Domain Names Domain names are relatively straightforward! Or at least that's the theory!! The domain name is also, but technically not quiet correct, known as the website address. Using an ISP's domain name can look amateurish in an e-mail addresses, it is much ... Seven Tips on how to select a domain name Instinct or random selection is not how one selects a domain name. It is to be done with great thought and purpose. There exists a philosophy to it. Consider the following: * A common and sensible method would be to use the name of your site as the ... The Expired Domain Name Period Expired domain name is just a common status in the place of domain names. This certain status of the domain name takes place when the domain name holder forgot to renew the registered domain name, and so when a certain domain name is given as "expired ...
8 Tips for Choosing a Domain Name
If you're just starting out on the Internet choosing a domain name is one of the first major decisions you will have to make. I won't say that choosing a name for your site will determine the overall success or failure of your online business. It will, however, affect almost every aspect of your business. Finding a good domain name requires extensive planning.
I would like to offer some tips for successfully choosing a domain name:
1) Use the .COM extension. This is still the number one choice for the majority of online businesses. While, .NET, .ORG,.INFO,.BIZ, and .US are viable alternatives they are not as widely recognized as .COM. The .COM extension will immediately give you and your business more credibility. Also, because we are creatures of habit many people automatically include .COM when typing in almost any web address, so why not capitalize on human nature?
2) Keep it Short. Whenever possible your domain name should not be longer than 13-15 characters, numbers, or hyphens. It is much more difficult for the average person to remember longer variations of a web address.
3) Make it Sticky. You want your domain name to be easy to remember. Make it stick out in people's minds. Be creative. Be Unique.
4) Minimize Confusion. You should never lose a prospective customer because they misspelled your domain name, or they used the wrong extension. If you can afford it, register other variations of your domain name and have them redirect to your main site.
5) Include Keywords in Your Domain Name. Try to include at least 1 and if possible 2 keywords in your domain name. Many of the experts believe this can help with the way some of the search engines index and rank your site.
6) Be Descriptive. Your domain name should have something to do with your business. Make it descriptive of your site, your product offerings, or your service.
7) Search for Deleted Domain Names: Domain names that were once registered but have expired turn up every day. With some research you might be able to find one of these names that would be a good fit for your business. You can search for deleted domains at http://www.deleteddomains.com
8) Check for Trademarks. You should do this before registering your domain name. Search as many existing trademarks as possible and look for possible conflicts. Obviously you want to choose a name that is unlikely to cause you any legal problems. Trademark research can be done at the following sites:
Both Nameboy and GoDaddy are well-known registrars and will allow you to search for and register domain names.
You can register a domain name today for less than it costs for a nice lunch. There is really no reason not to put forth the effort and money to register a domain name that you can begin building your online presence with.
Your domain name is your first chance to build credibility with your visitors. Keep in mind that you never get a second chance to make a great first impression.
Remember, choosing your domain name is one of the most important first steps you will take in building your online presence. Make it a step forward. Happy Hunting!
About the Author David Cooper is the editor of the 1Source-WebMarketing Newsletter. David specializes in helping people with their internet marketing efforts by offering real world tips and strategies. Subscribe to his FREE newsletter at: http://www.1source-webmarketing.com
Domain Names News
First .tel Domains go on Sale Today - Newsblaze.com NEW YORK, December 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Telnic ( http://www.telnic.org ), the registry operator of the new .tel top level domain, today begins accepting applications for trademarks from businesses and organizations worldwide. From today until February ...
New domain consolidates contact info - International Herald Tribune A new Internet domain, .tel, that became available Wednesday has the potential to become a mobile phone book because of the way it stores and encrypts contact information, industry executives and analysts said. A .tel domain name would allow ...
Netfirms Announces Availability of .TEL Domain Names - WebHosting.Info The company encourages all trademark holders to protect their brand name by registering their .TEL domains. Netfirms Inc. , a domain name registrar, today announced the availability of .TEL domain names and acceptance of applications during the ...
Genius Marketing: Answer Trivia on Twitter, Win Free Domain Names - Mashable.com It seems like every day we see a new use for Twitter, some of which can be rather mundane, others of which are actually smart business ideas. Domain registrar NameCheap is executing one of the latter, running a holiday trivia contest where their ...