Domain Names - basics

The domain name or URL (uniform resource locator) of a website is a unique identifier that allows users to access that specific website. It is usually in the form www.xxxxxx.yyy and is designed to be human friendly and can be descriptive of the site content.

Domain names are registered for a specific period of time, usually between 1 and 10 years. At the end of this period the owner can either re-new for a fee or let the registration lapse and hence allow others to take it on. During the registered period the domain can be freely sold and transfered to a new owner. This has led to a new business opportunity called domaining. Domainers buy up useful names and either re-develop the website or put the name on sale for hopefully a profit.

Since the domain name is such an important part of a web business the best names have by and large all been taken. Good names are available to purchase but can be expensive. Some change hands for 10’s and 100’s of thousands of dollars. So once you do find and aquire a good domain name then ensure you look after it and keep the registration information up to date.