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How Do You Pick the Perfect Domain Name?

Written by: Lee Lister

Article Overview: Picking the perfect domain name is very important in a crowded internet where it get’s more and more difficult to get yourself noticed. Getting to the top or even into the major search engines is challenging and then there is the problem of establishing your brand. No wonder it is difficult to find that perfect domain name. So how do you?

How Do You Pick the Perfect Domain Name?

Picking the perfect domain name is very important in a crowded internet where it get’s more and more difficult to get yourself noticed. Getting to the top or even into the major search engines is challenging and then there is the problem of establishing your brand. No wonder it is difficult to find that perfect domain name. So how do you?

First thing you need to ensure is that you do not contravene any trademarks. Luckily, domain names are very competitive and unless you go for a very long name you are unlikely to find a domain that is covered by a trademark. Many common names are also taken. What you must check is that you do not use a domain name that is close to another one. I once found “DisneyWorlds.com” available for example – tempting but I just contacted them. Buying this would have been a good way to get myself into a very big law suit. Buying an domain name with Realtors in it is likely to get you a very firm legal letter, as is “Easy” Something or “Monter” Something – although the ability to trademark a common word is a moot point! Best not to start your business fighting off lawyers though!

So start off by making a list of domain names that you would like to use. Make it quite a long list because good available domain names are hard to find. Use a bit of imagination and try and make the potential domain name catch and memorable.

Here are some "rules" to get the best domain name you can.

1) Try for a .com is you can.
2) Use two or more descriptive words in the domain name.
3) Don't use hyphens or numbers unless you must.
4) Try for less than 20 letters.
5) Try for less than 3 words.

Now I know that names such as Google have become very successful but it is better for search engine ranking to use descriptive names. Currently search engines are giving ranking preference to web sites that have the search term all or partly in the domain name. Do a few searches on your chosen search terms and have a look at which domains are in the top 20. Remember what we said about copying though!

Go to a good registrar. Please do a few searches on the registrars first. There is at least one top registrar that got itself into a great deal of trouble in the last few years. Once at the registrar search through your list of preferred names. Good registrars will give you some suggestions if your domain is not available.

If you are not having much luck then do a few searches on sites that tell you which domains have “just dropped” – which is the name for domains that have just become available.

It’s hard work finding a good domain – but it sets up your business on the internet – so spend so time on it.

Good luck.

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  Naming Your Business and Internet Domain

Article Tags: 3 words, available domain names, best domain, common names, descriptive names, descriptive words, domain name, google, hyphens, imagination, law suit, lawyers, major search engines, moot point, preference, realtors, search engine, search term, search terms



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URL change - Hi The AnonymousMan, When one has a Domain Name ie URL, I understand, it is not possible to change it. One has to take out a complete new Domain. Is that correct? However, if you can change it, how can you do it? Kindest Regards, Beat "Unlock People's Potentials!"
When choosing a domain. - Hi there, What factors are important when choosing a new Domain Name? One needs to be creative and selective to get an attractive name. What challenges have you had in choosing a new Domain Name? Which provider proved to be excellent? I am at the starting point to find a good hosting provider. I guess the choices are immense. Kindest Regards Beat Muelller "Unlock People's Potentials!"
Re: Management Processes? - Great question Aaron. Like you and Kevin have indicated, we can get a lot done by creating a management process. I like to: Prioritize what I need to do in order of importance. Pick the top priority item. Brainstorm possible tasks. Pick a task and complete it. Move on to the next task. I find this helps break things down into manageable pieces. It also helps just to take small actions. [Link removed by forum admin]
Re: SmartWoman seeks Fiesty Woman Writers - @shri: Perfect! Yes, I'd be interested! I will email you privately as you described and follow up. Goodie! Vicki
Re: How Much Do You Need To Start? - In this age of Internet you might start with just $50 or nothing at all. To start an affiliate website with a squeeze page to collect emails you only need to start with this Domain name $9 Hosting $24 PPC to test your niche $17 This is $50. Though you will need to design and upload your site yourself.


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