Domain Names! The options.


Basic names

Your domain name can be anything you like. Names are allocated on a first-come first-served basis.

If the name you require is already taken, the name may be available in a different format, for example, www.technorealm.com, technorealm.it, technorealm.es. We can discuss this with you.

On the Internet, you can trade under ANY name. You do not have to use your company name (although it is preferable). So you could register as 'big-balloons.co.uk' if it was your main business or you so desired.

If you do pick a .co.uk format, and it isn't your company name, we will check with Companies House that the name is not in use by a legitimate business (who may later demand its use themselves in court!).

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For registered domain names, we charge current registration fees and this sum provides for two years use of the domain name. However, if we arrange hosting, this cost may be included within the hosting package. Further use of the name is optional, charged on a yearly basis. Any registered name is 'pointed' at your web space on the host server by the issuing authority, you/we just provide some details of the host account to them.

If you have a brand/trademark name you wish to protect, we recommend registering variations of you main domain name to protect your business identity. Domain names are cheap when compared against the overall cost of a site. Multiple registrations of similar words, goes some way to prevent misuse of your business identity.

We fully recommend using a registered domain name as this presents a more professional image of your company, and looks 'darn sexy' on your business cards too!

  • If your preferred domain name is available, BUY IT NOW. They are going like hot cakes.
  • If you can, buy the .co.uk AND the .com variations of your domain name.
  • The longer you leave it, the less chance you have of obtaining an easy to remember, relevant domain name.
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What domain types are there?

Without doubt, the major 'top level' domains for businesses are .com and .co.uk. Variations on these can be .net, .org, .biz and many others. For business sites though stick to .com and .co.uk if your name is available.

Your desired name not available?

You have a number of options here: You can try to buy the domain name from the current owner, you can use a variation on the wording, choose a different name altogether, use a different level domain e.g. .net, .org etc., or if you have been trading for a long time, take the current owner to court to get the name transferred, you'll need a very good reason for this to happen though.

Protecting my brand

To protect your brand, it's advisable to register the domain name in both .com and .co.uk versions. To be really safe though, if your brand is (or will become) very well known, register variations on the name, multiple lesser domains, common spelling mistakes of the name, any nicknames your company may have amongst customers, and/or the basic words that describe your business. For example, one of our small clients registered 'www.armaturewinders.co.uk' in addition to their business name, as this was their primary business activity, and IMPORTANTLY, it was available!

There's no good names left!

Domain names are registered for 2 years initially, then annually. If the current 'owner' fails to re-register the name, for whatever reason, then the name becomes available to the public. Some companies specialize in monitoring requested domains and can notify you as soon as the re-registration expiry date is passed. If you're desperate for a particular name, this may be an option.