One of the first decisions you'll have to make is whether to obtain a Virtual Domain Name (VDN). A VDN is shorter, making it easier to remember and promote. If you were to say your Web address over the radio or phone, listeners will probably remember your business name with a .com on the end, easier than a long drawn out address that they didn't have time to write down. It's a statement that you have "your own place" on the Internet.

Your Web address becomes www.YourDomainName.com and is a status symbol of prestige. It's also much smarter for you to advertise your own name in traditional media as much as possible to encourage name recognition. The chances are very good that if your customers know your business name, they will remember your Web address. You can also buy keyword rich domains to help with search engine rankings.

The .com extension is for a "commercial" site and is much more common and recognizable, although .org (organization), .net (network), and others are also available without qualifiers.