Finding Domain Names for Your Online Business
Finding Domain Names for Your Online Business
What is a Domain Name?
Domain names are a semantic way of representing IP addresses. They take the user to a particular IP address and are, in fact, an easier way of naming web server locations. Since they represent numeric IP addresses using words, they are easier to memorize.
Choosing a Good Domain Name
Figuring out what makes a domain name good can be subjective. Below are some points you might want to consider while brainstorming for that perfect name.
• Good domain names are short, usually less than 15 characters. This makes it easy to remember and type.
• The use of hyphens in name should be avoided as much as possible. Although they make it easier to read the domain name, hyphens make the domain name difficult to repeat verbally, especially if you intend to use a viral marketing strategy. As well, chances are if someone is trying to remember your domain name, they probably won’t think about adding hyphens.
• Try to include your most important search keywords in your domain name. This will not only help in terms of search engine optimization, but it will also help with your website marketing.
• If you’ve worked hard to build up your brand identity, having it as your domain name is probably the best way to go. These days, in this case many marketing analysts believe that a domain name featuring your brand name is very important.
• If you are focusing your business or services locally, then it is advisable to use your country’s top-level domain (TLD). For example, if your business is based in Canada, then choose the ".ca" TLD. Doing this gives you the advantage of identifying your site as a local business. If your are hoping to provide your services to the US or globally, you can use the ".com" or ".net" TLDs.
• Avoid using words that are difficult to spell or pronounce. At the same time, be aware of words that are spelled differently in different countries. For example, it’s "center" in the US, but "centre" in the UK and Canada. "center.com" is not the same as "centre.com". You can try reserving both domain names, but it would be easier to avoid such a situation in the first place.
• Ensure that your domain name is not a trademark or the corporate brand of another company; this can obviously lead to legal problems. This also means avoiding domain names that are based or derived from an existing name. Again, you want to avoid potential legal problems. Besides, finding a truly unique name also differentiates you from your competition.
When Do I Start Looking for a Domain Name?
This can be a tricky question to answer. Many web designers will argue that it should be the first thing you do before starting your business. They believe attempting to retrofit your domain name to your business later on can be costly and frustrating.
Others will say the best thing is to figure out your important keywords first, then find the right domain name based on your findings.
In my opinion, basing your domain name on your important keywords is the way to go. It makes sense from a marketing perspective: your domain name will accurately describe your website. At the same time, having the right keywords in your domain name can help your website score points with the search engines.
Finding Domain Names for Your Online Business - To learn more about this author, visit Pasquale Spadafora's Website.
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Choosing a domain name is not something that should be rushed, especially if that domain is intended for an eCommerce website. To help your website and business flourish, you need a name that will describe what your site is all about or what makes it different from your competitors.
What is a Domain Name?
Domain names are a semantic way of representing IP addresses. They take the user to a particular IP address and are, in fact, an easier way of naming web server locations. Since they represent numeric IP addresses using words, they are easier to memorize.
Choosing a Good Domain Name
Figuring out what makes a domain name good can be subjective. Below are some points you might want to consider while brainstorming for that perfect name.
• Good domain names are short, usually less than 15 characters. This makes it easy to remember and type.
• The use of hyphens in name should be avoided as much as possible. Although they make it easier to read the domain name, hyphens make the domain name difficult to repeat verbally, especially if you intend to use a viral marketing strategy. As well, chances are if someone is trying to remember your domain name, they probably won’t think about adding hyphens.
• Try to include your most important search keywords in your domain name. This will not only help in terms of search engine optimization, but it will also help with your website marketing.
• If you’ve worked hard to build up your brand identity, having it as your domain name is probably the best way to go. These days, in this case many marketing analysts believe that a domain name featuring your brand name is very important.
• If you are focusing your business or services locally, then it is advisable to use your country’s top-level domain (TLD). For example, if your business is based in Canada, then choose the ".ca" TLD. Doing this gives you the advantage of identifying your site as a local business. If your are hoping to provide your services to the US or globally, you can use the ".com" or ".net" TLDs.
• Avoid using words that are difficult to spell or pronounce. At the same time, be aware of words that are spelled differently in different countries. For example, it’s "center" in the US, but "centre" in the UK and Canada. "center.com" is not the same as "centre.com". You can try reserving both domain names, but it would be easier to avoid such a situation in the first place.
• Ensure that your domain name is not a trademark or the corporate brand of another company; this can obviously lead to legal problems. This also means avoiding domain names that are based or derived from an existing name. Again, you want to avoid potential legal problems. Besides, finding a truly unique name also differentiates you from your competition.
When Do I Start Looking for a Domain Name?
This can be a tricky question to answer. Many web designers will argue that it should be the first thing you do before starting your business. They believe attempting to retrofit your domain name to your business later on can be costly and frustrating.
Others will say the best thing is to figure out your important keywords first, then find the right domain name based on your findings.
In my opinion, basing your domain name on your important keywords is the way to go. It makes sense from a marketing perspective: your domain name will accurately describe your website. At the same time, having the right keywords in your domain name can help your website score points with the search engines.
Finding Domain Names for Your Online Business - To learn more about this author, visit Pasquale Spadafora's Website.
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Stephanie RobeyStephanie Robey is President and CoFounder of Pivot Positive, LLC - an Internet marketing business focused on helping people start work at home ventures. Previously, she was employed at The Search Agency with over 20 years experience in graphic design and 10 years experience in online marketing. She was responsible for launching the Conversion Path Optimization (CPO) unit where she and her team have conducted hundreds of optimization tests for online companies across multiple verticals. She is a successful entrepreneur having started and sold 2 companies and remains on the board of directors of the third, PhotoSpin.com Stephanie began her career in the direct marketing realm creating and producing direct mail for many of the major cable television companies and directly attributes her understanding of Internet marketing to those early offline experiences. Stephanie is a graduate of San Diego State University with a BFA in Graphic Arts and also holds an Executive MBA from the Graziadio School of Business and Management at Pepperdine University. Read Steph's Blog Meet Steph and Dave Sign up for our Free 7-Day BootCamp: Self Employed & Rich - Visit Stephanie Robey's Website |
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Jeff FosterWebBizIdeas.com is a Minneapolis website design company founded to help people start an internet business by providing them with website, business, and internet resources that help foster the growth of successful online businesses and develop innovative Internet business ideas. We specialize in internet consulting & internet marketing. - Visit Jeff Foster's Website |
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Jay Kubassek(Jay's Full Bio: EvanCarmichael.com/jaykubassek) In five years, Canadian-born entrepreneur Jay Kubassek went from selling mufflers at a Midas franchise to revolutionizing Internet marketing with the 2004 launch of CarbonCopyPRO, a online marketing education company, now worth over $20 million with customers in over 160 countries.
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Jay's entrepreneurial spirit is irrepressible. He’s the owner of five companies, a professional speaker and trainer, international real estate developer/investor, extreme sport enthusiast and emerging philanthropist. Jay resides in NYC with his wife Jamie, son Milo and dog Cooper. Visit Jay's official website: www.JayKubassek.com - Visit Jay Kubassek's Website |
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