by Chukwumah Ezeobika

Created on: September 20, 2010   Last Updated: October 08, 2010

A domain name is the name part of the address of a website on the internet. For example, the domain name in “www.google.com” is “Google”. It the part of a web address that is unique for every website. Using a domain name generally requires that you register it especially if your website is for business purposes. This means that you pay a recurring – usually annual – cost to own the rights to the domain name.

However, it is possible to have a website with a name that you do not pay for. Such a domain name is a called a sub-domain because it is created under a main domain name. Despite the fact that a sub-domain is free, there are many disadvantages to using them. It is better to register your own domain name.

There are plenty of good reasons why you should register your domain name. They include:

-          Identity and Branding: A domain name is basically what identifies your website or business on the internet. If you offer a particular product or service and you intend to have an online presence, you should register the domain name to preserve your brand on the internet. Not doing so will allow someone else to register that domain name. It is not a good idea to have a website with a different name from your company’s. If your company is named Reef Hotels, wouldn’t you rather have your website at “www.reefhotels.com”?

-          Ownership: Starting any business requires that you register your company along with the name by which the company will be known. That name remains yours as long as the company exists. The same goes for registering domain names. When you register a domain name, it remains yours as long as you keep paying for it or until you choose to sell it.

-          Trump the Competition: You can prevent your competition from choosing domain names similar to yours by registering those domain names for yourself. This will keep them from using those domain names to their advantage or to your detriment.

-          Professionalism and Credibility: Having a main domain name allows you to look respectable to your website’s visitors and potential business partners or sponsors. Compare the following examples:

www.greatcoffee.superwebhost.com/site123985 (sub-domain)

www.greatcoffee.com (main domain)

Which of the

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