8 Tips to Choose Your Domain Name
The internet has evolved dramatically over the last decade in terms of how people end up at your site. Still, your domain name remains a vital cog in your marketing strategy. Here are 8 tips for choosing the right domain name in today’s online world.
- Use Killer Keywords: Think about it – GoDaddy would never choose GoDaddy if they started today! Who would search for “godaddy” hoping to find a domain name purchasing site, if they hadn’t already heard of GoDaddy? Think through the key words or phrases related to what you have to offer, and then put them together in memorable combinations and begin searching for available domain names. The exception to the rule is that if you have millions of dollars to invest in advertising your domain name, then choose whatever the heck you want!
- Go with “.com” or Forget it: Maybe in five years this principle will change, but for now, .com’s still rule. People hear the domain name and fuzz out on the “dot part”, since it remains ingrained that everything worth remembering is a .com. If you are using a .org or .net, you are losing tons of traffic to the .com name you are mimicking. Better a good .com domain name than what you think is a great dot-anything else. This rule holds until further notice.
- Make it Memorable: When you’re driving along, listening to the radio, you may hear the name of a website you want to check out from a commercial or talk show. You think, “oh yeah, I’ll remember that…no need to write it down.” An hour later it is gone from the memory banks because it wasn’t deposited there with enough memory force. Memory force is vital. Choose a domain name that uses a keyword in a memorable way: HostGator, TiresWorld, JobsFinder, LoanToday, etc.
- KISS your Domain Name: You know what that stands for – Keep it Simple…! The shorter it is, the more memorable. The shorter it is, the less likely misspellings will occur. And speaking of misspellings, spend a few extra bucks and purchase domain name misspellings that might commonly occur: Googel.com is exhibit “A.” Otherwise, you’ll lose traffic passively to folks who can’t spell well, or actively to someone trying to steal traffic intended for you.
- Grab your Business Name.Com: Whether this serves as your main URL or as a redirect URL may depend on how well your business name is known, or how descriptive it is of your products and services. But as people get to know you by your business name, it will be vital that you own and use it. Purchase domain names related to individual products or services, too, for creating sub-domains or mini-sites.
- Let People Know What to Expect: Choose a domain name that clearly defines what you do, so people know what to expect. What would you expect from WebVet.com or FindCars.com? Yep, that’s what you’ll get. This builds brand ID and enhances memory force.
- Avoid Numbers and Hyphens: While numbers may work okay visually, it’s been demonstrated that hyphens do not. And both numbers (spelled out or used numerically) and hyphens create confusion when they are simply heard.
- Buy and Keep all the Extensions: While the dot-com domain name is best, eliminate competition by purchasing the .info, .org, .net, .biz, and now, the .mobi. The .mobi will be a growing necessity in a mobile world, and you’ll soon be glad you have it.
In today’s crowded, competitive web marketplace every advantage must be pursued, and the selection of a quality domain name is essential. To find a domain name that is descriptive and at the same time catchy or memorable is part science, part art, to be sure. Do some research, brainstorm with colleagues and partners, pick the consensus favorite as your main URL and buy all of the good alternatives you can afford.
The author, James Adams, writes for Cartridge Save, a leading provider of HP 364 ink and other supplies.
Ms Domainer | May 7th, 2010 at 1:55 pm #
*
.mobi?
Seriously?
I would say get your country code and any other cc where you plan to do business (but not a bunch of random ones).
If your biz is entertainment, then perhaps .tv
*
protycoon | May 7th, 2010 at 2:45 pm #
I do not agree or disagree with my guest post for .mobi . I saw many great sales and lot’s of future for that domain. ccTLD’s is great as well. I’d say register any ext. that miht work for your business.
