Starting a website? Google’s new domain registry service can help.
Previously launched last summer as an invite-only service, Google Domains is now available to all Web users in the United States. The service lets users purchase domains, create email addresses and build a website using the Google platform.
Here’s what Google Domains has to offer and how it can help your business. [Google for Business: A Small Business Guide]
Supported domains
Google Domains supports more than 50 domain endings. You can purchase popular top-level domain names (TLDs) like .com, .net, .org, .biz, .cc, .co, as well as specialized ones that represent your brand, such as .company, .consulting, .coffee, .florist, .guru, .management, .partners, .productions, .rentals, .supplies, .solutions, .technology and many more. Google says it will also be adding hundreds of new TLDs in the next few years.
Additionally, businesses can also purchase premium domain names, such as aftermarket premium domain names that are up for resale by their current owners.
Domain management
In addition to buying and selling domain names, Google Domains offers additional tools to help you get the most out of your domain name. For instance, its simple domain management dashboard lets you easily add and manage domain-name servers, configure settings and resources, lock your domain, integrate Google Apps and more.
Other features include the following:
- Domain forwarding. Have more than one domain? Have them all forward to the same website. This is a very useful feature if you’re transferring an old domain name or purchasing several domain names for your brand. For example, www.yourcompany.net or www.youroldwebsite.com can both point to www.yourcompany.com, so you don’t lose any potential customers.
- Email forwarding. Use your domain name for your email address to strengthen your brand — such as contact@yourdomain.com — and then have it forward to your current email address. Google Domains lets you create up to 100 email aliases, so there’s plenty to go around for your team.
- Customizable subdomains. Subdomains help you stay organized by separating your blog, online store and other parts of your website from your home page. Google Domains lets you create up to 100 subdomains, such as blog.yourcompany.com and store.yourcompany.com.
- Google support. Domain names purchased at Google Domains use the same infrastructure and DNS servers as Google, giving you the same connectivity and reliability as other Google properties.
Website builder
Google Domains can also help you get your website off the ground. The service has partnered up with website makers Squarespace, Wix and Weebly, as well as e-commerce software Shopify, making it easy to build your website and establish your presence on the Web. Features include customizable templates, drag-and-drop website builders, secure website hosting and more.
Don’t like any of these services? You’re not stuck with Google’s partners. Alternatively, you can use your own preferred website builder or third-party Web developer, or use your new domain name to point to your Blogger, Google Sites or existing website.
Read more: Google Domains Now Available for Businesses
