Creative Communication > Domain name registration information

It's simple!

Do you need a .com .net or .org address?

Follow these 5 steps >

Determine what your name should be.

The most obvious thing is to choose a domain that uses your name. If you are a computer distributor named Smith, doing business under that surname, you would like to register smith.com. That's likely taken. Anticipate registering something like smithcomputer.com or smithdistro.net. In any event, make a short list of 3-4 words that describe your business. Consult our webword suggestion list for more ideas.

Find out if your name is available.

Go to the opensrs.org site and search the WHOIS database to see if your .COM .NET or .ORG name is available.

Prefer a .CA name? This once exclusive domain code is available to all Canadians and those with a 'Canadian presence.' Search the cira.ca database now.

Want a .TV? Try searching at register.com.

What about a .TO? Look it up at tonic.net

If you are having any problems at this point you may need to consult our webword list to make your choice work. Also be sure to read the detailed info on domain registration in the news section.

Narrow your list down to a few names.

Give it 24 hours to decide what variation is most memorable. Poll your friends, family and co-workers. If you can't decide on one, register a couple. If you manage to find your ideal .com, be sure to register the .net as well. Cover your bases.

Register your name(s).

You may use any registrar, but remember, if you are doing any business with Creative, we will gladly assist in the process, and ensure you get the best possible price and service. Contact us.

Get your site up!

As soon as you start pondering web names, you should begin the process of thinking about your site. Surf the net, and make notes about what you like. Check out your competition to see what they've been doing. You may decide to build a basic 3 page 'business card' site, and plan to grow the rest of the site in stages. Your organization may decide to build a full site from the get-go. It is entirely up to you.

Contact us for an estimate when you have an idea of what you'd like to accomplish.

NOTES:

Residents of the greater Toronto area may be especially interested in obtaining in a .to domain name. The Republic of Tonga is one of a handful of countries to make their country code available to anyone willing to pay $50 US annually. Visit www.tonic.net to register your name.

If you are arranging the design or hosting of your site with Creative we can then take care of the registration details on your behalf.

If you are unsure what your future web site plans are, don't hesitate to register your name anyway. It is an invaluable commodity, and they are disappearing quickly.