Cheap Desktop | May 8th, 2010 at 12:34 pm #
I wish I would have had a list like this when I first started buying domains back in the day. All the wasted money that I thought were good choices. Boy was I mislead! Nice List. Thanks
file recovery | May 10th, 2010 at 8:08 am #
All the Things you are mantioned in the above post are really attaract the visitor to this post because all are do work in the effictive manner. Keyword use in the Domain.
file recovery | May 10th, 2010 at 8:10 am #
At the Time to Chose the domain you need to focus on some points like- put your keyword in the domain, take the hosting to the targated market, right audience and promotions. Promote your website in the effective manner.
Keep such a great posting ahead
jacob
saunfery | May 11th, 2010 at 11:07 am #
To check domain names, I always rely on one tool that has great search returns and database. Whois is best for domain lookup.
data recovery | May 12th, 2010 at 12:53 am #
Internet becomes the part of the life today, Web have billions of website on the internet. So if you want to present your business online then you need to a site and Domain Name. At the Time to Choose the Domain Name you need to keep some points in your mind..like your domain name should have the keyword which you have targeted for your business, use the commercial domain for the purpose of business, promote your brand first after made the strategy for business promotion. these are the basics if you want to purchase the domain…
Webmaster of this blog write very well about the domain.
Jacob
Watch South Park Online | May 14th, 2010 at 2:34 pm #
Excellent tips, many fail to realize the importance of the domain name but following this guide people won’t go far wrong. As mentioned above not to sure about the .mobi extension although could very well be something for the future.
sharepoint services | May 17th, 2010 at 7:41 am #
Just make sure that when you get a domain name that you contain the keywords which you would like to rank for in search engines. I realised this very late and its highly important.
Komodo Dragon | May 18th, 2010 at 12:27 am #
I’ve done a test before with a previous domain of mine, a friend of mine who lives out outside of the USA, he is located in India. Heres what went down… I used to have a .net domain name I asked him to perform a search on Google to see where my website was ranking at, on my end (USA) it was showing I was on the first page, however on his end, mine was burried like somewhere on page 7. So as a result I decided to switch a .com name and a few weeks later guess what? The search results produce identical results on both countries. So… the .com really is the choice to go with as it is a more globally represented domain name. Thats just another bonus to have the .com on top of what is mentioned in this guest post!
Surfers accommodation | May 18th, 2010 at 6:52 am #
I’m neck deep in this stuff full time. I couldn’t agree more! Very insiteful! Great post.
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Stating that “Network Solutions is not front running. ‘Front Runners’ are people who register domain names known to have been searched, for the purpose of monetizing them and then selling them at inflated prices”
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halloween costumes | May 22nd, 2010 at 1:03 am #
The domain name also should be the top searches/keywords by users.
iyinet frmtr trkygnclr | May 29th, 2010 at 8:57 am #
a good article. When I selecting a domain so I think. My domains are generic usually
Domains for sale | May 30th, 2010 at 2:01 pm #
What goes for .com in the US, goes for .co.uk, .de, .fr etcetera in their respective countries: never try to build a business on a domain extension that people don’t first think about.
Accident law | June 1st, 2010 at 6:36 am #
I know that a number of people seem to think that your domain name really must be some generic name like “cars.com” if you are selling cars. Witness, for example, how much money those generic names are being sold for.
best real estate | June 2nd, 2010 at 4:37 am #
Hi the Domain name is depend of any group all is a best way to know about any group deeply.
Surfers accommodation | June 2nd, 2010 at 12:29 pm #
Amazing and useful article Karthik. I’m thinking of buying a domain name in a month or two at that time I definitely want your help in selecting the perfect one. Cheers
Surfers accommodation | June 2nd, 2010 at 10:56 pm #
This is especially true when dealing with people who can’t help but tick the “search pages from (country)” button when they’re searching for something. I was surprised how many people do this, not realising how many results they’re filtering out.
Concert Tickets for Sale | June 3rd, 2010 at 10:44 am #
I think the keyword is so important. If you are domaining than the .com’s are the most important thing. But if you are going to build the site up yourself, you can get away with .org’s and .net’s as well. They rank just as well with the proper SEO.
blog resources | June 4th, 2010 at 5:23 am #
i would say having a keyword in domain name of your website is best …….
