Without a domain name, an internet user does not have any way to find a website.  The only problem is that domain names cost money.  If a person is operating one or two sites, the cost of a domain, (which ranges from $1.00 to $35), probably isn’t that expensive.  However, what if one is an enthusiastic webmaster, and is involved with a number of sites?  The cost can mount up, even when the cheapest domain registrar is used.  As a result, you might want to consider signing up for free domain names.  Three types of free domains exist: third level domain names, first level domain names with lesser used extensions and first level domain names with traditional extensions.

The first type of free domain name is known as a third level domain name.  This is a domain name that is frequently provided by free web hosts or affiliate programs.  However, there is a drawback to this type of domain name.  This drawback involves the first level domain, (often the company’s name), having to be a part of the third level domain.

The second type of free domain is a first level domain that contains an extension that is not as popular in the Internet world.  Examples are the free domains offered by Dot.tk or Free Domain.co.  The extensions offered from these companies are .tk and .co.nr, respectively.  These are not as well known as a .com or a .net, but they are not as cumbersome to use as a third level domain name.  The main key is to make sure the initial domain name is short and easy to remember, so Internet users won’t be as offput by the unusual extension.

Finally, there are free domain names with well known extensions such as .com or .org.  To find these, a webmaster has to do some hunting around.  Sometimes a previous registrant will offer them for free, since they were about to expire anyway.  You can try to find these domain names through forums dedicated to webmasters.  Other times companies will offer these types of free domain names because they are getting free ad space.  What happens is every time the free domain is used, a pop-up ad will show up on the person’s website.  This is how the free domain name company gets its revenue.

In conclusion, free domain names can be an excellent alternative for a webmaster needing domains for several websites.