The ten minute lesson pages are designed to highlight some of the things
that you need to consider when planning your new website.
Some of the following information may already be familiar to you. The idea is that if you are aware of the following basic principles, you will be able to make informed decisions about what you want your new website to do, what you want it to contain, and what you want it to look like.
The following information is based on the idea that if a business chooses to use a website as part of its marketing strategy, that website should be up to date, neat, slick and easy for users to find and remember. You might provide the best goods or services in the world, but a sub-standard website can diminish a business' reputation just as easily as a slick website can enhance that reputation.
The ten minute lesson pages will be updated periodically.
background to domain names_
A domain name is a set of words or alphabetic characters that translate a website's numerical Internet Protocol address ("IP address") into a distinctive and intuitive address. Every computer connected to the Internet, including the one you are using to view this website, possesses a unique numerical IP address. In the context of websites, users are much more likely to remember the address of your website if it is http://www.domainname.com rather than http://1234.56.78.91.
Domain names can be very important in business due to their ability to strengthen or establish a business' brand or identity. It makes sense for Nike to register www.nike.com as its domain name. In the same way, it may make sense for you to register your business name (or an appropriate abbreviation) as a domain name. Not only will it make your website easier to remember, but it may also display a level of professionalism or demonstrate that your website is well maintained. These by-products of registering a domain name are important considering a business' website may be the first point of contact for potential clients.
registration of domain names_
Many people regard domain names as "quasi trade marks". The legal relationship between domain names and trade marks is a complex one, largely because trade marks are by definition exclusive proprietary rights while domain names serve a "temporary" technical function (ie. translating numerical IP addresses into distinctive alphabetic addresses). Domain name registration is "temporary" because there is always a restriction as to how long a person can register a domain name. For example, in Australia, .com.au domain names can only be registered for two years at a time. This does not usually pose a problem for a domain name owner because they are usually offered the opportunity to re-register their domain name before the time limit expires.
There are several requirements that must be fulfilled in order to register a domain name. These requirements are more stringent for .com.au names than they are for .com domain names. The reason for this is that the Australian authorities are keen to maintain the integrity of Australian domain names, so that they are not misleading or deceptive. Businesses that have a registered business name with the Department of Fair Trading will usually have no problem satisfying these requirements, as long as the desired domain name is identical to or an abbreviation of that registered business name. Bands and other informal partnerships may find it easier to register a .com domain name, in order to avoid the requirement to register the entity's name as a business name. You will also find that the cost of registering a .com domain name (around $40 for two years) is significantly less than the cost of registering a .com.au domain name (around $80 for two years).
If you are really keen, you may wish to register both domain name versions. There have been some instances where business' websites have had a similar domain name to an unrelated website that contains offensive material. Registering www.domainname.com and www.domainname.com.au prevents this unfortuate co-incidence, and also ensures that users guess your domain name have a better chance of finding you.
bazwill ink.™ recommends iPrimus Domains. We have found this domain name seller to be the cheapest, when compared to other sellers like Melbourne IT. Our website design services include arranging domain name registration.
free domain names_
If you do not want to go to the trouble or expense of registering a domain name, many websites offer a free address-redirect service, whereby people can register a word that this incorporated into a reasonably distinctive domain name. For example, www.live.com.au allows people to register domain names in the form of www.yourname.live.com.au. Similarly, www.tk allows people to register domain names in the form of www.yourname.tk. These free services provide an excellent alternative to new businesses with little to no website budget.
It may be worthwhile to utilise a free service like this when first developing your website, so that you have time to evaluate your presence on the Internet and decide whether you need to spend extra money on a domain name. Of course, a downside to using a free service is that there is the chance that your website may be spoiled by nasty pop-up or banner advertising. This is never a good look for websites attempting to look slick and professional, and should be avoided at all costs.
