maggy — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 18:51:20 +0000

domain name market truned to be a huge source of revenue, thats why its my belief that it will never be for free anymore. there is still one way to get a domain for free - it can be included in the web hosting package, but double check if the domain name is registered in your name

alananimation — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 01:12:36 +0000

Well there are some web sites where you can get free domains for doing things like filling out surveys and stuff like that. One I know of is Ezyrewards. I don't know about all the othe sites out there but I do know this site is genuine and works.

sitesupport — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 18:58:42 +0000

there are free domains... not top level domains but there are free ones.

Hostnetric — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 14:11:35 +0000

frank727;222670 wrote: How do some webhosting providers offer free domains with their web hosting accounts? Are they able to buy blocks of unnamed domains in bulk? How do they afford to offer free domains if in fact you have to pay for each one?

When a web host offers a domain for free with a hosting purchase it is a marketing promotion. The host will let you search for and choose the domain that you would like (normally limited to the TLD's only). Once you choose this domain they will normally register the domain under their name for your use. (Some do allow you to register it under your name, but many do not this is done so that they can make sure that they see a return on their investment.)

Once you have met specific requirements the domain is then transferred to you and becomes your sole property to use as you see fit. This may be to transfer it to another registrar or sell it. Each host will have their own requirements so make sure that you read these carefully.

Remember the host pays for the domain so it is not free to them. They are gambling that you will become a long term customer and thus will make their money back through their hosting or other services they sell to you.

It is best to do your research on any host and know the possible problems that doing business with them can cause you. Just because something is said to be free does not mean there are not strings attached to them.

I strongly believe that registering your domain under your own name is the best way to go. It does not matter if you use your host to register it or if you use others such as Dynadot, Godaddy or one of the others. Just do your homework.

carboncat — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 11:54:59 +0000

Quote: How do they afford to offer free domains if in fact you have to pay for each one?

Think of it like a travel agent throwing in a "free" night's accommodation if you buy an expensive holiday. It's just a sweetener to seal the deal.

Ruth — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 11:28:34 +0000

frank727;222670 wrote: How do some webhosting providers offer free domains with their web hosting accounts? Are they able to buy blocks of unnamed domains in bulk? How do they afford to offer free domains if in fact you have to pay for each one?

I guess they use that free domain thingy as a marketing strategy by making hosting services a little bit more expensive...

webfriend — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 01:40:43 +0000

Because somebody figure out how to make a buck!

MrCat — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 19:59:58 +0000

Domains nowadays are relatively cheaper than it was 5 yrs ago. I guess the reason why they are priced as so is that there are also overhead costs that registrars have providing their services. Maybe there will come a time that domains wouldn't just be cheap at all, but rather FREE!

daveclose — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 13:38:06 +0000

well no. but on the other hand......FREE!!

elena29 — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 12:12:46 +0000

If domains would be free a lot of Internet marketing niches would be gone and a lot of people would be left without a relevant domain for their business or product. Imagine willing to market a very niche product and the practically all 3, 4 or even 5 word based domain names being taken. Now that wouldn't be nice, would it ?