow service to prevent yourself from falling victim to fraud. The escrow service will hold the money that you’ve agreed to pay for the domain and only disburse it if the seller fulfills all the terms of the deal. What To Keep In Mind For the Transfer Process When you acquire a domain, the buyer will have to transfer it to your registrar for it to officially become yours. A domain must be at least 60 days old to be transferable according to rules defined by ICANN, the governing body for domain registration. The owner will need an authorization code from their registrar to authorize the transfer to your own registrar. Once this is complete, the domain is officially yours. If you need help with domain name due diligence, you can hire a professional domain broker with experience in appraising and investigating domain names. The broker can help you decide if it’s a worthwhile purchase and also negotiate a good price with the owner. Check out our post on domain name negotiation tips for further insight into this exciting and complex world! About the author Joe Uddeme is Director and Principal of Name Experts, one of the world’s leading domain name brokerage services. He has overseen domain name sales and acquisitions totaling more than $150 million and is renowned worldwide as a go-to expert in buying and selling premium domains. Contact us at: [email protected]

Startup Domain Names: Buying the Right Domain Name

Choosing a brand name for your startup? Need a great domain name to match? NameExperts.com Director Joe Uddeme shares his top tips. Having the right domain name for your startup sounds like common sense. However, it can be a challenging endeavor. Your organization’s name might not translate into a good domain name. Or maybe everything suitable appears to have been taken. Regardless of the challenges, it is absolutely essential that you have a fantastic domain name so customers can find you. It can also help increase brand awareness and the long-term success of your business. So how can you actually buy a good domain for your startup? Let’s investigate. Key Takeaways The power of brainstorming The golden rules of a great startup domain name Do your research Consider alternate endings (TLDs) Brainstorm Your Startup Domain Name When acquiring a domain, you need to start by doing some brainstorming. Consider: What’s the name of your business? What services or products are you selling? What industry are you involved in? Develop five terms or phrases which can best answer those questions and can describe the domain name that you’d wish to acquire. For instance, if you wanted a domain name that involved “advertising,” you could use related terms like “online marketing,” “digital marketing,” “advertising,” or “sales marketing” as a starting point. While this may sound obvious, you also need to remember that your domain name ought to be related to your organization. For example, if your company name is Joe’s Electronics then you would want a domain name to reflect that name. If the website was called joesawesomewebsite.com, clients would not know that it was really an electronics site, which means you’re losing out on business because customers can’t find you. Keep Your Domain Name Brief, Unique and Easy to Remember While brainstorming domains, you also wish to bear in mind that the shorter the better. Shorter domain names aren’t just easy to type, but also easier to remember. If you heard the domain from a friend or on the radio, would you be able to spell it correctly? Try and settle on a domain that’s unique. The last thing that you need is for your domain to get confused with another site. This will also ensure you won’t encounter any ownership issues. Research your Startup Domain Name Now that you’ve found a domain that fits your brand, you need to be 100 percent sure it is available. One option would be to explore checkdomain.com, Domjax or copyright.gov. The best-known names are usually .com domain names – these are widely accepted. It also means that they are likely to have a premium cost to them if you are looking to purchase them. Check the whois information on the domain you are trying to buy, or reach out to a seasoned domain name broker who will have years of experience in sourcing owners and negotiating deals. Add Modest Words Before or After Your Domain While you should keep away from pluralizing or hyphenating words, as that will create confusion (“best” or “top” are also a little overused, too), there could be some minor alterations to make your domain stand out. Let’s say you have a car rental business located in Phoenix. You could search for a domain name that was on the line of phoenixrentals.com. Use Other Domain Extensions/Endings Ideally, you would like to secure a .com domain. It’s the best option for branding and type-in-traffic, which is essential for any site. However, there are other endings or extensions (TLDs) that could benefit your brand as well. Take the .info extension for example. It could be an alternative if you are running an informational site. Another choice is to localize your own domain. If your site is based out of the United Kingdom, you would want to utilize the .uk or co.uk extension. Not only does this open the door to additional possibilities, it differentiates you from an international website. A website like name.com is an excellent resource for searching for domains and extensions. View Auctions for Domain Names You can also hit auctions to purchase a domain name which was/is previously owned. There are numerous sites that have been acquired by investors as a means to monetize a site. They will purchase a domain and fill the website with lists and links to other sites simply for lead generation. Contact A Domain Broker There are instances when somebody had a domain and did not do anything with it – or the business didn’t work out and the domain name has expired. In cases like this, the domain name is now available for purchase. If your preferred domain is not up for auction, you could work with a domain name expert or broker to contact the current owner. If you decide to go it alone, make sure you gather any information that can assist you in ultimately determining if this is the right asset for your brand. If the owner is considering selling the domain, you’ll want to do a little investigating to learn how much it’s worth. Our domain broker services can complete a professional domain name appraisal to determine how much traffic is visiting the website. It may not be the only element in determining the site’s value, but it’s a powerful indicator. Another thing we’ll look at is sale prices of comparable doman names. Some great names, such as Cars.com, have gone for astronomical sums. About the author Joe Uddeme is Director and Principal of Name Experts, one of the world’s leading domain name brokerage services. He has overseen domain name sales and acquisitions totaling more than $150 million and is renowned worldwide as a go-to expert in buying and selling premium domains. Contact us at: [email protected]

