How to Choose a Domain Name: Five Important Steps
A domain name acts as an address on a map for any online business. It informs customers how to find your store. That's probably why it's also described as a website website address. It's more -- unlike most street addresses, your web name can reflect or even exactly match the name of your business. It's an extension of your branding or in some cases, the name of your brand.
The decision to choose a domain's name is just as important as choosing the location of your physical storefront. You'll want to stand out quickly and display yourself in a tasteful way which is appropriate for your market and your customer base. It is important to be to where customers are, as well as where the competitors doesn't.
If you're only starting your store or are looking to create a digital presence for your brick and mortar shopfront follow these steps for advice about choosing a domain which can serve your needs over the long run.
What is a domain's name?
A domain name, often known as a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) or web address, is the name that a user type into their browsers to locate your website. It starts with the letters www and is usually followed by something like .org, .net, or the most used version that is .com.
A domain name as well as a hosting account is two separate things, but you'll need both to take your site online. You can purchase them together or separately but you'll have to set up some settings so that the two can communicate.
Where can you buy a domain name?
A lot of hosts provide domain purchasing services , or offer a no-cost domain as part of their packages, however you might find it easier to visit the domain purchasing platform at WordPress.com. Search for the available names and select from common endings (.com, .net, etc. ) and more than 350 distinct alternatives like .blog, .store, and more.
The best domain name
Selecting a domain's name is basically the same as naming your company itself. Similar to how you would not name your new company Coca-Cola because the trademarked name is has been used as a trademark You'll have to pick from options that are available and cost-effective.
The focus of this article isn't on ways to think of ideas but rather, how to filter your choices to make the most effectivedecision from the possibilities you find.
All in all, you need to make an extensive list of possibilities and narrow it down on the ultimate objective: something you can easily recall and share. The end of this post will give details of five factors that help determine if the domain you're considering fits into this criteria.
Begin your list by naming names that relate to your organization and purpose
It is important to choose a domain name with your business's name or closely relates to your industry. If your business is online, you should look at domains available before deciding on an official name for your company. It is a matter of choice.
If you have physical stores that you're planning to develop websites for, you may need to get creative to find an option that's and is a part of your existing name while meeting the primary goal of having something easy to remember and to communicate.
Check for availability
When you've come up with your first list of concepts, you can check the domain's availability. If you already have your own business name, you can begin this process to check if it's still in the market.
If one of your best ideas, or your existing company name is offered with a .com end, then you've probably discovered your winning domain. But, make sure to check out the steps in the final section of this article to be sure it meets the ultimate objective of having a great domain name.
But most likely the best of your ideas may already be taken, only to be sold at a very high priceor be available as a variation of the original (by including words or choosing a different end, etc.). If that's the case, don't be discouraged. This is a frequent situation. Take the rest of this information to assist you in navigating through more options until you can find the ideal option.
Think about the price
Names that are simple, well-known, are usually owned by someone already. If they're not using it or selling it, they could put it as a sale item. It's important to think about the cost and the significance to your organization.
Domain prices similar to physical properties, vary dramatically because they're set by the owner. The seller may want a few hundred dollars or, for a name such as eCommerce.com 10s of millions.
Domain names isincredibly important, and as every other investment in your business do not be afraid of making the purchase if you can afford it and is the right fit.
What can you do to narrow your domain's options:
There are numerous factors in deciding on a domain name each of which must be evaluated in the context of one another. Similar to any business choice, you'll have to narrow down your list and weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each URL.
In order to ensure that it's simple 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."
Most one-word domains are sold for sale at a price that is astronomical. Adding a few, easy words to your domain could be a good move. However, make sure that it is in line with the other requirements included in the list.
DRYFT For instance, DRYFT 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. The end of the line is .com In the event that it is possible
It is the most popular end and is what a lot of visitors will type by default. An alternative ending may be offered or more affordable, but keep in mind that potential visitors may quit their search, or get to another competitor's site since they type .com first.
However, some online stores they do use alternate names if they are compatible with their identity. Certified Comic Shop, for example, has the address certifiedcomic.shop, a clever way to promote their name online.
3. Is easy to spell
Names such as "Kathryn" can also be spelled "Katherine," "Catherine," or "Katheryn." So a name like "DessertsByKathryn" can be difficult to pronounce. It is also necessary to purchase each spelling variant or clarify how it's spelled whenever you speak it , something that's not necessarily realistic.
4. There isn't a hyphen, or number, and is simple to use
Similar to getting a domain easy to pronounce, you don't want to add other components that can be unclear when they are spoken to.
The hyphen is a great example. While adding one can create a domain however, most people are bound to be at the wrong destination. Numbers also cause confusion because they may be written out (twenty three) or entered in digits (23).
2 Hounds Design knew that people could interpret their name two different ways. Therefore, while their main website's domain is 2houndsdesign.com, they also bought twohoundsdesign.com and transferred it to their site.
5. It's not easy to confuse something with offensive
The most damaging thing about not directing users to an opponent's site is offending them. If a typical typo or alternative ending leads your customers to a site they'll be unable to tolerate, that's another reason to pick a new option.
Do a gut check: Do you feel proud every time you speak it loudly? Could you see yourself 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 peers or a test audience. Ask them to be creative and see if there's anything "dirty" or "offensive" they can do using the title. You might discover an undiscovered area or a pop culture reference that you've never heard of. It could save a lot of embarrassment.
Give them the name , and request them to spell the word out. Did they spell it correctly? Go back to them a few days later and see whether they recall the name.
Found your perfect domain? There's one more thing
If you've found that best domain for your needs, take it and fight off rivals with a swath of market. Does your domain end in .com? You might as well get different endings, such as .net and .org. Have you picked a domain that isn't spell-checked? Take a look at the alternative spellings prior to competitors taking over by redirecting them to the primary URL.
If you've found a great domain name that's cheap take the time to take the initiative to secure as many variations as you can in order to secure your investment.
Create your brand of dreams
The store you've always wanted is more than just good software, like . All of the elements to come together for a wonderful shopping experience and efficient backend processes.
When it comes to branding, having a great name and beautiful logo is essential. But online, a great domain name is like the perfect store location at Main Street. It can make or break your success. Be patient and weigh the options with care. A perfect domain name for your store is out everywhere!