 "Domain Name WARNING!""Domain Name Selection" "Domain Name Acquisition" "Exploiting Your Domain Name's Value" "Entity Identification or Intuitive Search?" "RealNames - Just My Opinion" ******************** Domain Name FAQ 
CONTACT Email Mr. Sobel
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What's the difference between a domain name and a URL? Simply put, DomainNameAdvisor.com is a domain name while http://www.domainnameadvisor.com is a URL. Actually, the URL is a series of numbers, but since people remember words better than numbers we used words that are converted to numbers when the computer gets the instruction to seek out the web site.
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Do I have to have a domain name to have a web site? You have to have a URL, which can either include your own primary domain name or a secondary name such as freehosting.com/yourname.
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Can I have a domain name without having a web site? Yes, you can register a name without having a web site, but you will still have to park it on someone's servers.
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What if I have a domain name that I don't want any more? This depends on whether the name has any intrinsic value. If it does (see question on domain name values) then you would want to try to sell it. If not, you can always abandon it back by not paying to renew your registration. |
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What can I do if the domain name I want is already taken? Assuming this is the name you really want, and that you can't find a reasonable alternative that is still available, and also assuming that the name is not something that violates any protected name so that anyone has the right to use it, then you will have no choice but to attempt to negotiate with the registrant. Consider a purchase or lease, but before you overbid, make sure you can't find a more cost effective alternative. This is definitely the time to brainstorm.
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What happens if I register a domain name and then change my mind? After you register you are given approximately 30 days to make payment. If you change your mind before you pay you can just not make the payment and the name will revert back. Don't do this too often though or they will not allow you to register another name without pre-paying. If you change your mind after making payment you are stuck with the name and are left with the choices in number 4 above.
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How can I determine the value of a domain name? This is a complicated matter that requires looking at a lot of issues. First, is the domain name being used or is it parked? If it is currently being used, or has been used recently, how much traffic does it get, and what kind of reputation is attached to it? Are you buying the entire business or just the domain name? If it is parked, how intuitive is it? Is it easy to spell? Is it your only choice, or can you use another name instead. Basically, this is a supply and demand issue tempered by good business judgement.
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What is a TLD? TLD stands for Top Level Domain. Dot com is a TLD. So are .net and .org. If you have Something.com/yourname.html you have a sub or second level domain. There are many TLD's issued by entities all over the world. |
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How do I decide whether I need a dot com or some other TLD? If you are on the internet to do business or e-commerce, I recommend you start with a dot com. Depending on the size and nature of your business you will then need to look at getting your domain name in other TLD's to protect against others trying to steal your potential visitors and possibly damaging your reputation.
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How much does it cost to register a domain name? The three most common TLD's (.com, .net. & .org) cost $70 for the first 2 years, and then renew at $35 per year after that if you are inexperienced enough to use NSI. Sophisticated buyers use the newer, better services and pay substantially less. I suggest you look at the banner at the botton of this page. Other TLD's have their own fee schedule, with most other U.S. and foreign TLD's costing more. Depending on which service you use to enter your registration you may or may not be charged a service fee in addition. Make sure you know what fees are attached, and what extra services, if any, are included.
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What is a domain name broker? A domain name broker is just like a real estate broker, only they sell domain names. There is a wide variety of services offered and fees charged. If you want to buy or sell a domain name be sure to carefully examine the broker's fees, services, reputation, etc. Always beware of claims made over the net. |
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