2 min read . May 11, 2021
Choosing a domain name is like picking a name for your newborn. It’s exciting, yet daunting. You want it to be unique, memorable, and meaningful. But where do you start?
Firstly, brainstorm keywords related to your business or brand. These words should resonate with your target audience and reflect what you offer. For instance, if you’re selling handmade soaps, “natural,” “handmade,” and “soap” could be potential keywords.
Secondly, keep it short and simple. A study by Gaebler.com found that the top-50 websites have approximately six characters in their domain names. Shorter domains are easier to remember and less prone to typos.
Thirdly, consider using a .com extension. Despite the plethora of new extensions available (.net, .org, .biz), .com remains the most credible and recognized.
Avoiding Pitfalls: Common Mistakes in Domain names Selection
Now that we’ve covered some best practices let’s delve into common pitfalls to avoid when choosing a domain name.
One major mistake is choosing hard-to-spell names. If people can’t spell it correctly on their first try, they might end up on a different website altogether!
Another pitfall is using hyphens or numbers in your domain name. They can confuse users and make your website seem less trustworthy.
Also, steer clear from trademarked names or terms. This could lead to legal issues down the line which are best avoided from the get-go.
Lastly, don’t forget about future growth! Selecting a too-specific domain may limit your business expansion later on.
Seal the Deal: How to Register Your Chosen Domai Names
You’ve picked out the perfect domain name – now what? It’s time to register it!
Start by checking if your chosen domain is available using an online tool like WHOIS Lookup or Namecheap’s Domain Name Search tool.
If it’s available – great! If not, don’t despair; consider tweaking it slightly or trying another extension.
Next step is selecting a registrar – this is where you’ll officially purchase and register your domain name. Some popular registrars include GoDaddy, Bluehost and Namecheap.
When registering your domain names, opt for auto-renewal if possible. This ensures that you won’t accidentally lose ownership of your precious digital real estate!
Finally, protect your privacy by opting for WHOIS privacy protection if offered by your registrar. This shields personal information from being publicly accessible via WHOIS database lookups.
Choosing a perfect domain name isn’t rocket science but requires careful thought and consideration. Avoid common pitfalls such as hard-to-spell names or trademark infringements while keeping future growth in mind when making selections.
Remember that just like naming a child; this process should be fun! After all, this will be the digital address where customers find you online – make sure it reflects who you are as a brand.
So go ahead – brainstorm those keywords, keep things simple yet memorable and seal the deal with an official registration!