Network Solutions has been around for a long time, in fact if you click the link you will discover . . . . much longer than you may think.  I have registered a number of domain names over the years and have also used other providers such as GoDaddy.com and Register.com.  If you were to conduct a Google search for “domain name registration” the top three results (as well as top 3 sponsored links) are those three companies; Network Solutions, Register.com, and GoDaddy.com.

Because Network Solutions has been at this for so long, wouldn’t you think they have become really good at optimizing the process and have fine-tuned what content to include, content location, content format and overall design.  You decide.

Below I have captured the complete purchase process from the point where I have decided to check-out.  Total time was around 5 minutes (I subtracted the time it took me to grab screenshots).

Some brief elements I’d like to point out:

1) Initially, you get the impression that the process is going to take 3 steps, but really each of those first 3 steps are communicating additional offerings (upgrades, add-ons) they want you to consider.  Perhaps a bit misleading though, as the user likely is initially thinking the whole process is only 3 steps.

2) To advance through the first 3 steps, the user must scroll down the page, exposing the offers along the way, to find the “continue” button.

3) Next, is the real check out process which is 4 steps.  The first step is to decide the registration duration (and thus pricing) for each domain you are purchasing.  Note the Slidebar approach, which I have provided a few shots on how sliding the bar changes the price.  Five years is the default setting and note the “Did You Know” statement.

4) Throughout the rest of the process there are a number of noteworthy elements (e.g. – suggestions) that I won’t call out here, but take a look, observe and consider.  I also included screenshots of what happens if you click on the "feedback" or "follow us on Twitter" links, as well as the email confirmation.

Watch for a future post on PricingWire ( http://www.pricingwire.com ) if you want to know more about the compelling idea I have in mind for The Best Solution Summit.

 - - as always, click the larger image to see an even larger image - -