Domain Names

Register just .com or more?

[ken_b]

In the past, I've tried to register at least the the .com, and .net versions of a name. I've only had a few sites tho, so I'm unsure about the best way to go here.off.

I wonder if this is really necessary or not. Or is it best to get .com, .net, .org, .info, etc.

I'm wondering if their is a consenus among the members here on this issue.

[Imaster]

For my top sites, I bother to get the .com, .net, and .org

Thats all :)

Will be bankrupt if I do it for all my sites and for all country specific TLD's ;)

[Jenstar]

I wouldn't do it for every site. But if you have one site that is your primary site with a brandable name, I would register the various TLDs, then you don't have to worry about anyone scooping them and setting up a competing site. It is easier to spend the $8.95 or whatever, than to have to deal with a C&D.

Another thing to consider is alternative spellings. I have one site that I have registered not only all the TLDs, but also the variations of the spelling too. It only took one person to register a spelling variation before I learned my lesson and bought the rest of them ;)

[ken_b]

Thanks folks.

The brandable part is an interesting thought.

hmmm.... have to think about that a bit.

[ecommerce man]

What you have to think is "will it damage my online business if someone registers mydomain.ext"

Example. We have a client who is a pro photographer. He only wanted the .co.uk. Another company with the same name as his then registerd the .com. The site with the .com site is a porn site! Now rountinely when he tells people to have a look at his site people use the .com and get the porn site, not good!

I'd go for .com .org .net and .co.uk (if your in the UK or have an interest in the UK markets)