Domains and Names

Domains

Unless you have already registered one, you will need a Domain Name for your website. You can choose a Top Level Domain such as .com, .net or .biz, or (and usually cheaper) a second level domain such as .co.uk, or .org.uk. If your organisation expects business or traffic from more than one country, then a top level domain might be important, but better exposure in a single country will be achieved with a country-specific domain such as .co.uk. UK directories or UK-specific searches normally include only domains containing .uk

Domain Names

Most single words and common names have already been registered, and you may need to find a suitable name which is still free, or combine names as with this website address. If your chosen name is available with, for example, a .org.uk domain, but a site already exists with the same name under a .org domain, it is best to avoid confusion by choosing a different name. Check here to find if a name has already been registered.

minim can register at low cost your preferred domain name (renewable after 2 years). Unlike some companies, minim will register the domain in your name and with your contact details so that you are the official owner (registrant) of the domain.

There are very good reasons why it is important to have your own domain name and not use something provided via a free hosting account. See Things to Avoid

Domain Registrars

All UK domains are ultimately registered with Nominet which is the officially authorised body holding UK domain registrations, just like the DVLA is the body for vehicle licences. However Nominet do not wish to handle individual registrations and charge £80 + VAT for direct registrations. For bulk registrations Nominet have licensed a large number of member registrars to do this for them, and for a .co.uk or .org.uk domain charge these registrars just £5 +VAT - so use a registrar such as Telivo, 123-Reg or 1&1.

If you see a registrar charging more than £10 for a .co.uk or .org.uk domain, you can see that they are making a fair profit on each registration!