What is the best way to choose a domain Name -- 5 Crucial Methods
A domain name is like a street address for an online business. It tells people the location of your business. That's probably why it's also described as a website website address. It's more -- unlike most street addresses, your web name could reflect, or perfectly match your store's name. It's an extension of your branding or, sometimes, is the name of your brand.
The selection to choose a domain's name is just as important as choosing the location of your physical retail storefront. You'll want to stand out quickly and display yourself with a style that makes sense to your business and client base. You'd like to stand where your customers are, and which the competitors doesn't.
If you're only beginning your business or are looking to create a digital presence for your brick and mortar shopfront take a look at these tips about choosing a domain that will serve you well for years to come.
What is a domain name?
Domain names, sometimes known as URL (Uniform Resource Locator) or web address is what visitors type into their browser to find your website. It starts with the letters www and typically ends with something similar to .org, .net, or the most popular version that is .com.
Domain names or hosting service are distinct items, however you'll require both of them to get your website up and running. They can be purchased together or in separate installments and you'll need to enter some settings so they can talk to each other.
Where can you buy the domain name?
Many hosts offer domain buying services , or offer a no-cost name as part of their packages, however you might find it easier to go to the domain buying platform on WordPress.com. You can search for available names and pick from the standard end-points (.com, .net, etc. ) and more than 350 distinct alternatives such as .blog, .store, and many more.
The best domain name
Selecting a domain's name is fundamentally similar to naming your company itself. Just like you wouldn't name the new business Coca-Cola since it's trademarked and known as a trademark and you'll need to select from options that are available as well as affordable.
This post isn't about the best way to come up with ideas but rather, how to look through the options and make the most effectivedecision from the possibilities you find.
Overall, you should create an array of possible options before narrowing it down based on this ultimate goal: something you can easily keep in mind and to communicate. At the end of this article, we will share details about five factors that help determine if an internet domain is in line with this.
Make a list of names that are relevant to your business and purpose
You want a domain with your business's name or closely relates to your business. If your business is online, then you must look at domains available before deciding on the official name of your business. It is a matter of choice.
If you already have an actual store you're looking to build a website for, you may require some creative thinking in order to come up with a solution that is both associated with your current name while meeting the primary goal of having something easy to remember and communicate.
Check for availability
After you've got your initial idea, you can search for the domain's accessibility. If you already own a business name, you can start with this step to check if it's still in the market.
When one of the most successful ideas, or your existing business name, is available with an .com ending, you've most likely found your winner. However, it is important to check out the steps at the end of this article to be sure you've achieved the main goal of a good domain name.
Most likely, however the best of your ideas may already be taken, only be listed at a high cost, or may only be made available in a variant of the initial (by including words and/or choosing a different ending, etc.). If this is the case Don't get discouraged. Again, it's the most frequent situation. Take the rest of this article to help you filter through more options until you can find the ideal alternative.
Take into consideration the cost
Simple, popular names are typically owned by an individual already. If they're not using it, they might list it on the market. You'll have to consider its value and price as well as the importance to your company.
The prices for domain properties, like physical ones, can vary greatly due to the fact that they're determined by the person who owns it. The seller may want just a couple hundred dollars or, for names such as eCommerce.com, tens of millions.
A domain name can beincredibly useful, so as other investments in business Don't be afraid of buying a domain name when it's within your budget and is the right fit.
How to narrow your domain name choices:
There are dozens of considerations in deciding on a domain name and they all have to be viewed in light of each other. Similar to any business decision, you'll need to narrow down your list and weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each URL.
In order to ensure that it's simple to recall and use Choose a domain that:
1. Does it have to be short
Avoid long names like, "RebeccasLouisianaCrabShackOffTheCornerofMainAndThird.com."
Most one-word domains are frequently sought after or listed at exorbitant price points. A few basic words to the domain could be a good move. However, make sure that it is in line with the other requirements on this list, too.
DRYFT For instance, DRYFT is a retailer offering fishing gear and clothing. They also added "fishing" to the domain name dryftfishing.com. dryftfishing.com -- keeping it simple and easy to remember.
2. Endes with .com In the event that it is the possibility exists.
This is the most common ending and what many visitors are likely to type when they arrive. Another ending could be in the market or be less costly be aware that potential visitors may leave their search and end up on a competitor's website because they type in .com first.
Certain online shops, however, do utilize alternate names if they are compatible with their brand. Certified Comic Shop, for example, is using the domain certifiedcomic.shop, a creative way to establish their name online.
3. Is easy to spell
Names like "Kathryn" could also be written as "Katherine," "Catherine," or "Katheryn." Thus names like "DessertsByKathryn" is hard to communicate audibly. Also, you'll need to buy all of the spelling variations or clarify how it's spelled every time you say it , something that's not necessarily realistic.
4. It doesn't contain a hyphen or number. It is also easy to pronounce.
Similar to choosing a domain that is easy to pronounce You shouldn't add other components that can be unclear when they are spoken to.
The hyphen is a great illustration. While adding one can create a domain but many are likely to land at the wrong destination. Numbers also cause confusion because they can be spelled out (twenty three) or input as numbers (23).
2. Hounds Design knew that people could interpret their name differently. Their primary website's domain is 2houndsdesign.com, they also purchased twohoundsdesign.com and changed it's URL to their site.
5. Isn't easily confused with something offensive
The only thing worse than not directing customers to competitors is causing them to be offended. When a typo that is commonplace or an alternative ending leads your customers to a page they'll find off-putting, it's just an additional reason to choose the best option.
Do a gut check: Are you happy when you say something out loud? Would you like to say the same thing on TV, before your family members who are respected, or in front of the board of directors from Fortune 500?
Make it available to a group of your peers or as an audience test. Encourage them to think of something new and discover if they have anything "dirty" or "offensive" they can do using the title. They may discover an area of blindness or an iconic pop culture quote which you're not aware of. This could spare you a great deal of embarrassment.
Tell them the name and ask them to type it out. Are they able to spell it correctly? Return to them a few days later to see if they can remember the spelling.
Found your perfect domain? But there's a little more to consider.
Once you've found the best domain for your needs, take it and fight off rivals by soaking up the market. Does your domain end in .com? You might as well get other endings like .net and .org. Do you choose a name that could be misspelled? Snap up the other versions before competitors swoop in and redirect these to your primary URL.
If you found a good domain name for a low price, go out of your way to register as many different domains as you can in order to secure your investment.
Build your dream brand
Making the online store you've always wanted requires more than great software, like . All of the components for a wonderful customer experience, as well as effective backend operations.
For branding, a strong brand name and attractive logo is essential. However, online, a good domain name is similar to an ideal store's location at Main Street. It can make or break your business's success. Be patient and weigh your options carefully. The ideal domain for your business is in the wild!