There are several things every business should know about Internet domain names, those ubiquitous entities that start with www and end with .com, .biz, .net or one of a number of other extensions. Here are some reasons:

• Even if you don't plan on establishing a presence on the web anytime soon, you should still consider securing your own website name. The cost is typically only $10 a year, a good investment in your firm's future. Good names are hard to come by, and presumably will only be more difficult to obtain in the years to come. Many Internet providers will help you secure a name and let you 'park' it on their servers for free until you're ready to use it.

• You may not need a website now, but you can still use the domain for email. For example, if you've registered the domain name www.abc.com, you can start using email addresses such as info@abc.com and sales@abc.com. These addresses portray a more professional image and are permanently yours (as long as you keep the registration current). Another benefit: there's no need to change your email address when you change ISPs. There is typically a small monthly charge to use your domain for email.

• Once you have registered a website name, it's important to keep the related email address up to date. If the registrar can't contact you by email, you may lose rights to that domain. If your email address has changed lately, contact your registrar or your ISP to update the domain-related email address.

• A simple website probably costs less than you think. For under $100 you can get a one-page site that conveys your businesses services, products and contact information. Larger sites, or those that allow visitors to purchase goods online, will of course cost more.

• A website of any size is becoming as important, some would say even more important, than business cards. If people don't know that you exist, but are searching the Internet for someone who provides the goods or services you offer, they probably won't find you if you don't have a site.

This information is brought to you be e-Service - we can help you register an appropriate name, use it for email or develop a website of any size. For more information, call 541.298.1003 or info@gorgeservice.com.

Home

Home

Back to Archive Directory