When it comes to a website domain name, I must admit I have learned a thing or two. One thing I have learned is that I need to take my time choosing the right domain name and that means I must understand what’s involved in a website domain name, especially what’s involved today.
I have put some information together (see below) that reminds me of the importance of the website domain name.
Website Domain Name
Usually your domain name represents your business or internet identity. Therefore, choosing the right domain name for your business or internet presence is important for your online success.
A good domain name adds to the overall design of your website and it plays a prominent role in establishing your brand name and your returning traffic. In other words, if people remember your domain name (brand), then you will get traffic consistently returning to your website.
Choosing the right domain name requires consideration! Here are some guidelines for choosing the right domain name.
1. Focus on Descriptive Words
Your business or website presence is often build around a topic, idea or brand. You may have several descriptive words that explain your topic, idea or brand For example, you are creating a website about digital photography secrets. Your domain name could be: www.photographysecrets.com or www.photosecrets.com.
On the other hand, you may be creating a website about creative photography. Your domain name could be: www.creativephotography.com or www.becreative.com.
You will need to spend some time brainstorming in order to get the best descriptive words for the domain name of your website.
2. Keep It Short
Single word domain names are very difficult to get these days. For example, you will find it almost impossible to get words like, photography, photography secrets, creative photography, etc. etc.
Nevertheless, you can still look for a combination of words that will allow you to register the shortest possible domain name for your website. BE CREATIVE!
3. Choose DOT-COM Domain Names
There are several extensions available like .com, .net or .org. The top level domain extension is .com and it is the one you should choose first.
If your business is not international, you may want to choose .com.au (Australia), .com.nz (New Zealand), .com.uk (United Kingdom), etc. etc.
If you choose .net or .org domain extension, you will be competing with the .com domain extension.
4. Dash or No Dash
There are different options when it comes to using a dash (hyphen) or no dash in your domain name.
Some people suggest a dash in your domain name is awkward and should be avoided. Other people suggest that it removes ambiguity from longer domain names.
In the past, I have used the dash to separate words in a domain name; however, I would suggest that you don’t use a dash in your domain name.
5. Register Now
Once you have applied the guidelines and you have chosen your domain name, register it as soon as possible. You don’t want someone else taking the name that you have spend time defining for your website.