Choosing a Domain Name
A domain name is the address people will type in to go to your web site (such as Amazon.com). One of the first steps in creating a web site is to determine which domain name to choose. You also need to determine if your choices are still available. This can be done at many web sites including GoDaddy.com and Yahoo Small Business. We've put together a list of tips to help you narrow down the large volume of choices.
Pick a .com name
Unless you live outside the United States, people have come to expect that the best web sites end in .com. The alternatives of .net, .biz and .info just don't hold as much weight or respect in the public's eyes. The one exception to this would be if the domain is for a non-profit organization. A non-profit's first choice should be .org, but they should also attempt to buy the .com to help avoid confusion.
Shorter is Better
The shorter names are easier to remember, type, and read. Domain names should be kept to less than 25 letters if possible. A longer domain name is more likely to be typed incorrectly, more difficult to remember, and harder to read.
Avoid Hyphens or Symbols
Avoid special characters like hyphens or symbols. These are hard for users to remember and are perceived to be less professional.
Ask Others
Be sure to run your short list by family, friends, and neighbors. They often will share their first impression and illuminate various pros and cons of your name choices.
Sleep On It
A good night's sleep will help your mind sort out the different choices and one will often bring a clear choice to light. You want a name that stands the test of time. It can wait one night before you decide.
Numbers
Avoid using numbers to replace words (i.e. 4 to replace 'for' or 2 to replace 'to'). These are hard to remember and appear cheap to web users. Also avoid adding numbers to get a name. For example if YourBusiness.com was unavailable, don't use YourBusiness123.com.
Keywords
Use keywords in your name where appropriate. Using words that people would search in Google for your business will help optimize your search engine results. For example, having LuxuryHotelMammoth.com would help your search engine results for "Luxury," "Hotel," and "Mammoth".
Geotargeted Keywords
Consider using words that target your location. For example, if your business is a flower shop based in San Diego, then FlowersSanDiego.com would help your domain name rank higher for "San Diego Flower" searches.
Abbreviated Names
If your business name is unavailable, is the abbreviated name open? For example Point Loma Technology also owns PointLomaTech.com. Both were purchased as it is easy to forward the web site and e-mails to the preferred domain.
Easy to Spell
The average person is not a good speller. Avoid words that are hard to spell. An alternative to this would be to also buy the misspelled domains and forward them to the correct domain.
Name Derivatives
Check to be sure your name can't be misunderstood to be another group of words. A travel rental site for Spain selected the name ChooseSpain.com, but that can also be seen as 'Chooses Pain'.
Conclusion
Following a few simple rules when picking a domain name can help you to avoid the pitfalls of many other businesses and start your online presence on the right foot. Keep in mind that none of the suggestions above are written in stone. and there are exceptions to every rule.
Have more questions on choosing a domain name?
Give us a call at Point Loma Technology (619) 756-4540.
