How to Choose a Domain Name: Five Important steps
Domain names are like the street address of the online company. It informs customers the location of the location of your shop. That's probably why it's also described as a website URL. But it's so much different from other streets, your domain name could reflect, or perfectly match your store's name. The domain name is an extension your brand or sometimes your brand itself.
The choice to choose a domain's name is just as important as choosing an address for your physical storefront. It is important to make yourself known easily and present your business in a manner which is appropriate for your industry and customer base. You'd like to stand where the customers are and in areas where your opposition does not.
If you're only starting your store or want to bring a digital presence to the brick and mortar storefront take a look at these tips for choosing a domain which can serve your needs over the long run.
What exactly is a domain?
A domain name, also 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 starts with www and usually ends with something similar to .org, .net, or the most popular version -- .com.
So a domain name or hosting service are separate elements, yet you'll need both of them to get your website on the internet. You can purchase them together or in separate installments but you'll have to make some changes so they can talk to each other.
What is the best place to purchase a domain name?
Many hosts offer domain buying services , or offer a no-cost name as part of their package, but you might find it easier to use the domain buying platform at WordPress.com. It is possible to search for domain names and select from common endings (.com, .net, etc. ), along with more than 350 distinct options such as .blog, .store, and more.
The best domain name
Selecting a domain's name is, in essence, exactly the same thing as choosing a name for your company itself. Just like you wouldn't name the new business Coca-Cola since it's trademarked and already recognized for something else and you'll need to select among options that are accessible as well as affordable.
This post isn't about the best way to come up with ideas but rather, how to sort through your options to arrive at the optimaldecision out of the options you find.
All in all, you need to make an array of possible options and then narrow it based upon this goal in mind: something you can easily keep in mind and to communicate. The end of this post will provide details on five aspects that will determine whether a domain fits this goal.
Make a list of names that are relevant to your business and purpose
A domain should be one which includes your company's name, or is closely related to your industry. If your business is online, you should look at domains available before deciding on an official domain name for your company. The decision goes hand-in-hand.
If you're already operating an actual store you'd like to create an online presence for, you'll have to think outside the box to discover a name that's as well connected to your existing website while also meeting the main purpose of creating something that's simple to remember and communicate.
Check for availability
When you've come up with your first set of ideas and you've got your first set of ideas, search for the domain's availability. If you already have your own domain name for your business, take this first step to see if it's accessible.
When one of the best ideas, or your own company name is offered with a .com ending, you've likely have found the perfect domain name. However, it is important to check out the steps at the end of this article to ensure you've achieved the main goal of a good domain name.
However, most likely the best of your ideas may already have been taken into consideration, but will be listed at a high cost, or may only be offered as an alternative of the original (by adding on words, choosing an alternative ending, etc.). If that's the case, don't be discouraged. This is a frequent scenario. Take the rest of this article to help you filter through more ideas until you find the best alternative.
Think about the price
Names that are simple, well-known, are typically owned by someone already. If they're not currently using the name the name, they may put it up as a sale item. It's important to think about the price and its importance to your company.
The prices for domain properties, like physical ones, vary dramatically because they're set by the owner. A seller could ask for a few hundred dollars or, for names like eCommerce.com 10s of millions.
Domain names isincredibly valuable, so like every other investment in your business do not be afraid of purchasing a domain name if you can afford it and is the right fit.
How to narrow your domain name options:
There are numerous factors to consider when selecting a name each of which must be evaluated in the context of each other. Similar to any commercial decision, it is important be able to narrow your choices and weigh the pros and cons of every URL.
In order to ensure that it's simple to remember and communicate select a domain which:
1. Is it short
Avoid long names like, "RebeccasLouisianaCrabShackOffTheCornerofMainAndThird.com."
The majority of domains with one word are not sold with hefty prices. The addition of a couple of easy words to your domain of choice could be an excellent idea. However, make sure that it is in line with the other criteria included in the list.
DRYFT For instance, DRYFT is a store that sells fishing gear as well as clothing. The company added "fishing" to the domain name"dryftfishing.com" dryftfishing.com -- keeping it simple and easy to remember.
2. Ends in .com In the event that it is possible
It is the most popular end and is what a lot of visitors typically type in. Another ending could be offered or more affordable, but keep in mind that visitors could quit their search, or be directed to the site of a competitor since they type .com first.
Some online stores, however use alternative names if they are compatible with their identity. Certified Comic Shop, for example, is using the URL certifiedcomic.shop, a innovative way of establishing their name online.
3. It is easy to spell.
Names like "Kathryn" can also be spelled "Katherine," "Catherine," or "Katheryn." So a name like "DessertsByKathryn" is hard to pronounce. Also, you'll need to buy every spelling variation or state the spelling every time you say the word, which is unlikely to be realistic.
4. There isn't a hyphen, or number and is easy to say
Similar to choosing a domain that is simple to read, you don't want to add other components that can be unclear when they are spoken to.
A hyphen is one great illustration. Though adding one might create a domain but many are going to end up in the wrong place. They also create confusion since they may be written out (twenty three) or input as numbers (23).
2 Hounds Design knew that people could interpret their name with two distinct ways. Their primary website's domain is 2houndsdesign.com, they also purchased twohoundsdesign.com and changed it's URL to their own site.
5. Can't be easily mistaken for something offensive
The only thing worse than accidentally sending customers to competitors could be causing offence to them. If a typical typo or different ending takes your users to a site they'll consider offensive, it's an additional reason to choose the best option.
Take a look at your own gut. Are you happy when you speak it loudly? Would you like to say the same thing on TV, before a respected family member or before a fortune 500 board member?
You can share it with a small group of peers or a test audience. Encourage them to think of something new and find out if there's something "dirty" or "offensive" you can come up with using the title. They might find a blind spot or know the name of a popular culture icon that you're unaware of. This could spare you a great deal of embarrassment.
Tell them the title and have them type the word out. Are they able to spell it correctly? Recall them a couple of days later and see if they can remember the spelling.
Found your perfect domain? But there's a little more to consider.
If you've found that best domain for your needs, take it and fight off rivals by taking advantage of the marketplace. 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 that isn't spell-checked? Snap up the other versions before your competitors do and redirect them to the main URL.
If you found a good domain name that's cheap make sure you make sure to register as many different domains as you can in order to secure your investment.
Make your dream brand
Creating the store you have always dreamed of requires more than just good software such as . You need all of the pieces to work together for an amazing shopping experience and efficient operation at the backend.
For branding, having a great name and beautiful logo is essential. But online, a great domain name is similar to an ideal store's location in Main Street. It's the difference between your business's success. Take your time and weigh the options with care. The ideal domain for your store is out there!