Surfers accommodation | June 4th, 2010 at 7:18 am #
More than 50 million domain names have been registered and more are registered every day. Are you ready to join in and get your own domain? This article covers some of the important things to consider.
sharepoint services | June 4th, 2010 at 7:20 am #
Use other organizational suffixes, such as .net or .org, if the .com name is taken. However, since users randomly searching for your site may be directed to the .com site first, .net and .org names are usually best for personal rather than business domain names.
pigeon forge attractions | June 4th, 2010 at 5:43 pm #
I don’t aggree with number four “KISS your domain” sometime you have to chose a long keyword and your domain name must be compatible with it. so, you have to chose a long domain name like me
They can be better for seo.
promotional items | June 9th, 2010 at 11:32 pm #
Use real word • Possibly use words related to your content and your niche (keywords) that increase visibility in search engine and can help visitors to rember your site.
web solutions | June 9th, 2010 at 11:45 pm #
just like .net or .org, when the .com name is taken. However, due to the fact users randomly looking for the internet site may possibly be directed for the .com web page initial, .net and .org names are usually greatest for private instead of business domain names.
Eduardo | June 11th, 2010 at 4:22 am #
Congratulations for this article, it was very good!
watch season | June 11th, 2010 at 10:15 am #
There are a few memorable domains that sound great with other extensions. In fact some of them are pretty clever and stick in your head. By the way, for some reason I can’t click back on the text I have already written to fix a typo :S
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costumes | June 19th, 2010 at 12:37 pm #
If I’m going to choose a domain. it should have five characaters only and then the words familiar to the public and related to the content of the site, so that the readers can easily remember your domain.
Surfers accommodation | June 21st, 2010 at 2:45 am #
Thanks for the guide for choosing a domain name and i think it is the most important to start an online business.
Aluminum Laptop Cases | June 23rd, 2010 at 6:24 pm #
When I choose domains, the main thing I am interested in is the SEO potential. So I’m usually looking for keyword rich domains that aren’t too long. I prefer a .com, but depending on the circumstances I don’t mind going with .net or another tld. A lot of times it depends on what is already on the existing .com.
affiliate marketing | June 27th, 2010 at 11:32 pm #
Wow, that is one heck of a deal! I was going to ask you via comments yesterday whether or not the deal was still good, but I saw that you were in the middle of the move. I’m definitely moving over to Dreamhost if that deal is still good when I try it next week.
Accident law | July 1st, 2010 at 6:48 am #
Once you put together this list of keywords, you can start pairing them together, mixing them, matching them, and adding suffixes or prefixes to create good domain ideas.
Surfers accommodation | July 1st, 2010 at 7:01 am #
Yes, choose your name as the domain name is also a branding or unique name.
Aluminum Laptop Cases | July 6th, 2010 at 6:56 pm #
When choosing a domain I also like to look for a lot of overlapping or related keywords. Usually it is not enough to just rely on rankings for just your domain name. You need to look for keyword phrases that contain part of your domain name. Keep in mind how an entire site’s keyword structure can be planned out.
Escort Service London | July 7th, 2010 at 4:11 am #
Thanks for sharing with us valuable tips in choosing the right domain.
Buy Property | July 10th, 2010 at 2:46 am #
I think this article will help me for purchasing a domain.I am think,if you are decide to purchase domain name then you always keep keywords in mind for a good domain name.
Cataracts Drops | July 10th, 2010 at 7:08 am #
If you have online business then it’s very importent for you to have a good domain name for your business. Domain name should have your core services, old domain would be always good fit for your business. domain name should be attarctive and always purchase domain according to your need i mean if you have comercial businees and purchase .com so there are lot’s of things to keep in mind when u purchase the domian name.
Jacob Lee
Cleaning Services | July 12th, 2010 at 2:58 am #
While most of my success has come from .com domains I have to say that you can also receive some levels of success with other domains. Good article though – very insightful.
