Web Hosting Comparison

Who else wants unique gift ideas for the special event? Although a little on the techie side, this gift is a lot more personal than a camera or cellphone – try giving a domain name to your loved one. Here are some reasons why it is a good idea:

10. It’s hypoallergenic.
9. It is easier to find a good domain name than an iPhone 5.
8. No assembly required (no instructions in foreign languages to fumble through.)
7. Better than the really last-minute pick (a lottery ticket).
6. Save a tree — you don’t have to wrap it!
5. Give someone the secret identity they’ve always wanted.
4. Domains are cheap; you can register one for a year for as little as $6.95
3. Less risky than a magazine subscription (nobody else can give the same domain name)
2. It can be passed down from generation to generation.
1. You can buy it at 11:59pm on the day before the birthday, wedding, anniversary or any special day, and still have it in time.

Owning a domain only gives you the rights to the name, e.g., vincentandbetsy.com. It is like a declaration that the name is yours. You can go to any of the web domain registration companies such as Godaddy or Namecheap to purchase a domain name.

Making it a Better Gift

But in case you essentially wish to use the domain name for a web site, e-mail, and so on, you need to have the domain hosted. Owning 1 without hosting it can be known as “parking” the domain. Less than $10 a month gets you hosting for that domain. We have been using Hostgator for more than 8 years and it has been the best one out of 30+ hosting companies that we have tried. So bottom line, $120 (or less) buys a hosted domain for a year.

A domain is so “cyber” that you may want something solid to go along with it. And the apparent option might be a set of gorgeous business cards using the new domain details on them. VistaPrint will print 250 business cards in color absolutely free for new customers (or for 20 dollars if repurchasing), with a sub-$10 shipping-handling fee.

Domain Name Ideas

What do you do if the name you want is taken? Be creative. Change the word order. Use .net, .org, .name, & others. Try synonyms. Here are more ideas:

• Make a statement: www.ILoveAmanda.com or www.BewareOfClinton.com
• Use names: www.MatthewsPlace.com or www.DawsonsCreek.com
• Small business owner name: www.JohnPlumbing.com
• Use nicknames: www.RockRobbert.com or www.CoolChristopher.com
• Incorporate a persons interests: www.GolferAndrew.com
• Incorporate a quirks: www.SreaminJessy.com
• Incorporate job: www.JillsALawyer.com or www.DrWilliamStevens.com
• Name of pet: www.DorothysMom.com

Recommended Sites to Use

There are about 92 gazillion sites that let you register domain names, and an additional 30 gazillion that will host that name for you. And there is a lot of overlap. There is a huge number of of sites that will help you find a hosting company; check out Cheap Web Hosts and Best Hosting Services.

If you do not have the time to research for the best domain registration company or web hosting, then here is our recommendations:

Best Domain Registrar:

• Netfirms for the cheapest .COM domain registration
• Godaddy for cheap $1.99 .INFO domains

Best Domain Hosting:

• Hostgator for most comprehensive DIY hosting including Sitebuilders with 4000+ unique templates, one-click-installer for lots of web applications, shopping cart, forum, and much more. Click here to try for a penny.
• Weebly for simple website builder with beautiful templates. Nothing fancy but straightforward easy-to-use website creation tool. Click here to try for free.