Answers to questions about domain names – Part Deux

5.  I tried to move my domain name to another account, but they’re telling me I can’t do it!

The only rule you have to follow is this:  You can only transfer a domain name to another registrar once every 60 days.  So, the most likely reason your move request was denied is that you transferred the domain before – within the past couple months.  Just wait until the 60 days are up, and you can transfer the domain without a problem.

6.  The .com domain name I want is already taken – should I purchase a .net or .org version?

I don’t suggest buying a domain that isn’t a .com.  The .com names are so common that many times people will use that suffix without even thinking about it.  To make matters worse, real estate domains are usually geographically-oriented.  Why does that make it worse, you ask?

Let’s say that WeddingFlowers.com is taken, so a florist buys WeddingFlowers.net.  If someone accidently types the .com version, the odds of them instantly recognizing the error is very high.  If they’re looking for flowers in San Francisco, they’ll notice if the site they land on is based in Toledo.

But, if AtlantaRealEstate.com is taken, and you purchase AtlantaRealEstate.net. . .  if one of your prospects types the .com version, you’re sending them right to a direct competitor’s website. 

7.  I got a message telling me that ICANN wants me to confirm my contact information.  Is this a bogus email?

No, it’s probably for real.  ICANN stands for Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers.  That’s the organization that governs the Internet in terms of domain names.  I certainly don’t envy them that task!  It’s got to be like herding cats.

Every year, ICANN requires that domain registrars contact their customers and request that the customers confirm their contact information.  If you’re not sure if the email is valid, don’t click on any links in the email.  Just go to your registrar’s website – you should be able to locate a link or button to reach the ICANN information.

8.  Should I buy an existing domain?

The only time it makes sense to pay much money for a domain name is if the name has been in use for a good period of time.  If the name already has traffic coming to it, you will get a jump start in terms of search engine rankings.

The thing to watch out for are the “cyber squatters”.  Those are people or companies who purchase domain names just because they think they’d be valuable to someone in a particular line of business.  They never use the names, they just ”park” the names at a registrar.  A parked domain is just held by the registrar because every name has to be someplace.  A parked domain is not crawled by the search engines.  So, unless you really want a specific name that is for sale, my advice is to just think up another name.

If you have other questions, post it in a comment!