How to Choose a Domain Name -- Five Crucial steps
Domain names are like a street address for the online company. It lets people know where they can find the location of your shop. It's likely why it's described as a website website address. It's better than that. Unlike most street addresses, your web name may reflect or precisely match the store's name. It's an extension of your brand or, sometimes, is your own brand.
The selection to choose a domain's name is just as crucial as selecting a location for a physical storefront. You'll want to stand out quickly and display yourself in a tasteful way that is suitable to your business and client base. It is important to be where the customers are and which the opposition does not.
If you're beginning your business or are looking to create a digital presence for your brick and mortar shopfront take a look at these tips for choosing a domain which can serve your needs in the years to come.
What is a domain's name?
Domain names, sometimes called URL (Uniform Resource Locator) or web address, is the name that a user type into their web browser in order to access your website. It begins with www and usually ends with something like .org, .net, or the most used variation -- .com.
So a domain name or hosting service are separate elements, yet you'll need both in order to bring your site up and running. It is possible to purchase both or independently but you'll have to set up some settings so that the two can communicate.
How can you purchase domain names?
A lot of hosts provide domain purchasing options or provide a free domain name in their package, but you might find it easier to visit the domain buying platform at WordPress.com. You can search for available names and select from common names (.com, .net, etc. ) as well as more than 350 distinct alternatives including .blog, .store, and other.
How to choose a domain name
Selecting a domain's name is basically the same as naming your company itself. Just like you wouldn't name your company Coca-Cola because the trademarked name is has been used for something else, you'll need to choose from options that are available and affordable.
This article isn't about the best way to come up with ideas however, rather, how to sort through your options to take the optimaldecision among the choices you discover.
All in all, you need to make an extensive list of possibilities before narrowing it down based on the ultimate objective: something you can easily keep in mind and to communicate. This post will provide details on five areas that determine if an internet domain is in line with this.
Make a list of names relevant to your company and its mission
It is important to choose a domain name with your business's name, or is closely related to your business. If your company is online, then you must think about domain names available prior to choosing an official name for your business. It is a matter of choice.
If you're already operating a physical store that you'd like to create a website for, then you might need to get creative to find an option that's both associated with your current website while also meeting the main objective of something that's easy to recall and share.
Check for availability
Once you have your first set of ideas and you've got your first set of ideas, check the domain's available. If you already have an existing business name, you can take this first step to see if it's available.
If one of your most successful concepts, or even your current business name, is available with a .com ending, you've likely discovered your winning domain. Though, you should still review the list in the final section of this post to make sure that it is in line with the aim of a quality domain name.
But most likely you'll find that your most creative ideas will already be taken, only to be sold at a very high price, or will only be offered as an alternative of the initial (by using words or phrases and/or choosing a different end, etc.). If so, don't be discouraged. This is a typical situation. Use the rest of this article to assist you in navigating through more ideas until you come across the most effective option.
Take into consideration the cost
Names that are simple, well-known, typically belong to someone already. If they're not using it or selling it, they could put it as a sale item. You'll have to consider the cost and the significance to your organization.
Domain prices, like physical ones, differ greatly because they are set by the person who owns it. A seller could ask for only a few hundred dollars, or, for names such as eCommerce.com 10s of millions.
A domain name isincredibly useful, so as with any business investment do not be afraid of buying a domain name when it's within your budget and is the right fit.
The best way can you narrow down your domain name choices:
There are many factors to consider in deciding on a domain name and all of them must be considered in relation to the other. Similar to any commercial decision, it is important be able to narrow your choices and consider the advantages and disadvantages of every URL.
To ensure it's easy to keep track of and to communicate with select a domain which:
1. Is short
Avoid long names like, "RebeccasLouisianaCrabShackOffTheCornerofMainAndThird.com."
Most one-word domains are frequently sought after or listed with hefty prices. A few basic words to the domain of choice could be beneficial. But make sure it meets the other criteria included in the list.
DRYFT is an example. It is a retailer offering fishing gear and clothing. They added the word "fishing" to the domain name -- dryftfishing.com -- to make it simpler and easier to remember.
2. Ends in .com, if possible
This is the most common option and the one that a majority of people will type by default. Another ending could be offered or more affordable be aware that prospective visitors might quit their search, or end up on the site of a competitor due to typing .com first.
However, some online stores, do utilize alternate names if they are compatible to their branding. Certified Comic Shop, for example, has the domain certifiedcomic.shop, a clever way to promote their name online.
3. Is easy to spell
Names like "Kathryn" could also be spelling "Katherine," "Catherine," or "Katheryn." Therefore, a name like "DessertsByKathryn" is difficult to pronounce. It is also necessary to purchase every spelling variation or clarify how it's spelled whenever you speak it , something that's unlikely to be realistic.
4. It doesn't contain a hyphen or number. It is also easy to say
Like getting a domain easy to spell, you don't want to add other components that can be unclear when they are spoken to.
An hyphen can be a good illustration. Though adding one might create a domain however, most people are going to end up in the wrong place. They also create confusion since they can be spelled out (twenty three) or entered in digits (23).
2. Hounds Design knew that people might interpret their names in two different ways. Their primary site name was 2houndsdesign.com, they also bought twohoundsdesign.com and transferred it to their website.
5. Isn't easily confused with something offensive
The only thing worse than not directing users to an opponent's site could be causing offence to them. If a typical typo or alternate ending sends your visitors to a page they'll find off-putting, it's just another reason to pick an alternative.
Do a gut check: Are you proud when you say it out loud? Do you think of saying this on TV, in front of a respected family member, or in front of a fortune 500 board member?
Make it available to a group of friends or a test audience. Encourage them to think of something new and discover if they have anything "dirty" or "offensive" you can come up with by using the word. They may discover a blind spot or know the name of a popular culture icon 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 in. Do they correctly spell it? Recall them a couple of weeks later and check whether they remember the name.
Found your perfect domain? There's one more thing
Once you've found the best domain for your needs, take it and fend off competitors by taking advantage of the marketplace. Does your domain have the suffix .com? It could be worth getting other endings like .net and .org. Did you pick a name which could have been misspelled? Find the alternate spellings before competitors swoop in, then redirect these to your primary URL.
If you've found a great domain name for a low price make sure you go out of your way to get as many variants as you can in order to secure your investment.
Make your dream brand
Making the online store you've have always dreamed of requires more than just good software like . All of the pieces to work together for an amazing shopping experience and efficient backend processes.
For branding, a strong brand name and attractive logo are essential. But online, a great domain name is like an ideal store's location in Main Street. It could determine the success of your venture. Take your time and weigh your options carefully. The ideal domain to host your online store is everywhere!