Choosing the right domain name could probably be the single most important thing that you have to do during the start up phase of your website. The name you choose must have the functionality to bring in the traffic to your site. You do it right and they easily find your site. You do it wrong and you might send your customers to your competitors.
Before you set out and register a chosen name, it is wise to read the tips in choosing a domain name. Some of them might save you from a lot of trouble in the future.
Your Website Name and Domain Name
Using your domain name as the name of your site seems to be an obvious and logical ploy to follow. However, you will be surprised that not every website is named after the domain name even if the webmaster owns that domain name. Using the domain name as the name of the site allows people to remember you by the name of your website. They can easily remember and type your URL which is also the name of your website.
Generic or Brand Name Domains
The domain name must be a name that matches your brand name. For marketing purpose, you would want to carry on to your URL the brand image that you have been building on for years. For instance, if you’re into the car business, it would be more practical to use generalmotors.com than the generic cars.com, as most serious buyers would probably already have an idea of the car that they want.
Long or Short Domain Names
You can choose a domain name with any length up to 67 characters. You don’t have to be stuck with a domain name like ily.com if what you mean and want is iloveyou.com.
However, some argue that shorter domain names are easier to remember, easier to type and far less susceptible to mistakes. Others may counter that it is better to use longer domain name as it is not confusing and easier to remember.
Some of the points raised here are actually academic as it is becoming more and more difficult to get a short domain name registered nowadays. Sometimes, longer domain names may incorporate your site keywords in them as you will fare better in a number of search engines.
Using Hyphenated Domain Names
Are you intending to use a hyphenated name? It would be better to reconsider, as it might only give you a lot of headaches. Giving out your domain name verbally would be very difficult as it may lead to potential errors. Further, it is easier to type a domain name without the hyphens.
However, servers can easily pick out your domain name with hyphens, especially if you are using keywords in your domain name. Some webmaster decides to use the hyphenated domain name in instances when the non-hyphenated is no longer available.
Plurals, “the” and “my” form of Domain Names
In most cases, the domain name registrar will suggest alternate forms of the domain name that you prefer by adding “my”, “the”, or the plural form of a domain name that is already registered. Make sure, however, that you promote the whole domain name, including the “my”, etc., when promoting and giving out your domain name to customers and friends.
COM, ORG, NET
Whenever possible strive for the .com. It is the norm and you will definitely have no trouble with it.
If your business is country specific, then you might be benefiting from the use of such country specific TLDs as your customers will easily know where your business operation is based. An American guy who wants to buy a car would not naturally want to go to a site of a car dealer who is based in Sydney, Australia.
