You could use these three letters, URL, and begin rhyming but that is far from what they represent for this article. These three letters are an acronym for Uniform Resource Locator. Why is this acronym so darn important today? Without it, the Internet (World Wide Web) as we know it would be worthless and we would continue to contact others and obtain information just like we have in the past.

What is a URL?

To make it simple, a Uniform Resource Locator is an address of where something is located on the Internet. Every document that is written, verbal or visual has its own unique address. This is to uniquely identify each piece or groups of information that is available on the Internet.

There are two sections to a URL that work together to direct and locate a specific document. The beginning segment is called the protocol identifier. The second part is the resource name. The two segments are separated by a full colon and then two forward slashes.

Protocol and Resource

The protocol identifier references an executable file that states the format or how date will be transmitted between two devices. There are several standard protocols that can be used and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The one you are probably the most familiar with is “http”.

The resource name is more specific as it states the IP address where the information that is being requested is located. This address, or domain name, identifies and address in a numeric 32-bit numeric format. The numbers can range from zero to 255 and groups of numbers are divided by a period. To prevent duplication, there are four regional Internet registries that assign addresses into three different classes. The registries are the APNIC, ARIN, LACNIC and RIPENCC. The classes are Class A, B and C.

Deciding upon a name for your website is almost like naming your child; once it’s named, that’s it and you can’t change it, well, you could but it will cost you. Your website name represents you and your company; it should be meaningful and hopefully something that someone can easily remember. What is involved and why is a good name so important?

Time – Take time to create names. Use key words and try to leave out words such as best, greatest or superior because they don’t actually give any information. The name should reflect the product. If you look at any of the major products on the market today, you will find that the website name is actually the name of the product. For example, SC Johnson’s cleaning product Scrubbing Bubbles has its own website called scrubbingbubbles.com. It is simple, easy to remember and to the point.

Individualize – How one comes up with names will vary on the person and how they work as an individual. A quick and easy (yes, I said easy) is to brainstorm and just list whatever comes to mind. First think about what you are offering and everything that it can do. Then start writing and even if it sounds funny or stupid to you, write it down. If you want a different point of view, ask someone else to brainstorm for you or with you. When you are done, you will have a number of words and/or phrases that you can use to begin creating a name.

Beginning a new business is an exciting adventure, and choosing the company’s name is one of many decisions that the owner(s) need to be made. This is no different when beginning a business on the Internet. On the Internet, you want a name, more specifically a domain name, which represents what you have to offer to the Internet community.

As you are learning the ins and outs of Internet marketing, there are a number of different things that you will need to do such as creating your website, building your contact list,and advertising. Everything you do will need a name associated with it that is all inclusive and represents everything you have to offer. This process seems easy enough, but it is quite difficult because once you chose the name it can’t be changed.

What creates the name?

What is a domain name that has everything to do with your Internet business? It is a fabulously fantastic name that is catchy, easy to remember and relates to what is on your website. The name can be a combination of letters, numbers and symbols. The name can be one word or it can be a number of words; although the shorter the name, the easier it will be to remember.

It is also very important to keep in mind when creating your business’ name that it shouldn’t be offensive or conflict with logos, mottos or trademarks of other companies. If your name may refer to another company, the domain name registrar will not allow the name to be used. Besides, you don’t want to take something of another company without their permission; otherwise you may find yourself in court.

It’s Taken? What!?