A busy office desk seen from above to illustrate a blog article about top-level domains

Domain Levels: A Comprehensive Guide to Top-Level Domains (TLDs) and Domain Names

The finer details of domain name architecture can be pretty overwhelming to the uninitiated. In this post, domain name expert Joe Uddeme unravels the secrets behind TLDs, second-level domains and more. In today’s digital landscape, domain names serve as the cornerstone of online identity. They are not just web addresses; they encapsulate your brand, convey professionalism, and influence user trust. Understanding the actual domain is crucial, as it helps in structuring sub-domains effectively without confusing web visitors. One of the most critical aspects of domain names is their structure within the domain name system and their organization in the dns hierarchy, including top-level domains (TLDs) and second-level domain names as well as third-level domain names. This guide will explore the various types of TLDs, their implications for your online presence, and how to choose the right URL for your business when you want to buy a premium domain name. Key takeaways .com TLDs remain a prized asset Up-and-coming TLDs such as .ai have a place in the market A strong second-level domain is crucial for the success of your business Discover some tips for registering a domain name that works for you What Are Top-Level Domains? Understanding TLDs A top-level domain (TLD) is the last segment of a domain name, appearing after the dot. Domain extensions, such as generic top-level domains (gTLDs) and country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs), play a crucial role in website visibility and branding. For example, in the domain name example.com, the TLD is .com. The second-level domain (SLD) is the component of a domain name located directly to the left of the TLD. This becomes essential for creating memorable and relevant domain names that enhance SEO by better describing website content. Third-level domains, or subdomains, exist to the left of second-level domains in a domain hierarchy and help in structuring website content, indicating different sections or language versions of a site. TLDs categorize domain levels and can significantly influence a website’s branding and marketing efforts. The Role of TLDs in the Domain Name System TLDs provide crucial information about the nature of the entity associated with a domain. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) regulate and allocate domain names, ensuring that assigned names adhere to specific regulations and maintain uniqueness within the domain name system for internet infrastructure purposes. They help users understand the purpose of a website, whether it’s commercial, organizational, or country-specific. Choosing the right domain extensions can enhance brand recognition and trust. Types of Top-Level Domains (TLDs) Second-level domain names refer to the target before the dot. Test.com is the second level domain with the keyword match–“test” in this example. Second level domain names can help consumers and individuals remember your brand. Top-level domain names are generally categorized into several groups: .com: Originally designed for commercial entities, it is now the most widely used TLD and is often the first choice for businesses and private agencies. .org: Primarily used by non-profit organizations, this TLD conveys trust and community focus. .net: Initially intended for network providers, it has become a versatile option for various types of websites. .info: Designed for informational sites, this TLD is often used by resource-based websites. Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs) Country-code top-level domain names are a specific type of domain extension designated for particular countries or regions, emphasizing their implications for search engine optimization and regional, country-specific targeting. Country code TLDs are the only top-level domain not governed by ICANN internet corporation for assigned names, differentiating them from other domain types and underscoring potential legal and usage restrictions based on geographic location. ccTLDs represent specific countries or territories. Examples include: .uk: United Kingdom .ca: Canada .de: Germany .au: Australia .ai: Anguilla .co: Columbia .io: Indian Ocean (British Indian Ocean Territory) .ai: Anguilla – though it has been appropriated by tech and AI companies and is rapidly growing in popularity. It is treated as a generic TLD for search ranking purposes. The .gov domain is a specific top-level domain (TLD) exclusively reserved for the American government and government agencies. There are similar restrictions applying to other domains like .EDU, which is limited to educational institutions in the U.S. Using a ccTLD can enhance local SEO, making your website more appealing to audiences in specific regions. SEO Consideration: If your business serves a local market, opting for a ccTLD can improve your search rankings and visibility within that area. New Generic Top-Level Domains (New gTLDs) New generic top-level domain names (generic tlds) have emerged to provide more specific options