Domain names in demand

Gideon Galloway, director of Funnel.co.za, explains that with the increase of the use of the Internet, there has been an equal increase in the number of individual Web sites that have popped up: "Every Web site needs a unique domain name to differentiate itself from others by its address and new ones spring up of every day. Unforgettable domain names can create brand identity for owners of Web sites and give rise to enormous value.

"Simple domain names that bring to mind an understanding of what the site can offer, have also become valuable."

It is a simple task to investigate whether the domain name you want is available, but practically every simple and popular name or phrase is already taken, even many personal names.

Domain name registrars, normally any ISP, make it easy to check if a domain name is available. Alternatively simply go to http://whois.co.za and enter the name you would like and if the name is available, contact your ISP to register it.

It is important to note that domain name registrars also compete with one another by offering additional services, such as Web hosting and the ability to hold a domain name until the owner is ready to use it.

"Try a variation on the name if the domain name you want is not available or you can try to buy the name from the registered holder. There are plenty of sites dedicated to buying and selling domain names," adds Galloway.

If you plan to cybersquatt, the process of holding a domain name in order to sell it at a later stage, be cautious not to violate trademark rights. Avoid domain names that might include legally protected trademarks, service marks or trade names.