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[Agent Guru]
[Guide to the Internet]
[RE/MAX Times Article]
[Press Release 2/98]
The REALTOR® Domain Name Game
Are you a real estate professional thinking about your own domain name? If you're tired of a clunky web page buried three directories deep on a server with an address like http://www.isp.net/users/index.html, then it's time to think about creating youridentity.com and linking it to all of your listing inventory on realtor.com as well as all your other pages on the net.
InterNIC is the current organization that licenses and maintains all domains and it costs a reasonable $70.00 up front for the first two years, and $35.00 annually thereafter. Other companies seek approval to license and maintain domains, but as of today, InterNIC is the only valid organization that offers registration.
A typical domain registration will take a couple of business days depending on how busy the InterNIC is. . Most internet service providers will fill out all the necessary paperwork as well as assist in expediting the registration process. ISPs typically charge a one time set up for a domain which includes the paperwork and server side setup If you prefer to register your own domain visit http://rs.internic.net/.
ISPs (Internet Service Providers) host (store) your site, and provide additional dial-up access or other features that include statistical site reporting, scripting privileges, secured servers and other programming capabilities. These costs can range anywhere from $29.95 a month, to several hundred or thousands depending on the complexity of the database(s) you are running.
Moving a site includes a bureaucratic procedure and can take days, months or longer if you don't understand the process. Approval must be given through an interNIC form in order for the domain move to occur.
The alternative to a lengthy domain move is to perhaps abandon the old name and create a new one. You may also use a URL redirection service. A redirection service automatically forwards your domain name to your existing home page no matter where it is located or what the actual URL (uniform resource locator) address is. Redirection is transparent to your visitors, simple and ranges in a one time set up fee from $49. to $99. For a free URL redirection service you may visit cjb.net or webalias.com, but these free services cannot give you a permanent directory.
With over 360 million domain names registered to date, don't be surprised if you don't get your first choice in character domains. Be prepared to select five best choices and hope that one is available. Remember with over 360 million names it's important to link to/from a well known trafficked site such as realtor.com.
Registering more than one domain name makes sense if you are worried about the competition grabbing a similar name, or you simply want users to have various paths in which to enter your site.
A common success story shared between those successful agents on the internet incorporates a well chosen web address or multiple URLs prominently displayed on all classified advertising as well as a site that is easily found in all the major search engines. A name can mean the difference between success and failure, so think about it carefully before making your final decision.
Copyright AgentGuru filed February 27, 1998, Serial No. 75/441, 597, U.S. Trademark Application for Registration.
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