Php tutorials | July 12th, 2010 at 3:44 am #
HI!I find here nice idea on this topic with have a great suggestion.If you are just starting an online business and about to set up a blog or website, don’t make the mistake made by other new marketers in not getting their own domain.
buy and sell shares | July 13th, 2010 at 12:58 am #
Internet marketing is completely different than traditional marketing. Created words are more difficult to remember than real words and need a lot more effort to promote than real proper names.
Bidet | July 13th, 2010 at 7:59 pm #
This is great info for choosing a domain name. Keeping it simple is very important so people can remember it and also having a good domain name will make it easier to brand.
Web traffic | July 14th, 2010 at 1:44 am #
Can anyone give me a little know-how about starting up a website? Perhaps some step-by-step about how to go from knowing nothing about this, to running a website?
Web traffic | July 14th, 2010 at 1:47 am #
I originally made a freewebs site for my local sports team, and then after its popularity grew, I registered a .com domain with their own freewebs domain services.
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All the tips are thousand dollars worth. With the help of above tips one can get good genuine domain name. I admire those writers who share the best of their knowledge in writing such articles. Keep up the good work and continue inspiring readers.Thank you so much.
Aluminum Laptop Cases | July 16th, 2010 at 4:46 pm #
With tip #8 registering other extensions, this is not always necessary. It is more for when you want to establish an authority site. If not, why bother spending the extra money? It makes a $9 purchase suddenly a $50+ purchase. Then again, down the road you may regret it depending on what you do with the site.
car battery | July 18th, 2010 at 1:30 pm #
It’s quite true that even now, .com is definitely the way to go. I hope that changes a bit in the future as it’s getting harder to find domains that I want with a .com.
Escort Service London | July 19th, 2010 at 12:25 pm #
I still hold my head in my hands when I see all the companies that formed around the millenium with ’2000′ in their name and domain.
In the same ilk, these same companies are usually ones that have personal email addresses on stationary, vans etc as the main point of contact e.g. FictionalPlumber@btclick.com
Is it really too difficult to use the domain name they own?
Ok, i’ll get down from my soapbox now.
Escort Service London | July 19th, 2010 at 12:27 pm #
All rules are meant to be broken… it’s just a matter of
1. knowing them to begin with
2. knowing when to break them
3. knowing how to break them
And realistically, with the rate that domain names are being obtained, you probably have to decide which rules you are willing to bend or break.
I think you can always find an exception to every rule.
In some cases, did some of these big names become what they are because of their unique name, or in spite of it? I think there will always be a bit of a trade off between branding and purpose, both on where you are today, where you want to be, and the odds of you getting there.
Of course, given that domain names don’t cost what they did a decade ago, there’s no real reason not to grab both types of names now if they are available. Focus on the “what” domain now, and then when you hit it big, you can always transition everyone over to the “who” domain if you still wish.
Escort Service London | July 19th, 2010 at 12:27 pm #
Great post, I must add that it is important to own the domain across all international TLD’s. Unless you have a copyright it would be bad to have someone start a competing site at a .info or .biz domain, you should also registrer important country domains. Like .us or .ca if you are a North American company only trading mainly in the US and Canada.
Car Rental | July 20th, 2010 at 10:28 pm #
Thanks for the tips. If business name is not available then you can also buy the abbreviation of your business name.
Tonya | July 21st, 2010 at 3:14 am #
I try and get the keywords in my domain when I can. Sometimes I will go after a domain that is expired with a PR 3 or higher and then I just concentrate on SEO since the domain doesn’t have the keyword in it. Having the keyword in the domain name helps.
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car battery | August 2nd, 2010 at 8:36 am #
Escort Service, I can relate to what you’re talking about regarding the ‘Millenium Boom’. Seen a lot of it myself while shaking my head.
Escort Service London | August 3rd, 2010 at 4:14 am #
Those are helpfup tips for every startup.