for niche markets. Some examples include: .tech: Ideal for technology companies and startups. .shop: Great for e-commerce businesses. .blog: Perfect for bloggers and content creators. .design: Suitable for design-focused websites. Additional examples of GTLD’s include: .LAW, .GO, .XYZ, .ART, .CLUB are some of the most recognized. These new generic top-level domain names can provide unique branding opportunities but should align closely with your business’s mission and audience and be target generic top-level domains. Ensure they reflect the content and purpose of your site, as this can influence user engage specific for your generic top-level domain. SEO Consideration: While .com domains are the most popular, various gTLDs can also rank well if the site’s content is relevant and high-quality Domains not controlled by DNS System Web3 domains are a new class of domain names designed for the decentralized web, often built on blockchain technology. Unlike traditional domains, which rely on centralized registrars and the DNS (Domain Name System). These are typically tied to the Blockchain system and not associated with standard ip addresses. Web3 domains offer unique features and benefits including, Decentralization, NFT Integration and Smart Contracts. Popular Web3 Domain Providers Ethereum Name Service (ENS) A decentralized naming system built on the Ethereum blockchain, allowing users to register human-readable domain names (e.g., example.eth). Unstoppable Domains Offers blockchain-based domains that can be used for websites, cryptocurrency payments, and decentralized identities. Handshake A decentralized, permission-less naming protocol that enables users to own their top-level domains. The Importance of Choosing the Right TLD Brand Identity and Trust The top-level domain you choose can significantly impact your brand identity. Having your own domain is crucial as it allows you to create subdomains for various purposes and highlights the domain name as a vital element for website navigation and URL formation. A recognizable and trusted top-level domain can boost your credibility among users. For example, a second-level domain keyword-match URL ending in .com is often perceived as more legitimate than lesser-known extensions. SEO Impact While a top-level domain is not a direct ranking factor, they can influence click-through rates and user engagement. Familiar top-level domain names ending in .com or .org can improve trust, leading to higher conversion rates with these domain extensions. Local vs. Global Reach If your business targets a specific country or region, a ccTLD can enhance local SEO and attract a more relevant audience. Conversely, global businesses might opt for a top level domain to appeal to a broader market for widespread use. Best Practices for Selecting a TLD 1. Know Your Audience Understanding your target audience is crucial in selecting the right top-level domain. If your primary customers are local, a ccTLD may be the best choice. If you aim for an international market, consider a popular gTLD or only top-level domains. 2. Keep it Short and Memorable A shorter domain name is easier to remember and type. Avoid overly complex names and choose a TLD that complements your brand. Find the perfect domain name for your organization. 3. Avoid Hyphens and Numbers While it may be tempting to add hyphens or numbers to secure a domain, these can confuse users and reduce memorability. Stick to simple, clear names. The second level domain is critical for customer recall. 4. Check Availability Before settling on a domain name and TLD, check its availability. Many popular domain names may already be taken, so be prepared to explore variations. If you need help negotiating a name that appears to be off-market, it’s a good idea to partner up with an experienced domain broker. The Impact of TLDs on SEO User Perception Research indicates that users are more likely to trust and click on websites with a familiar top-level domain. A well-known second-level domain can enhance perceived credibility, leading to increased traffic for your company’s success in their respective country. Local SEO Advantages For businesses focused on local markets, ccTLDs can improve local search rankings. The root domain, represented by a dot (.), is at the top of the DNS hierarchy and contains all the top-level domains (TLDs), organizing domain names into different levels. Search engines often prioritize local relevance, making ccTLDs a valuable asset for local businesses. Content Alignment While TLDs themselves don’t directly impact SEO rankings, aligning your TLD with your content can improve user experience. A TLD that reflects your content’s focus can lead to better engagement. Common Misconceptions About TLDs Misconception 1: TLDs Are the Primary Factor for SEO Success While TLDs play a role in user trust and engagement, they are not the main determinant of SEO success. High-quality content, backlinks, and technical SEO are far more critical. Misconception 2: All TLDs Have Equal Value Not all TLDs are created equal. The second-level domain, which sits immediately to the left of the top-level domain, plays a critical role