How to Choose a Domain Name -- Five Crucial Steps
Domain names are like an address on a map for the online company. It informs customers where they can find the location of your shop. That's probably why it's also described as a website URL. But it's so much more -- unlike most street addresses, your web name could reflect, or exactly match the name of your business. This is an extension of the brand or in some cases, the name of your brand.
The choice of a domain name is just as important as choosing the location of your physical storefront. You'll want to stand out easily and present your business in a manner that makes sense for your industry and customer base. You'd like to stand where your customers are, and where the competition doesn't.
If you're getting your store up and running or want to bring a digital presence to your brick-and-mortar storefront take a look at these tips on choosing a domain name which will last over the long run.
What is a domain name?
Domain names, sometimes known as URL (Uniform Resource Locator) or web address is the name that a user type into their browser to find your website. It starts with www and is usually followed by 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 to take your site on the internet. You can purchase them together or independently and you'll need to enter some settings so they can talk to each other.
What is the best place to purchase domain names?
Numerous hosts offer domain buying services , or offer a no-cost domain name in their package, but you might find it easier to use the domain buying platform at WordPress.com. Search for the available names and select from common end-points (.com, .net, etc. ) and more than 350 distinct choices including .blog, .store, and other.
How to choose a domain name
Selecting a domain's name is, in essence, similar to naming your business itself. Similar to how you would not name your new company Coca-Cola because the name is trademarked and already recognized for something else and you'll need to select from options that are available as well as affordable.
The focus of this article isn't on the best way to come up with ideas but rather, how to sort through your options to arrive at the bestdecision among the choices you discover.
All in all, you need to make an extensive list of possibilities before narrowing it down based upon this goal in mind: something you can easily recall and share. The end of this post will share details about five areas that determine if an internet domain is in line with this.
Start your list with names that relate to your organization and its mission
It is important to choose a domain name which includes your company's name, or is closely related to your business. If your business is completely online, it is important to consider available domains before choosing an official domain name for your company. The decision goes hand-in-hand.
If you already have physical stores that you're planning to develop a website for, you may have to think outside the box in order to come up with a solution that is as well connected to your existing brand while still meeting your primary purpose of creating something that's simple to remember and communicate.
Check for availability
When you've come up with your first idea and you've got your first set of ideas, look up the domain's accessibility. If you already have your own business name, you can take this first step to check if it's still in the market.
If one of your most successful concepts, or even your current domain name, is available with the .com end, then you've probably have found the perfect domain name. However, it is important to go through the checklist that is at the bottom of this post to make sure you've achieved the main goal of a good domain name.
Most likely, however, your best ideas will already be takenand will being offered at a premium price, or will only be made available in a variant of the initial (by adding on words, choosing an alternative ending, etc.). If this is the case, don't be discouraged. It's a frequent scenario. Utilize the remainder of this article to help you filter through more ideas until you find the best alternative.
Think about the price
Popular, easy names are usually owned by somebody already. If they don't use it the name, they may put it up for sale. It's important to think about the price and its importance to your organization.
The prices for domain properties as well as physical ones can vary greatly due to the fact that they're determined by the owner. The seller may want a few hundred dollars or, for a domain like eCommerce.com or eCommerce.com, millions of dollars.
Domain names can beincredibly valuable, so like with any business investment, don't shy away from buying a domain name when you have the money and is the perfect fit.
How to narrow your domain's choices:
There are numerous factors to consider when selecting a name and they all have to be evaluated in the context of the other. Just like with any commercial decision, it is important reduce your options as well as weigh the advantages and disadvantages of every URL.
For a domain that is easy to keep track of and to communicate with 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. A few basic words to the domain of choice could be beneficial. However, make sure that it is in line with the other criteria in this list as well.
DRYFT, for example, is a retailer offering fishing gear as well as clothing. The company added "fishing" to their domain name dryftfishing.com. dryftfishing.com -- to make it simpler and easier to remember.
2. Endes with .com If the possibility exists.
This is the most commonly used ending and what many visitors typically type in. An alternative ending may be offered or more affordable however, keep in mind that potential visitors may leave their search and get to the site of a competitor because they type in .com first.
However, some online stores, do utilize alternate names if they are compatible with their identity. Certified Comic Shop, for example, has the URL certifiedcomic.shop, a creative way to establish their online brand.
3. Easy to spell
Names like "Kathryn" are also spelled "Katherine," "Catherine," or "Katheryn." Thus names like "DessertsByKathryn" is difficult to communicate audibly. It is also necessary to purchase each spelling variant or state the spelling each time you use it -- something that's not necessarily realistic.
4. There isn't a hyphen, or number and is easy to pronounce.
As with getting a domain easy to pronounce It's not a good idea to add other components that can be unclear when they are spoken to.
An hyphen can be a good illustration. Although adding one could create a domain, many people are still going to end up at the wrong destination. The numbers can also be confusing because they may be written out (twenty three) or input as numbers (23).
2 Hounds Design knew that people can interpret their domain name in two different ways. So while their primary site name was 2houndsdesign.com, they also bought twohoundsdesign.com and redirected it to their site.
5. Can't be easily mistaken for something offensive
The most damaging thing about accidentally sending visitors to a competitor is causing them to be offended. When a typo that is commonplace or an alternate ending sends your visitors to a site they'll consider offensive, it's an additional reason to choose an alternative.
Do a gut check: Do you feel proud every time you say something out loud? Would you like to say this on TV, in front of a respected family member, or in front of the board of directors from Fortune 500?
You can share it with a small group of peers or an audience test. Ask them to be creative and see if there's anything "dirty" or "offensive" they can do with the name. They may discover a blind spot or know an iconic pop culture quote that you've never heard of. This can save you from a lot of embarrassment.
Give them the title and ask them to type it out. Did they spell it correctly? Return to them a few days later to see whether they can remember the name.
Found your perfect domain? You'll need to do one thing
If you've found that ideal domain, you can go on and fend off competitors by soaking up the market. Does your domain have the suffix .com? You might as well get other endings like .net or .org. Did you pick a name that isn't spell-checked? Take a look at the alternative spellings before your competitors do, then redirect them to the main URL.
If you've found an excellent domain name at a reasonable price take the time to take the initiative to register as many different domains as you can in order to secure your investment.
Create your brand of dreams
The store you've have always dreamed of requires more than great software, like . All of the elements to come together for an amazing shopping experience and efficient operation at the backend.
For branding, having a great brand name and attractive logo are crucial. But online, a great domain name is similar to an ideal store's location in Main Street. It could determine the success of your venture. Be patient and weigh your options carefully. The perfect domain to host your online store is everywhere!