Fashion Photography | August 4th, 2010 at 3:11 am #
I need a domain name that has “designs” at the end, but I cant seem to think of one. It needs to sound good, give out some suggestions. (eg: Carbon Designs, but that is already taken)
Carlton | August 5th, 2010 at 4:39 am #
In the end, simple is always best. But sometimes you need to choose a brand name that you can go with. i.e. Google as name for a search engine, not just bestsearchengine.com
Carnosine Eye Drops | August 9th, 2010 at 3:31 am #
Definatelly These tips makes the good deal for you & your business, Domain name always represent your business so if you are thinking about to purchasse the new domain that you need to follow this steps it’s not neccesory but if you want a good deal then i will suggets you must follow these steps..
Good Luck..
jacob Lee
Fashion Photography | August 9th, 2010 at 6:04 am #
Is there any 100% free website provider that lets you choose your domain name and puts no ads on your site?
best electronic cigarette | August 9th, 2010 at 2:31 pm #
Thanks for all the best ways to buy domain. These are really very helpful for every newbie.
I admire those writers who share the best of their knowledge in writing such articles. Keep up the good work and continue inspiring readers.Thank you so much.
Tej Kohli | August 17th, 2010 at 4:11 am #
I am trying to get first .com domain for a Single word if unable to find then go for varitions
Lesley "Wes" Klatt | August 17th, 2010 at 5:40 pm #
I had all the tips down except purchasing the extensions. I agree that the .mobi is growing and is something to keep in mind.
Lesley
Cheryl Jones | August 18th, 2010 at 10:29 am #
Godaddy may not be SEOed for the word domain, but it’s a great name and falls under the “Make It Memorable” category above.
festival arts | August 19th, 2010 at 2:54 am #
Hi if choose any Domain name then must necessary for see businessable Domain name all is very important.
festival arts | August 20th, 2010 at 12:33 am #
Thanks Tom. BloggingStartup is one of my better choices for a blog name. And that fact that is was available as a domain was a huge plus!
William K Wallace | August 26th, 2010 at 5:56 pm #
I’m in the process of trying to choose a new domain name for a project I’m working on and this time I want find a killer name. Your list sure has made me think about things and how to go about it properly…
pat testing | August 27th, 2010 at 12:54 am #
As you know, i use wordpress domain. Is it ok if i continue with it?? Or is it recommende to get an external domain.thanks..
pat testing | August 27th, 2010 at 12:54 am #
As you know, i use wordpress domain. Is it ok if i continue with it?? Or is it recommende to get an external domain..
Fashion Photography | September 2nd, 2010 at 4:50 am #
Excellent post !Using proper keywords in your domain name is also a great idea for Google optimization of your site. I’ve noticed that having the main keyword in your domain name can really impact your natural search engine results.
Carlton | September 2nd, 2010 at 6:22 am #
@pat, it’s always good to have your own domain.
cataract drops | September 2nd, 2010 at 7:09 am #
Domain name is important and u should chose the domain with your services related keywords and make sure domain TLD , like if ur targeted audience is in india then your domain would be .co.in, in and if globally then go for .com , .net ….domain age matters a lot..old domain always a sweet..and there are lot’s of other factors which is mentioned in this post…
Jacob
Escort Agencies London | September 2nd, 2010 at 12:32 pm #
If you use a free subdomain wordpress, then you should buy a host if you want to have your own personal domain.
Escort Service London | September 2nd, 2010 at 12:34 pm #
You should also consider having a .org site for your organization or groups.
Fashion Photography | September 2nd, 2010 at 11:32 pm #
Great interview and good to see CVCV.com prices remaining very strong.Would a 4L .com ending in the letter Y be classed as a CVCV?
Fashion Photography | September 2nd, 2010 at 11:34 pm #
Using proper keywords in your domain name is also a great idea for Google optimization of your site. I’ve noticed that having the main keyword in your domain name can really impact your natural search engine results.
car battery | September 4th, 2010 at 7:01 am #
To be honest, .org actually makes more sense for certain sites. For example, if I’m thinking of the website for a charity or something like that, I’d probably associate it with a .org domain first.