Module 3 - Purchasing a domain name (and web space)

1. Week 9
Purchasing a domain
and webspace
Module 3

2. What is a domain?
A domain name is intended to be
a friendly and memorable
“nickname”… an easy way to get
to a website

3. Domains and URLs
A domain name is not the same thing as a URL
• A domain name is commonly part of a larger Internet address called
a “URL"
• A URL goes into much more detail than a domain name and
includes the specific page address, folder name , machine name,
and protocol language

4. Anatomy of a URL

5. IP Address
The true technical address of a web host is its Internet Protocol
Address, or IP Address
• An IP address is a unique identifying number given to every single
computer on the Internet
• Like a car license plate, an IP address is a special serial number used
for identification

6. IP addresses and URLs
Both the IP address and domain name URL can be used to
connect to the same web server:
• e.g. 72.246.51.15 = www.nasa.gov
• e.g. 152.91.56.138 = www.gov.au
• e.g. 208.185.127.40 = www.about.com
Try it out! Enter the
IP address and see
where it takes you!

7. Best practices for domain names
Short
• Up to 63 characters… but make it as
short as possible
Memorable
• Make it easy to remember
• Don’t use - _ , acronyms or numbers
Descriptive
• Use your company name
• …or say what it is:
“bestdogwalkerinhamilton.ca”
• Consider keywords that people
would search for (SEO)
• Do you operate in a specific location
specific? Use the location in the
name, e.g. Hamilton
Unique
• Make it stand out and be catchy!
(think etsy)
• Don’t copy an existing URL or make
it confusingly close to something
else
Aim to get the .com or .ca
• …but don’t be pressured to buy more
options like .net
• .ca can be an advantage too

8. Purchasing a domain
Purchasing a domain
• Googling “domain name purchase”
generates many, many results…
Where to go? What to buy?
• Best bet? Choose a popular
company that has been around for a
while and has a good reputation

9. Purchasing a domain
Reputable sites:
(I’ve used these)
• godaddy.com
• easydns.com
• 1and1.com

10. Registering process
• Pricing is very competitive! Often registrars will offer incentives for
first year or when combining domain name with hosting options
• Search for an available domain on a domain registrar’s site… e.g.
1and1.com
• Make yourself the owner of the domain if it’s for your company or
site
• If you’re registering on behalf of a client, make them the owner, you can be a
technical contact if needed
• Keep in mind that owner info is publicly available (https://www.whois.net/)

11. Hosting
Congratulations on the purchase of your domain!
• You’ll now need to host your site (web pages, css, images, etc) on
a server
Hosting options are almost endless…
• For a basis site you’ll need a basic plan to start
• Your Internet Service Provider may offer this service, or there are
many options available
• Once you’ve purchased web space create an FTP account,
connect it up and post your site!
• Ok… that’s a simple explanation, but it sums it up

12. Example… 1and1.com
Sample admin area… allows you to access domains, create FTP
accounts set up your web space

13. Tips
Read the fine print!
• https://www.easydns.com/10-things-to-know-before-you-register/
(Remember you usually get what you pay for)
Renewing
• Ensure the contact email address is kept up to date
• You’ll need to ensure the domain is renewed yearly (or pay for
more years at a time)
• If a domain expires it can be a pain/lots of work to get it back…

14. Buying an existing domain name
What if someone already owns a
domain that you want?
• Domains ownership can be
transferred
• You can offer to purchase it from
the current owner
• Negotiate to determine the price
• Do your research… Don’t buy a
domain without checking into its
past!

15. References
• http://www.motocms.com/blog/marketing/10-tips-
choosing-domain-name/
• http://www.domaintools.com/
• http://www.dotomator.com/
• https://www.1and1.com/web-hosting
• https://ca.godaddy.com/hosting/web-hosting.aspx
• http://cira.ca/ca-websites/101/