The Best Way to Pick a Domain Name -- Five Important Methods
A domain name is like an address on a map for the online company. It informs customers how to find your store. This is probably the reason it's described as a website address. But it's so much better than that. Unlike most street addresses, your domain name may reflect or perfectly match your store's name. This is an extension of your branding or, sometimes, is the name of your brand.
The decision of a domain name is just as important as choosing the location of your physical retail storefront. You'll want to stand out easily and present yourself in a tasteful way which is appropriate for your market and your customer base. It is important to be where the customers are and which the opposition does not.
If you're starting your store or are looking to create a digital presence to your brick-and-mortar storefront take a look at these tips about choosing a domain which can serve your needs over the long run.
What is a domain's name?
A domain name, also known as URL (Uniform Resource Locator) or web address is what visitors type into their browser to find your website. It starts with the letters www and typically ends with something like .org, .net, or the most popular variation that is .com.
A domain name or hosting service are two separate elements, yet you'll need both to take your site online. It is possible to purchase both or in separate installments but you'll have to make some changes so the two can communicate.
What is the best place to purchase domain names?
Many hosts offer domain buying services , or offer a no-cost domain as part of their packages, however you could find it simpler to use the domain purchasing platform on WordPress.com. It is possible to search for domain names and pick from the standard endings (.com, .net, etc. ) as well as over 350 different choices such as .blog, .store, and many more.
The best domain name
Selecting a domain's name is fundamentally exactly the same thing as choosing a name for your business. Like you wouldn't call 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 affordable.
This post isn't about ways to think of ideas however, rather, how to look through the options and arrive at the most effectivedecision out of the options you discover.
All in all, you need to make an array of possible options and then narrow it based upon this goal in mind: something that's easy to recall and share. At the end of this article, we will provide details on five factors that help determine if an internet domain is in line with this.
Begin your list by naming names that relate to your organization and purpose
A domain should be one which includes your company's name or closely relates to the industry you operate in. If your business is completely online, then you must think about domain names available prior to choosing the official name of your business. The decision goes hand-in-hand.
If you're already operating an actual store you're planning to develop an online presence for, then you might require some creative thinking to discover a name that's and is a part of your existing website while also meeting the main objective of something that's easy to remember and to communicate.
Check for availability
Once you have your first idea then you'll need to check the domain's accessibility. If you already have a business name, you can take this first step to see if it's available.
If one of your top ideas, or your own business name, is available with a .com ending, you've likely have found the perfect domain name. Though, you should still go through the checklist at the end of this post to make sure you've achieved the main objective of having a great domain name.
Most likely, however the best of your ideas may already be taken, only be listed at a high cost, or may only be available as a variation of the initial (by using words or phrases and/or choosing a different end, etc.). If that's the case Don't get discouraged. This is a common scenario. Take the rest of this guide to assist you in navigating through more possibilities until you can find the ideal option.
Take into consideration the cost
Names that are simple, well-known, are typically owned by an individual already. If they don't use it, they might list it for sale. You'll have to consider the cost and the significance to your company.
The prices for domain properties, like physical ones, can vary greatly due to the fact that they're determined by the owner. The seller may want only a few hundred dollars, or, for names like eCommerce.com or eCommerce.com, millions of dollars.
A domain name can beincredibly important, and as every other investment in your business do not be afraid of purchasing a domain name if it's within your budget and the best fit.
How to narrow your domain name choices:
There are numerous factors when choosing a name, and they all have to be considered in relation to the other. Just like with any commercial decision, it is important be able to narrow your choices as well as weigh the advantages and disadvantages of every URL.
To ensure it's easy to remember and communicate, choose a domain that:
1. Does it have to be short
Avoid long names like, "RebeccasLouisianaCrabShackOffTheCornerofMainAndThird.com."
A majority of one-word domains aren't sold for sale at a price that is astronomical. Adding a few, simple words to your domain could be a good move. Make sure the domain is compatible with the other objectives included in the list.
DRYFT For instance, DRYFT is a retailer offering fishing gear as well as clothing. The company added "fishing" to the domain name dryftfishing.com. dryftfishing.com -- to make it simpler and easier to remember.
2. Endes with .com, if it is
This is the most commonly used end and is what a lot of visitors typically type in. An alternative ending may be offered or more affordable, but keep in mind that potential visitors may leave their search and end up on the site of a competitor because they type in .com first.
Some online stores, however, do utilize alternate endings if it fits seamlessly with their identity. Certified Comic Shop, for example, is using the domain certifiedcomic.shop, a creative way to establish their brand online.
3. It is easy to spell.
Names such as "Kathryn" are also written as "Katherine," "Catherine," or "Katheryn." Thus names like "DessertsByKathryn" is hard to pronounce. You'll have to also purchase every spelling variation or state the spelling every time you say it -- something that's not always practical.
4. There isn't a hyphen, or number. It is also easy to pronounce.
As with getting a domain easy to pronounce, you don't want to include any other aspects that could be unclear when they are spoken to.
The hyphen is a great illustration. Though adding one might make a domain available but many are likely to land in the wrong place. The numbers can also be confusing because they are spelled (twenty three) or input as numbers (23).
2. Hounds Design knew that people could interpret their name differently. Therefore, while their main site name was 2houndsdesign.com, they also purchased twohoundsdesign.com and redirected it to their website.
5. Isn't easily confused with something offending
The most damaging thing about not directing users to an opponent's site is offending them. If a common typo or different ending takes your users to a website they consider offensive, it's another reason for you to select the best option.
Do a gut check: Do you feel proud every time you say it out loud? Could you see yourself saying the same thing on TV, before your family members who are respected or even in front of a fortune 500 board member?
You can share it with a small group of peers or an audience test. Encourage them to think of something new and discover if they have anything "dirty" or "offensive" that they could do by using the word. They might find a blind spot or know a pop culture reference that you've never heard of. This could spare you a great deal of embarrassment.
You can give them the title and request them to spell it in. Did they spell it correctly? Recall them a couple of days later and see if they can remember the word.
Found your perfect domain? You'll need to do one thing
If you've found that best domain for your needs, take it and fend off competitors with a swath of market. Do you have a domain ending in .com? It could be worth getting different endings, such as .net or .org. Do you choose a name which could have been misspelled? Find the alternate spellings prior to competitors taking over and redirect these to your primary URL.
If you've found an excellent domain name at a reasonable price take the time to go out of your way to secure as many variations as you can to safeguard your investment.
Create your brand of dreams
Making the online store you've have always dreamed of requires more than just great software such as . All of the pieces to work together for an amazing customer experience, as well as effective backend operations.
When it comes to branding, a strong brand name and attractive logo are essential. On the internet, a fantastic domain name is like an ideal store's location at Main Street. It's the difference between your business's success. Consider your options carefully. The ideal domain for your business is there!