If possible, register multiple variations of your name as well. If a visitor misspells your address, you don't want to send him to a competitor. Once you have a name, be sure to keep it registered. If it expires, someone else could snatch it up for their use or try to sell it back to you, says Tim Kirby, an Internet developer who spoke at the Web Design 2000 conference in Philadelphia, June 14. Because the Internet is running 24 hours a day, you need a provider who can handle problems at any time.
Prices can vary dramatically between providers.
But make sure you compare the same services. One provider may offer shopping cart software and a storefront as part of your package, while another may charge extra for these services. This can affect how quickly your page loads for visitors. It's better to go with a company that has a back-up plan if its own system goes down. You should also avoid servers in high-risk areas, Kirby adds.