It may seem strange, but this is a very important step to your on-line success. In this article we will review; some suggestions, what some of the experts say, and how to get a domain name that you will be happy with.
What is a domain name?
domain name
–noun Computers. a name owned by a person or organization and consisting of an alphabetical or alphanumeric sequence followed by a suffix indicating the top-level domain: used as an Internet address to identify the location of particular web pages. (“domain name”).
To sum up, your domain name is your address on the Internet.
Most people want a domain name that is similar to their business, but when they go to purchase the domain, they find that it is already taken. Unfortunately, domain name registration doesn’t work the same as business name registration, if fact, it is more competitive.
In most cases you will not get the domain name you want the first time out. If you get lucky and find it that the domain name you want is open, register it, quickly.
Some Great Tips:
In an article by JumpLine.com, they listed 8 Quick Tips to Choosing a Domain Name (A link to the full article in provided in the resources below). We have taken their 8 tips, and have added some of our own commentary and suggestions:
They are:
1. Keep it short as possible
You should try to keep your domain name as short as you can. By doing this, you are creating something that people can remember easily. If you cannot find a domain that is short, create something that is catchy. The key is to have a domain name that relates to your business, your website, and is easily remembered.
2. Use a .com
There are many different domain extensions available on the Internet theses days; however, one of the oldest extensions (as well as the one that most people search for) is .com. Always try to register a .com if possible, especially if you have a business. It gives the impression that your business is well established and since most people look for .com anyways, it is one less thing that they have to remember about your website domain.
3. Avoid Trademarked Names
It is just not worth the potential lawsuits by the big businesses with their team of lawyers and deep packets who will want their name (if it is even available anymore) for their website. The days of trying to retire early since you thought of stealing the name before they registered it is pretty much over. Pick a domain and brand for yourself.
4. Register Your Domain NOW
Domain names are being registered faster than people can come up with them. So if you find your domain name available when you search for it, register it quickly. Even if you don’t even have the hosting, web designer, or idea for the webpage yet… get the name!
5. One [domain] May Not Be Enough
Some people choose to register different versions of their domain name, or different extensions of the same domain. You could even register something that is completely different (like your full company name) and have all of these domain names point to the same website. Whatever you think it would take to get your customers to your website, the sky is the limit.
6. Character Types
Your domain name can only use letters, numbers, and dashes. Spaces and symbols are not allowed. Also, domain names are not case sensitive (so you can use this to your advantage when promoting your website… i.e. YourWebReviewed.com)
7. Ask Around
When you have settled on several available name choices, see what your friend and clients have to say about them. A name that may make perfect sense to you may be too hard for other people to remember. Is the name easy to say? Is it too long? Is it hard to spell? Do you have to explain why you chose it? Use this method to shorten your list.
8. Don’t Shell Out Large Amounts of Cash
Domain registration used to be a little expensive; however, this has now changed due to so many companies having the ability to register domains now. You shouldn’t have to pay more than $35/year for your domain name and in most cases; you can get your domain name for much less. If you have a company managing your website, you may a have to pay a consulting fee for them to register the domain and keep it active for you.
Now that we have discussed what a domain name is, please read our next article that will explain how to use YourWebReviewed.com’s Domain Checker Utility to get your domain registered.
Resources:
“domain name.” Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. 16 Jan. 2008. <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/domain name>.
Jumpline.com “8 Quick Tips to Choosing a Domain Name.” Sitepoint. 14 May 2000. 25 Jan. 2008.
<http://www.sitepoint.com/article/tips-choosing-domain-name>