How to Choose a Domain Name -- Five Important Steps
A domain name is like a street address for any online business. It tells people where they can find your business. This is probably the reason it's described as a website URL. However, it's much different from other street addresses, your domain name can reflect or even perfectly match your store's name. The domain name is an extension the brand or, sometimes, is your own brand.
The decision of a domain name is just as crucial as selecting an address for your physical storefront. You'll want to stand out easily and present yourself with a style which is appropriate for your market and your customer base. It is important to be to where customers are, as well as in areas where your competition isn't.
If you're only getting your store up and running or are looking to create a digital presence to your brick-and-mortar storefront follow these steps for advice for choosing a domain which will last over the long run.
What is a domain's name?
A domain name, also called a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) or web address, is what a visitor types into their web browser in order to access your website. It begins with the letters www and is usually followed by something similar to .org, .net, or the most used version that is .com.
Domain names or hosting service are distinct elements, yet you'll need both in order to bring your site on the internet. They can be purchased together or in separate installments and you'll need to enter some settings so they can talk to each other.
Where can you buy the domain name?
A lot of hosts provide domain purchasing options or provide a free name as part of their packages, however you may find it easiest to go to the domain purchasing platform on WordPress.com. It is possible to search for domain names and pick from the standard endings (.com, .net, etc. ) as well as over 350 different options like .blog, .store, and many more.
What is the best way to select a domain name
Selecting a domain's name is basically exactly the same thing as choosing a name for your business itself. Like you wouldn't call your company Coca-Cola due to the fact that the trademarked name is has been used as a trademark You'll have to pick among options that are accessible as well as affordable.
This article isn't about the best way to come up with ideas however, rather, how to look through the options and arrive at the bestdecision among the choices you discover.
Overall, you should create a wide list of options before narrowing it down based on the ultimate objective: something that's easy to remember and communicate. The end of this post will provide details on five aspects that will determine whether the domain you're considering fits into this criteria.
Begin your list by naming names relevant to your company and its mission
You want a domain which includes your company's name, or is closely related to the industry you operate in. If your company is online, it is important to think about domain names available prior to choosing an official domain name for your company. This is an important decision to make.
If you have an actual store you're looking to build websites for, then you might have to think outside the box to discover a name that's as well connected to your existing brand while still meeting your primary objective of something that's easy to remember and to communicate.
Check for availability
When you've come up with your first set of ideas and you've got your first set of ideas, search for the domain's accessibility. If you already own a business name, you can start with this step to determine if the domain is available.
If any of your top ideas, or your own business name, is available with a .com ending, you've likely have found the perfect domain name. However, it is important to review the list at the end of this article to be sure that it is in line with the goal of a good domain name.
Most likely, however the best of your ideas may already have been taken into consideration, but will be listed at a high priceor be made available in a variant of the initial (by using words or phrases and/or choosing a different ending, etc.). If so do not be depressed. Again, it's the most frequent situation. Use the rest of this article to guide you through more possibilities until you come across the most effective alternative.
Consider the price
Popular, easy names are usually owned by someone already. If they're not using it, they might list it as a sale item. It's important to think about its value and price as well as the importance for your business.
Domains' prices as well as physical ones differ greatly because they are set by the person who owns it. Sellers may require just a couple hundred dollars or, for a domain like eCommerce.com 10s of millions.
A domain name isincredibly important, and as with any business investment do not be afraid of buying a domain name when you have the money and the best match.
How can you narrow down your domain name possibilities:
There are numerous factors when choosing a name, each of which must be evaluated in the context of the other. Like any other commercial decision, it is important to narrow down your list and weigh the pros and cons of every URL.
To ensure it's easy to remember and communicate Choose a domain that:
1. Is it 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. A few simple words to your domain could be beneficial. But make sure it meets the other requirements included in the list.
DRYFT, for example, is a store that sells fishing gear and clothing. They added the word "fishing" to their domain name dryftfishing.com. dryftfishing.com -- to make it simpler and easier to remember.
2. The end of the line is .com If it is
It is the most popular end and is what a lot of visitors will type by default. A different ending might be in the market or be less costly be aware that prospective visitors might quit their search, or get to the site of a competitor because they type in .com first.
Some online stores, however they do use alternate ends if it is compatible to their branding. Certified Comic Shop, for example, is using the URL certifiedcomic.shop, a creative way to establish their brand online.
3. Is easy to spell
Names like "Kathryn" are also spelled "Katherine," "Catherine," or "Katheryn." So a name like "DessertsByKathryn" can be difficult to pronounce. It is also necessary to purchase each spelling variant or clarify how it's spelled each time you use the word, which is unlikely to be realistic.
4. There isn't a hyphen, or number and is easy to pronounce.
As with finding a domain that's easy to spell You shouldn't include other elements that are confused when said out loud.
An hyphen can be a good example. Although adding one could make a domain available, many people are still going to end up on the wrong path. They also create confusion since they may be written out (twenty three) or input as numbers (23).
2. Hounds Design knew that people can interpret their domain name in with two distinct ways. So while their primary domain name is 2houndsdesign.com, they also purchased twohoundsdesign.com and redirected it to their website.
5. Can't be easily mistaken for something offensive
There's nothing worse than the mistake of sending your visitors to a competitor is offending them. If a typical typo or alternate ending sends your visitors to a page they'll be unable to tolerate, that's an additional reason to choose a new option.
Check your gut: Are you proud 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?
You can share it with a small group of peers or an audience test. Encourage them to think of something new and discover if they have anything "dirty" or "offensive" that they could do by using the word. You might discover a blind spot or know an iconic pop culture quote that you're unaware of. This could spare you a great deal of embarrassment.
Give them the name and ask them to type the word out. Are they able to spell it correctly? Return to them a few days later and see whether they remember the word.
Found your perfect domain? There's one more thing
If you've found that perfect domain, go ahead and stand out from the crowd by soaking up the market. Do you have a domain ending in .com? You might as well get other endings like .net or .org. Did you pick a name that isn't spell-checked? Take a look at the alternative spellings before your competitors do and redirect them to the primary URL.
If you've found a great domain name at a reasonable price take the time to go out of your way to get as many variants as possible to protect your investment.
Build your dream brand
Creating the store you always wanted is more than just great software like . It requires all the pieces to work together for a wonderful shopping experience as well as efficient operation at the backend.
In the case of branding, a good brand name and attractive logo are essential. On the internet, a fantastic domain name is like an ideal store's location in Main Street. It can make or break the success of your venture. Consider the options with care. The ideal domain to host your online store is there!