What is the best way to choose a domain Name -- 5 Crucial Steps
A domain name is like a street address for any online business. It tells people how to find your store. It's likely why it's called a web URL. However, it's much different from other street addresses, your web name could reflect, or perfectly match your store's name. This is an extension of the brand or, sometimes, is your own brand.
The selection of the domain name you choose is just as crucial as selecting a location for a physical shopfront. It is important to make yourself known quickly and display yourself in a tasteful way that makes sense for your industry and customer base. It is important to be to where customers are, as well as in areas where your competitors does not.
If you're beginning your business or want to bring a digital presence to your brick-and-mortar storefront, read on for tips about choosing a domain which can serve your needs in the years to come.
What is a domain's name?
A domain name, often called URL (Uniform Resource Locator) or web address, is what visitors type into their browsers to locate your site. It begins with www and typically ends with something like .org, .net, or the most used variation that is .com.
A domain name as well as a hosting account is two separate items, however you'll require both to take your site up and running. It is possible to purchase both or separately but you'll have to make some changes so the two can communicate.
How can you purchase a domain name?
Many hosts offer domain buying services , or offer a no-cost domain as part of their package, but you may find it easiest to use the domain buying platform on WordPress.com. Search for the available names and select from common endings (.com, .net, etc. ), along with over 350 different options like .blog, .store, and many more.
What is the best way to select a domain name
The process of choosing a domain name fundamentally exactly the same thing as choosing a name for your company itself. Like you wouldn't call your company Coca-Cola since it's trademarked and has been used for something else You'll have to pick from options that are available as well as affordable.
This article isn't about ways to think of ideas however, rather, how to filter your choices to arrive at the bestdecision from the possibilities you discover.
Overall, you should create an extensive list of possibilities before narrowing it down based on this ultimate goal: something you can easily keep in mind and to communicate. This post will share details about five aspects that will determine whether an internet domain is in line with this.
Make a list of names that relate to your organization and its mission
A domain should be one with your business's name, or has a connection to your industry. If your business is online, then you must consider available domains before choosing the official name of your business. The decision goes hand-in-hand.
If you have physical stores that you're looking to build an online presence for, you'll require some creative thinking to discover a name that's and is a part of your existing brand while still meeting your primary objective of something that's easy to recall and share.
Check for availability
When you've come up with your first set of ideas then you'll need to look up the domain's available. If you already have a domain name for your business, begin this process to determine if the domain is accessible.
If one of your best ideas, or your existing company name is offered with an .com ending, you've most likely found your winner. Though, you should still review the list that is at the bottom of this article to be sure you've achieved the main aim of a quality domain name.
However, most likely, your best ideas will already be taken, only being offered at a premium priceor be available as a variation of the original (by using words or phrases and/or choosing a different end, etc.). If that's the case, don't be discouraged. It's a common scenario. Take the rest of this information to assist you in navigating through more possibilities until you come across the most effective alternative.
Consider the price
Simple, popular names are usually owned by somebody already. If they're not currently using the name or selling it, they could put it for sale. Consider its value and price as well as the importance for your business.
The prices for domain properties similar to physical properties, vary dramatically because they're set by the owner. The seller may want just a couple hundred dollars or, for names like eCommerce.com or eCommerce.com, millions of dollars.
Domain names can beincredibly valuable, so like with any business investment Don't be afraid of buying a domain name when it's within your budget and is the perfect fit.
How to narrow your domain's options:
There are dozens of considerations to consider when selecting a name and they all have to be considered in relation to each other. Similar to any commercial decision, it is important be able to narrow your choices and consider the advantages and disadvantages of every URL.
In order to ensure that it's simple to recall and use, choose a domain that:
1. Is short
Avoid long names like, "RebeccasLouisianaCrabShackOffTheCornerofMainAndThird.com."
The majority of domains with one word are not spoken for or are listed at exorbitant price points. The addition of a couple of basic words to the domain of choice could be an excellent idea. Make sure the domain is compatible with the other requirements included in the list.
DRYFT, for example, is a retailer offering fishing equipment and apparel. The company added "fishing" to their domain name -- dryftfishing.com -- making it easy to remember.
2. Ends in .com, if it is
It is the most popular option and the one that a majority of people are likely to type when they arrive. A different ending might be offered or more affordable be aware that potential visitors may quit their search, or get to a competitor's website because they type in .com first.
Certain online shops, however they do use alternate ends if it is compatible to their branding. Certified Comic Shop, for example, has the URL certifiedcomic.shop, a innovative way of establishing their online brand.
3. It is easy to spell.
Names such as "Kathryn" are also written as "Katherine," "Catherine," or "Katheryn." So a name like "DessertsByKathryn" is hard to pronounce. You'll have to also purchase all of the spelling variations or clarify how it's spelled whenever you speak it -- something that's not always practical.
4. There isn't a hyphen, or number, and is simple to use
Like getting a domain easy to pronounce, you don't want to add other components that can be confusing when spoken out loud.
The hyphen is a great example. Although adding one could create a domain however, most people are likely to land at the wrong destination. They also create confusion since they may be written out (twenty three) or entered in digits (23).
2 Hounds Design knew that people might interpret their names in with two distinct ways. So while their primary site name was 2houndsdesign.com, they also purchased twohoundsdesign.com and changed it's URL to their own site.
5. It's not easy to confuse something with that is offensive
The only thing worse than accidentally sending visitors to a competitor is offending them. If a common typo or alternate ending sends your visitors to a site they'll be unable to tolerate, that's another reason to pick a new option.
Take a look at your own gut. Are you happy when you say something out loud? Could you see yourself saying this on TV, in front of an admired family member, or in front of the board of directors from Fortune 500?
Share it with a group of friends or an untested audience. Ask them to be creative and find out if there's something "dirty" or "offensive" you can come up with using the title. They might find an area of blindness or a pop culture reference that you've never heard of. This can save you from a lot of embarrassment.
You can give them the title and request them to spell the word out. Do they correctly spell it? Return to them a few days later and see if they recall the spelling.
Found your perfect domain? You'll need to do one thing
Once you've found the ideal domain, you can go on and stand out from the crowd with a swath of market. Does your domain have the suffix .com? You might as well get alternative endings such as .net or .org. Have you picked a domain that isn't spell-checked? Find the alternate spellings before your competitors do, then redirect them to the main URL.
If you've found an excellent domain name at a reasonable price, make sure to register as many different domains as possible to protect your investment.
Build your dream brand
The store you've always wanted is more than great software like . You need all of the elements to come together for a wonderful shopping experience as well as efficient operation at the backend.
In the case of branding, a good name and beautiful logo is essential. On the internet, a fantastic domain name is like the perfect store location at Main Street. It can make or break your business's success. Be patient and weigh your options carefully. The perfect domain for your business is everywhere!