Your domain is an investment - protect it! Sometimes you can add legal protections through trademarks. You may even want to consult an attorney that specializes in trademark law before you settle on a domain name.

If your web site proves popular expect imitators. They will purchase domains similar to yours but spelled slightly different to see if they can draw “typo traffic”. If you have trademarked the domain you may be able to legally combat these nuisances.

Most important is to make sure you don’t lose your domain because you didn’t pay the renewal bill on time (yet another reason to register for multiple years)! Domains that lapse often end up with less-than-reputable companies that hold your domain hostage. They will try to charge you hundreds or even thousands of dollars to get it back!

Never get a “free” domain with a web host of you are serious about long-term success. These domains are usually registered to the host and the “loan” it to you provided you stay their customer. While you may be thrilled with your host today, tomorrow may be a different story. Twice I have been through the ordeal of hosting companies being bought out the service dropping as a result. Getting the domain from them was stressful and frustrating. Sometimes it can’t be done.

Continue to Advanced Domain Name Tips

Related: How to choose a breakthrough domain for your website, Domain Name Trends, The Myth of Being Memorable and Domain Protection