AWS and Signing up for a Domain Name
One of the many AWS available to users is the ability to sign up for a domain name with Route 53. Getting a domain name is one of the Amazon Web Services that will require a fee, even if you are in your trial year. Why? Because registering a domain isn’t free for anyone.
How Domains are Registered
Domains are registered through ICANN, but ICANN doesn’t sell web domains directly to small users. Instead, they rent a bunch of domain slots to registrars, who then rent the domain to small users. Domain registrations typically last for one year. Other companies besides AWS Route 53 that rent domains include (but are by no means limited to) GoDaddy and WordPress. Thanks to competition, current fees for a simple web domain might run around $15 to $20. But the total fee has a lot of variables, and fees are subject to change from year to year.
Getting Your Domain Name
To get a domain name, first you need to run a search to make sure that your domain name is available. If it is, you then request the name you desire, set up your URL, and you are ready to go. The benefit of registering your domain name and keeping up the registration is that even if you change registrars, you can transfer your domain. As far as your customers know, nothing has changed at all. You don’t have to email out location changes to your loyal followers, and your business can continue as usual.
A Website to Display Your Name
Once you have a domain name, you will want to set up and organize your website. A website can do many different things. It could just show your location and list your services; or it could be your catalog or your portfolio. It will need words, and it should have pictures. A video clip or two wouldn’t hurt, either.
If your time is limited, an AWS consulting service is a good way to get help with registering your domain name and getting your website set up to best showcase your business. Whether you have a physical store or office, or if your business is conducted completely online, an AWS consultant can get you started off right. He or she will also be there when you want to upgrade your account, add some new bells or whistles or generally make your front window in your web presence more attractive.
