The market for domain registration services is open to competition and several dozen companies currently can act as domain hosting services. These domain name services may allow you own a domain for up to several years and generally offer many domain services features at affordable prices.
Make sure you ask for the tools and perks you want from different domain registration services. One perk you really should look for is the ability to choose between several different domain extensions, like .com, .net, .org, and others. Also, try to find domain name services that will give you a free starter web page in case you need extra time to build your Web site before uploading it. Dealing with domain hosting services is much like renting an apartment: you want your landlords to be easygoing, responsible and trustworthy.
There are other offers you should look for as well from domain registration services. Domain forwarding will allow you to forward traffic from your new domain name to an existing Web site. 24-hour toll-free customer phone and email support can't hurt, either. Also, be sure to look for a domain hosting services company that offers continuing free upgrades on its software and services.