Internet users navigate to your site by using a domain name, which is a web-based name. Actually, a domain name is a complicated thread of numbers and dots that would not be easy for people to recall and frustrating to type in.  Thankfully, the Domain Name System (DNS) converts a domain name into these numbers and dots, which is really the IP address of the server associated with the domain name.

 

 

A domain name used to be a bit pricey, but much more affordable domain names are now at everyone’s finger tips.  Domain names were costly in the early 1990s, because they could only be obtained from one organization, Network Solutions, Inc (NSI) because of an exclusive contract granted to them by the National Science Foundation (NSF).  NSF then gave NSI the power to charge for domain name registration.

 

 

The result was Domain names costing as much as US$100 for a two year registration in 1995. However by the end of 1999 this fee was greatly reduced to US$6 per year due to the complaints of excessive fees, antitrust violation lawsuits against NSI, censoring of domains by NSI, the massive growth of the Internet and most notably, the establishment of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).

 

 

ICANN is a non-profit organization formed and incorporated in September 1998. One of ICANN’s principles of operation is to support greater competition in the domain registration industry. As a result, there are presently many companies providing domain name registration and now you can acquire a domain name from around US $5 – $10 per year.

 

 

A domain name is critical for major businesses because more and more customers expect businesses to have websites for their own convenience. The availability of cheap domain names is a good motivation to purchase your own domain name and start your website.  Having your own website exposes your products and services to a greater customer base and allows you to have access to potential consumers that would have otherwise been impossible to reach. This all starts with the domain name you purchase which allows Internet consumers to find your website.

 

 

When buying a domain name, be sure to choose an accredited registrar or get advice from a trusted friend or mentor who already has experience in purchasing domain names.  Domain name registration can be fast and simple, however if it is your first time you should shop around and give thought to the various offers. In addition to the prices of domain names, you should be careful to consider the other advantages presented, such as 24 hour customer service, live chat support, free website templates, Google AdWords credit, money back guarantee, uptime guarantee and many more.