How Much Does it Cost to Buy Domain Names?

You'll need to buy domain names if you want to create a professional-looking Web site, especially if you're planning on running an online business. A domain name establishes your identity on the Web by giving visitors an address they can remember. From business sites to blogs, a domain name will be your calling card, catch phrase and call to action.

Kicking The Tires On A Domain Name
Buying a domain name means shopping for a registrar. A domain name registrar is responsible for processing your domain name registration and making sure your domain is available to other computers on the Web.

There are hundreds of registration companies accredited by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). ICANN is the governing body that controls the administration of Internet domain names. You can find a list of registrar companies at ICANN's Web site, www.icann.org/en/registrars/

Expect to pay a registration fee between $5 and $35 for a one-year registration. That's right, you'll need to register your domain name yearly. A discount is typically offered for multi-year registrations. If you go the one-year route, make a note on your calendar so you remember when the registration will expire. Some registrars aren't that good about sending reminders, and if your registration expires, you may lose your domain name.

Why the wide difference in price? The answer has two parts: features and reliability. Many discount registrars provide no or limited services beyond the actual registration. At higher price points, you begin to see additional features like domain parking, e-mail forwarding and starter software. Also, companies that have been around for a while and have built reputations for reliability are able to charge a premium for the peace of mind they offer.

Bells And Whistles
As you enter the domain-name registration process, you'll be given a number of options that may add to the cost of your domain name. Several of the more popular options are:

• Long-term registration. Most companies offer discounts for multi-year registrations, with some offering contracts as long as five years. If you see your site lasting that long, this could be a good option. Be sure your site will last; these fees are rarely refundable.
• Private registration. Normally, the contact information of the owner of a domain name is available of the Internet. As you can imagine, this freely available source of information is well trod by spammers and other shady online characters. For a fee, you registrar can block access to this information for the duration of your contract.
• Administrative perks. Domain parking (providing a place holder for your domain until your Web site is constructed), e-mail forwarding and Web site construction utilities are all services that are typically available through registrars. Be wary of those that charge for these services, however, as most companies now provide these features free.