As more and more people go online, the availability of top level domain names shrinks, and makes the art of choosing an effective and catchy domain name even more important. There are definitely things to consider when choosing a new domain, and here are 6 tips that will help you make the best choice!
1. Consider Where You Register – Many times people will opt to register with their web hosting company. This is usually a mistake. Many times web hosts, especially the low cost variety, will not be pleased if and when you want to move on from their services, which they’ve come to count on monthly. This may come in the form of the inability to move files from their servers, their intransigence when it comes to releasing or transferring your DNS details so you can apply them to the next host, or more. Better to buy and register your domains with a company that does only that, and then you can point your DNS wherever you want to, without any hassles.
2. Use Keywords Whenever Possible – It has been shown that using keywords in your domain names can have a beneficial effect on your rankings and in factors such as trust. If you are clever, you can often work in not only the primary keyword, but also more than one, or a longtail phrase at the same time. This is a process that should be considered carefully, as it can have a serious impact on your SEO.
3. Make It Memorable; Not Infamous – In the quest to find the best domain possible, you want to ensure that it is one that people will be able to easily remember, but not for the wrong reasons. A famous example is the unfortunate gentleman who registered PenIsland.com, only later discovering that penisland can be taken in an entirely different way. Be careful out there!
4. The Shorter the Better – While it can technically be up to 67 characters, including the extension, shorter names are better than longer for several reasons. The only exceptions to this would be when it is more beneficial to work in keywords.
5. Consider Other Available Extensions – Think hard about registering other available extensions when you register your main name. This will protect you from others perhaps capitalizing on your successes by registering a name like yours but with a different extension. Prevent poaching by picking up other TLDs (top level domains) when you buy your main name.
6. Avoid Trademark Issues – Many people have registered domains, particularly in the affiliate marketing industry, hoping to capitalize on product names and the searches involved with those, only to be sent a letter from that company’s legal department ordering them to take their domain down, as it infringes on their trademarked name. Buyer beware!
Keeping these issues in mind when registering your domains will keep you out of trouble and help your sites rank better!
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