in defining the domain’s identity and is significant for branding and SEO purposes. An experienced domain name appraisal expert can help you find the true value of a name you’re interested in. Misconception 3: New gTLD’s are cheaper alternatives Familiar TLDs like .com and .org often carry more weight in terms of trust and user recognition than obscure or new gTLDs. While new gTLD’s are typically cheaper, they do tend to hold a larger renewal cost and lack credibility and equity that .com domain names add to any brand. How to Register a Domain Name with Your Chosen TLD Step 1: Choose a Domain Name Brainstorm a potential web address that align with your brand and audience. Ideally, it should match your brand name – which should be strong brand name that is representative of your business. The second level-domain and dns hierarchy are good examples of properly choosing a domain name. A well-chosen web address can significantly impact user perception and SEO, making it crucial to select one that is effective and resonates with your target audience. Make sure to keep it short, memorable, and relevant, especially the second-level domain. Step 2: Select Your TLD Decide on the most appropriate TLD based on your target audience and business goals. Second-level domains are critical to top-of-mind awareness for your customer when finding the perfect domain. A third-level domain, also known as a sub-domain, can be used to organize different topics or language versions within your website while keeping the core domain name intact. Historically, third-level domains were significant for structuring website content, though they are less common in modern usage. Consider whether a gTLD or ccTLD best serves your needs. Fourth level domain levels involve rerouting the sub domains with a more specific field. Example: create.sub.agent.com. Step 3: Check Availability Use a domain registrar to check the availability of your chosen domain name with the desired TLD. Many registrars offer search tools to assist with this. Internet corporation for assigned names and numbers also offers a search tool to check Whois information. Second-level domains also become synonymous with your brand image and perception. Step 4: Register Your Domain Once you’ve found an available domain name, proceed with registration through a reputable domain registrar. Be prepared to provide necessary contact information and payment details. Step 5: Set Up Domain Privacy Consider enabling domain privacy protection to safeguard your personal information from public databases. Top Registrars for Domain Names and TLDs Choosing a reliable domain registrar is crucial for managing your domain name effectively. Here are some top registrars to consider: GoDaddy: One of the largest and most popular registrars, offering a wide variety of TLDs and excellent customer service. Namecheap: Known for its affordability and user-friendly interface, making it an excellent choice for new domain owners. Bluehost: Offers free domain registration with hosting plans, ideal for beginners. Google Domains: A straightforward option that integrates seamlessly with Google services. Conclusion Understanding top-level domains (TLDs) and their significance in domain names is vital for establishing a strong online presence. By selecting the right TLD that aligns with your brand and audience, you can enhance your credibility, improve SEO, and attract more visitors to your site. Whether you choose a traditional TLD, a country code TLD, or a new tlds, ensure it reflects your business’s identity and goals. By following the guidelines outlined in this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to make informed decisions about your domain names and TLDs, setting the stage for online success in search results. About the author Joe Uddeme is Director and Principal of Name Experts, one of the world’s leading domain name brokerage services. He has overseen domain name sales and acquisitions totaling more than $150 million and is renowned worldwide as a go-to expert in buying and selling premium domains. Contact us at: [email protected]

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Name Experts offers personalized domain brokerage services, assisting clients in buying or selling premium domain names with expert appraisal, negotiation, and complete transaction management while ensuring confidentiality.

What Are The Best Domains To Buy?

Domain Buying Guides

Name Experts provides premium domain service to:

What are the best domain names to buy? Stick with the classics!

Choose a brandable name

Keep it short and simple

Avoid double letters and hyphens

Don’t limit yourself with a domain that is too specific

Research the history of your domain before you buy

Domain names are like real estate

Make sure you’re set to auto-renew

Don’t worry if your domain is taken

About the author

Subscribe for More Domain Buying & Selling Advice

Related posts

Domain Due Diligence – What to Do Before You Buy

Startup Domain Names: Buying the Right Domain Name

Domain Levels: A Comprehensive Guide to Top-Level Domains (TLDs) and Domain Names

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