Shakespeare would argue that names are arbitrary and intrinsic qualities are essential. However, names have real and tangible power. They stir the imagination and lead us to attribute meaning, purpose, and quality. Even hearing someone’s name can cause us to form ideas and impressions well before our first encounter with that person. Likewise, the same goes for businesses and websites. This article will give tips on choosing the best possible domain name for your business and what to do once you have picked the perfect name.
The importance of a domain name
We could argue that domain names are even more important than the name of your business or product. Your website is where people will find you; a good domain name will drive more customers. New visitors to your website will form a first impression based on the domain even before the landing page loads. Picking a domain name that interests potential visitors means you are off to a good start.
Here is how to choose the best possible domain name for your business
You will be able to know best what you want to call your domain. Nonetheless, there are a few general rules you need to follow.
1. The right extension
Unless you have an excellent reason to pick something else, we recommend a (.com extension. Most websites have that extension, making it the easiest one to remember. Unfortunately, the .com extension for your chosen domain name is sometimes taken. If so, you can choose to go with .org, .NET, or .biz. However, you can start thinking up a new domain name to avoid confusion with similar websites or the competition. Going with something already taken and changing the extension isn’t how to choose the best possible domain name for your business. Use the domain name to be original and stand out, not the extension.
2. A short domain name
Shorter URLs are easier to remember. You will probably find yourself in a situation where you must write down your website for someone. Something short, sweet, and to the point will always beat an overly long domain name. The situation is probably worse if you dictate it over the phone. Ideally, aiming for something between 5 and 16 characters would be best. Sadly, many of the good short domains were snatched up ages ago.
3. Make it easy to type
While you are at it, you also need to make sure that your website is short and easy to type out. After all, you don’t want to lose visitors just because someone had a typo. Your domain name should avoid the following:
Confusing spelling
Hyphens
Numbers
Some businesses or domains have made-up words. While that’s perfectly fine, you must be sure that people will instantly know how to spell it. Ask friends to spell your domain after only hearing it once. Don’t pick something with a pun in the wording or spelling. That’s just purposely sabotaging yourself.
4. Don’t sit on the idea
What are you waiting for if you have the perfect idea for your domain name? You can just act on your vision and register your domain before someone snatches it up. Domain names get bought and sold constantly; some people even try to make a career out of gambling on domains. Therefore, dreaming of the perfect domain name and doing nothing with it can leave you high and dry.
As you can see, it’s not just about choosing the best possible domain name for your business; you must also have the forethought to strike while the iron is hot. You can register a domain even if your website hasn’t been designed and developed yet. Call Shotgun on the name and hire professionals to build your website.
5. Integrate keywords
Having a relevant keyword as part of your domain name can improve your SEO. If you are a small business that primarily caters to the local community – you can add the name of your city to your domain. Google will recognize that and offer your website in search results from the local area. For example, www.weddingcakespasadena.com tells you all you need to know.
The finishing touches
After you’ve picked out the domain name, there are just a few more things you need to take care of:
You’ll need Hosting for the website. You will need to find a hosting service that can offer confidentiality and secure data access.
Registration duration. Although you can plan for the long run, there is usually no need to register for more than a year.
The company where you purchase your domain is often called a Domain Registrar. If you haven’t purchased the domain and the hosting with the same company, you’ll need to do a transfer. If you want to set it up as soon as possible, buying the domain and hosting from different vendors will make the process easier. Unfortunately, domains still need some time to propagate and go live, but this rarely takes more than 48 hours. (Tip. It’s always best to keep your Domain Registrar. and Web hosting companies separate.) You can move your host quickly, but moving a domain takes days.
In conclusion
You might need help choosing the best domain name for your business. You are the best judge of what name represents your business and brand. However, there is some industry wisdom that you really should follow. Stick to the tips we outlined in this article, and you will make sure you are aware of your website.