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Why a Domain Name?

A domain name becomes your address on the Web. It allows users to locate your business website and provides you with a unique e-mail address that brands your business.

A domain name is similar to a postal or physical address, except it refers to your location on the Internet. It essentially provides directions to your reserved spot and just as potential customers need to know your street address to find your offices, so they need your domain name to find your website.

Even if you don’t have a website, a domain name can be an invaluable tool when used in your email address. So instead of being name@yourcity.co.za you become name@yourcompanyname.co.za.

Perception is a funny thing and by simply registering a domain you often influence the manner in which customers view your business. The impression created is one of professionalism, stability and longevity. Your email address remains the same forever. It's IMPORTANT to register your company name on the Internet, before it’s registered by someone else.

Once your domain name is registered it is entirely yours, not available for use by anyone else. Registering your domain will not conflict with your existing internet access.

How to choose your domain name:

When choosing a domain try to select something obvious. First time visitors to a website might try and guess your address and inadvertently stumble across a competitor site or simply give up when they can’t find it. Try and keep it as close as possible to the name of your business to avoid confusion.

Aim to keep your domain name short but not to the point that it’s abbreviated beyond recognition. It should be easy to say, remember and spell. Also remember that domains cannot include spaces or other symbols.

In addition to choosing your domain name, for example xyzbusiness, you can also decide on the domain extension, i.e. xyzbusiness.com vs. xyzbusiness.co.za. The most commonly used extension for business in South Africa is .co.za.

Now that you’re ready we will search the global domain listing to see if your choice is still available. Don’t be surprised if your first option is already taken keep at it until you find the right domain for your business.

Below you will find common extensions to guide you in your decision:

.co.za is not a restricted domain name extension. Most South African businesses register a .co.za extension but also try and reserve the .com equivalent to protect their brand. This is not always possible.

.com or "commercial," is the most commonly used extension for business and is in fact synonymous with the Internet – companies trading on the net during the pre 2000 boom years were referred to as dotcom companies. There are no restrictions on using this extension – provided the name is still available.

.biz or "business" is a relatively new entrant to this world and is a restricted-use global domain name extension used for business websites only. As such there are many more available options and you having a better chance of finding the domain name you really want for your business.

.net or "network" is generally used by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) or other companies directly involved in the Internet. It is however an unrestricted global extension so anyone can register a .net domain name.

.org or "organization" is generally used by non-profit or non-governmental organizations but is also an unrestricted global domain name extension and is therefore available to business.

.info or "information" indicates a site that provides, quite predictably, information about a business or idea. It is also an unrestricted domain name extension and there are still many available options to choose from.