Choosing a domain name

Choosing a domain name

You might be wondering how much thought you should put into choosing a domain name. How important can it be?

You might also be thinking that if you have a great website and a quality business people will naturally visit your site regardless of your domain name.

Well, you better think again because your domain name is a key element of your website.

Why is it so important?

• It’s your first impression. Your domain is the first thing your visitors will see. Having a good domain name can make a good and long-lasting impression.
• It affects SEO (Search Engine Optimization).  Keywords in your domain name can help your SEO ranking.
• It defines you.  Your domain name is an opportunity to brand yourself or your business.

Important factors of choosing a domain name

Choosing a domain name

1. Use common extensions (.com, .org, .net)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: domainnamestat.com

As you can see, .com is still the best extension. Also making the list is .net and .org which are easily recognizable.

2. Brandable over generic

When it comes to your domain name, creative and brandable are always better than generic.

Keep in mind that your domain name is how your website visitors will find you. It is the foundation of your brand.

The main difference between a brandable and generic domain name is that a brandable domain name is that a unique and stands out from the competition – think whitakerwebdesign.com versus webdesign.com.

Ideas for creating a brandable domain name

1. Create new words.  Make up your own catchy, new words. Think Google, Bing, and Yahoo.
2. Use existing words.  Use a thesaurus to find interesting words that fit your brand.

3. When choosing a domain name short is better 

Generally speaking, when it comes to the length of your domain, shorter is better.

Research suggests that the most common name length is approximately 12 characters.

You should set a goal of 6-18 characters for your domain name and remember the shorter, the better. If you can’t find something short, make sure you make it brandable.

Our site – whitakerwebdesign.com is 18 characters which is on the long side due to the name Whitaker.

4. Easy to type

When you think of some of the most popular websites in the world – Google, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Yahoo, Bing – they are all easy to type and spell.

If you have to explain the spelling more than once for it to be understood, it’s too complicated. You don’t want to risk your potential visitors landing on a different website!

5. Easy to pronounce

Your website should be as easy to pronounce as it is to type.

This makes it easier for visitors to share your domain name by word-of-mouth and easier for you to share your site with friends and potential customers.

6. Avoid hyphens and numbers

Keeping in mind that your domain name should be easy to spell and pronounce, hyphens and numbers (and any other symbols) make it more difficult.

Keep your domain name should be smooth and flowing.

7. Think long-term over short-term

 

 

 

 

Your domain name will be one of the biggest elements that define your business and brand for years.

When you’re choosing your domain, think long-term.

For example, if your company sells running shoes, you could choose a domain name like, “runningshoes.com”

But… if you think you may add additional running gear like socks and moisture-wicking shirts, then you might want to expand your thinking to runninggear.com or something else with a broader reach.

8. Check if it’s already trademarked used

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before you move forward with a specific domain name, check to see if the name is available on social media sites, as well as if there are any trademarks already registered to the name.

When building your brand, it’s ideal to have the same name across your domain and social networks. This builds consistency and familiarity, making it easy for your visitors, fans, and customers to find you around the web.

Avoid legal issues; you should stay away from names that already have trademarks.

Where should you register your domain name?

Here are a few options of domain registrars

• Domain.com (www.domain.com)
• Bluehost (bluehost.com)
• Namecheap (www.namecheap.com)
• GoDaddy (www.godaddy.com)
• Hover (www.hover.com)

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