In our increasingly digital world, having a fabulous product and excellent service isn’t enough. You need to build a killer website to get your brand in front of the right audience… and a great website starts with a quality domain name.
Before you race off to the web designer and start pitching layout ideas, make sure your domain name is ready to take on the world. Now, the question is, what should you do to make your domain name stand out? And more importantly, what things should you avoid? Let’s dive in!
Do’s of Domain Name
Follow these tips when choosing and registering a domain name:
Know Your Audience
Being customer-centric is the key to business success, and you should practice it from the beginning. When choosing a domain name, know your target audience and what words resonate with them.
For example, if you’re selling outdoor gear for adventure enthusiasts, a domain name like “Adventure Gear” sounds fitting. It clearly represents your products and is relatable to your audience.
Insert Keywords
Identify your niche, search relevant high-value keywords, and incorporate at least one in your domain name. It will indicate to search engines what your brand is about and ensure accurate web page ranking. Before domain name registration, make sure the keyword doesn’t feel forced or unnatural.
Explore Alternative TLDs
The suffix added to the end of your domain is known as the top-level domain (TLD) or domain extension. Common TLDs include .com (commercial), .org (organization), .net (network), and .gov (government). .com is the most common and expensive domain extension.
Don’t limit yourself to the .com extension; explore other TLDs. You can use .tech for technology related products and services and .shop for an online store.
Choose Reliable Domain Registrar
Choose a domain registrar that is accredited by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and complies with security features. Check the quality of their customer support and gauge previous reviews. You can also enable WHOIS Privacy, which allows domain owners to protect personal information and prevent identity theft.
Read it Out Loud
A quality domain not only appears readable on paper but also sounds right. In a burst of creativity, you might string words together that could be other unsavory or even inappropriate phrases. For example,
- speedofart.com (speed of art) – a website for art enthusiasts
- choosespain.com (choose Spain) – a website for finding Spain vacation rentals
- dollarsexchange.com (dollars exchange) – a website to trade U.S. dollars
- childrenswear.com (childrens wear) – an online store for children’s clothing
Read your domain name out loud multiple times to detect potential issues with pronunciation and spelling. Test your domain name over the phone or in a casual conversation.
Consider Long Term Usability
Always leave room for growth when choosing a domain name. Avoid using overly specific domain names, like “swimmingcaps.com” You might add more products to your lineup in the future therefore, go with a niche-specific name, such as “swimgear.com” or “swimmingessentials.com”
Check Domain Ownership History
Domains are leased, not owned. If you’re registering a domain that has previously expired, check the ownership history.
Suppose the domain was used for malicious activities, such as scams, fraud, and adult content. In such cases, your domain might face SEO problems, such as poor ranking, or get blacklisted. Site visitors might also get warnings, damaging your brand image.
Don’ts of Domain Name
Despite your best efforts, mistakes can happen when you’re choosing or registering a domain name. Here are some things you should avoid to get your money’s worth:
Use Homophones
Homophones are two or more words that have the same pronunciation but different meanings. Examples include pour and poor, dye and die, and fare and fair. Avoid using homophones as much as possible, as they can confuse people.
Use Long and Difficult to spell Words
Don’t use long and difficult-to-spell domain names, as viewers might make mistakes while typing them. From a marketing point of view, short names are easier to remember.
A short domain is also easier to incorporate on business cards and brochures. Try to keep the domain name under 15 characters. You can exceed this limit if the name is uncomplicated and memorable.
Use Numbers and Hyphens
A domain name without hyphens and numbers is more practical in terms of user experience and traffic generation. Consumers can easily find your site, which allows search engines to maintain appropriate ranking.
Forget to Proofread
So, you’ve found a catchy domain name, the next step should be registering it quickly, right? Not really. Proofread the domain name numerous times to make sure you’re not making the following mistakes:
- Typos
- Mixing numbers with words, such as “bestsh0es.com”
- Abbreviations, such as “2cooltodiscover.com”
Include Trendy Words
Buzzwords grab attention, but they can become outdated and even awkward just as quickly. Try not to jump on the fad bandwagon with certain words, misspellings, and phrases. Find a domain name that represents your brand consistently over the years. Trendy words can damage the long-term sustainability of your domain name.
Forget Renewing
Since you’re leasing a domain name, don’t forget to renew it after a specific time. If you forget, the domain registrar will put it back on the market, and someone else can register it.
To prevent this, set up auto-renewal for your domain. Also, add a backup payment method in case you cannot recharge your account or lose your password.
Use Easy-to-guess Passwords
Domain name scams are more common than you’d think. Avoid setting an easy-to-guess password for your registrar account. Don’t use continuous number sequences or birthdays. Include 7-8 alphabets, numbers, and special characters to protect your domain.
Take Too Long to Register
Domain names sell out fast. Once you’ve proofread the name, confirmed its availability, and checked the reputation of the domain registrar, register it quickly.
Sound Like Someone Else
Creating a domain name as a variation of an established brand’s name can land you in hot waters. For example, a chocolate brand might use “daireymilk” to trick people into thinking they’re the real Cadbury Dairy Milk. This can quickly backfire and lead to costly lawsuits.
Make sure your domain name isn’t similar to someone else’s to avoid such situations.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a domain name is your first step toward entrepreneurial success. Pay special attention at this stage and step into the business world with confidence.
