How to Choose a Domain Name -- 5 Important steps
Domain names are like the street address of any online business. It informs customers how to find the location of your shop. That's probably why it's also known as a web address. But it's so much more -- unlike most streets, your domain name can reflect or even exactly match the name of your business. This is an extension of the brand or sometimes your own brand.
The selection of a domain name is just as important as choosing the location of your physical retail storefront. It is important to make yourself known effortlessly and showcase yourself with a style that makes sense for your industry and customer base. You'd like to stand where the customers are and where the competition doesn't.
If you're beginning your business, or looking to add a digital presence to the brick and mortar storefront take a look at these tips for choosing a domain that will serve you well over the long run.
What is a domain name?
A domain name, also called a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) or web address is what visitors type into their browser to find your website. It begins with http://www and is usually followed by something similar to .org, .net, or the most used version -- .com.
Domain names as well as a hosting account is separate elements, yet you'll need both to take your site up and running. They can be purchased together or in separate installments -- you'll just need to set up some settings so that they can talk to each other.
What is the best place to purchase a domain name?
Many hosts offer domain buying services or include a free domain name in the package. However, you may find it easiest to use the domain buying platform on WordPress.com. You can search for available names and pick from the standard names (.com, .net, etc. ), along with more than 350 unique alternatives like .blog, .store, and many more.
The best domain name
The process of choosing a domain name, in essence, the same as naming your business itself. Like you wouldn't call the new business Coca-Cola due to the fact that the name is trademarked and known as a trademark and you'll need to select one that is available and cost-effective.
This post isn't about the best way to come up with ideas but rather, how to filter your choices to arrive at the bestdecision out of the options you discover.
In the end, it's best to create an array of possible options and then narrow it based on this ultimate goal: something that's easy to recall and share. At the end of this article, we will give details of five areas that determine if the domain you're considering fits into this criteria.
Begin your list by naming names that relate to your organization and the purpose of your business.
A domain should be one that includes your business name or closely relates to your business. If your company is online, you should consider available domains before choosing an official name for your business. This is an important decision to make.
If you have an actual store you're planning to develop a website for, you'll have to think outside the box to discover a name that's both associated with your current name while meeting the primary objective of something that's easy to recall and share.
Check for availability
When you've come up with your first list of concepts and you've got your first set of ideas, search for the domain's accessibility. If you already own your own domain name for your business, begin this process to determine if the domain is available.
If any of your best ideas, or your existing business name, is available with a .com ending, you've most likely found your winner. Though, you should still review the list in the final section of this post to make sure you've achieved the main aim of a quality domain name.
But most likely you'll find that your most creative ideas will already be taken, only being offered at a premium cost, or may only be made available in a variant of the original (by including words and/or choosing a different ending, etc.). If that's the case do not be depressed. It's a frequent situation. Use the rest of this guide to guide you through more options until you come across the most effective solution.
Take into consideration the cost
Popular, easy names typically belong to somebody already. If they're not currently using the name the name, they may put it up as a sale item. It's important to think about the price and its importance to your organization.
Domains' prices, like physical ones, can vary greatly due to the fact that they're determined by the person who owns it. Sellers may require just a couple hundred dollars or, for names like eCommerce.com, tens of millions.
Domain names isincredibly valuable, so like with any business investment Don't be afraid of making the purchase if you have the money and is the right fit.
How to narrow your domain's options:
There are numerous factors to consider when selecting a name each of which must be considered in relation to each other. Like any other business decision, you'll need to narrow down your list and weigh the pros and cons of each URL.
To ensure it's easy to recall and use select a domain which:
1. Does it have to be short
Avoid long names like, "RebeccasLouisianaCrabShackOffTheCornerofMainAndThird.com."
A majority of one-word domains aren't frequently sought after or listed for sale at a price that is astronomical. Adding a few, basic words to the domain of choice could be an excellent idea. But make sure it meets the other criteria in this list as well.
DRYFT, for example, is a retail store selling fishing equipment and apparel. The company added "fishing" to the domain name"dryftfishing.com" dryftfishing.com -- keeping it simple and easy to remember.
2. The end of the line is .com In the event that it is it is
This is the most commonly used option and the one that a majority of people will type by default. A different ending might be in the market or be less costly however, keep in mind that visitors could leave their search and be directed to the site of a competitor because they type in .com first.
Some online stores, however they do use alternate ends if it is compatible to their branding. Certified Comic Shop, for example, has the address certifiedcomic.shop, a clever way to promote their online brand.
3. Is easy to spell
Names such as "Kathryn" could also be spelled "Katherine," "Catherine," or "Katheryn." Therefore, a name like "DessertsByKathryn" can be difficult to communicate audibly. You'll have to also purchase every spelling variation or state the spelling every time you say it , something that's not always practical.
4. Doesn't include a hyphen or number, and is simple to pronounce.
Similar to getting a domain easy to spell It's not a good idea to include other elements that are unclear when they are spoken to.
A hyphen is one great example. While adding one can create a domain but many are going to end up at the wrong destination. They also create confusion since they can be spelled out (twenty three) or entered as digits (23).
2. Hounds Design knew that people can interpret their domain name in two different ways. Their primary website's domain is 2houndsdesign.com, they also bought twohoundsdesign.com and changed it's URL to their website.
5. Isn't easily confused with something that is offensive
The only thing worse than the mistake of sending your users to an opponent's site is causing them to be offended. If a typical typo or different ending takes your users to a site they'll find off-putting, it's just an additional reason to choose a new option.
Check your gut: Are you proud when you speak it loudly? Would you like to say the same thing on TV, before a respected family member, or in front of the board of directors from Fortune 500?
Make it available to a group of peers or an untested audience. Encourage them to think of something new and see if there's anything "dirty" or "offensive" you can come up with by using the word. They may discover an undiscovered area or an iconic pop culture quote that you're unaware of. This can save you from a lot of embarrassment.
Tell them the title and have them type it out. Did they spell it correctly? Return to them a few days later to see if they remember the name.
Found your perfect domain? But there's a little more to consider.
If you've found that ideal domain, you can go on and fight off rivals by soaking up the market. Do you have a domain ending in .com? There is a possibility of getting other endings like .net or .org. Did you pick a name that could be misspelled? Snap up the other versions prior to competitors taking over by redirecting them to the primary URL.
If you've found an excellent domain name that's cheap, go out of your way to secure as many variations as possible to protect your investment.
Make your dream brand
Creating the store you have always dreamed of requires more than great software like . You need all of the components for a wonderful shopping experience as well as efficient backend processes.
When it comes to branding, a strong name and a beautiful logo are essential. However, online, a good domain name is similar to the ideal location for a store at Main Street. It can make or break your success. Take your time and weigh your options carefully. A perfect domain name for your business is everywhere!