Most Internet experts agree that the domain name is the ultimate calling card. It should be easy to remember, and it should complement your marketing efforts. Yet, many agents have a hard time shopping for domain names because the rules are changing rapidly. They'd better hurry, though. According to some reports, domains are being registered at a rate of 20,000 per day. That's more names than new Internet users, which are entering the Internet at the rate of 18,000 per day.

Recently, domain name registration was deregulated, allowing numerous companies to serve as registrars on behalf of clients. Does that mean multiple registries? No, there's only one, regulated by the Internet Corporation of Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN.)

Domain names have recently tripled in allowable characters, raising the question: Isadomainnamethislongagoodideaorwouldibebetteroffjustusingmyname.com? That's right. This domain name is exactly 67 characters long. No wonder agents are asking themselves whether longer names are practical.

Then there is the issue of how to choose a domain name, which can bog an agent down for a long time. You can start with the one name you market over and over every day - Yourfirstand lastname.com. And why not? It is the one thing you can brand on all your sales tools, including your business card. The longer domain names can allow you to include your town or market area in the URL, too -Yournameyourcommunity.com. Other ideas abound, but those are certainly practical solutions, according to John Reilly, vice president of publishing for The Internet Crusade, an independent Internet services company designed for Realtors.

Reilly's company was the first to offer the lowest prices anywhere for domain name registration and the ability to register 67 character domain names, if desired. Now Internet Crusade is the first to offer five to ten-year domain name registration.

Oh, no! Another domain name decision! Now, how do you choose between the two-year, five-year, and ten-year domain? Reilly makes it easy.

If you are in business for the long haul, save yourself the pain of renewals. Internet Crusade is offering a special price through January 22, 2000 of less than $20 per year with a 10 year registration. You can also receive web controls to make changes directly without having to go through your registrar. "This is important if you move your web site to a new server," says Reilly. If you prefer, you can lock your domain in for 5 years and it will only cost you $109.99.

"Many folks are switching to the 10 year registration to avoid those easy-to-forget annual renewals...I mean, who wants to lose a domain name that has become the centerpiece of a marketing plan?"

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Published: January 20, 2000

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