Every business website needs a domain name to shine bright, but picking an appropriate one is not always easy if you’ve never attempted this before.
There are mistakes to avoid and issues to work around in this process, so let’s walk you through what you need to know, so that you can launch your site with this key component already perfected.
Where to Register Your Domain Name: Finding the Right Registrar for You
When it comes to registering your domain name, there are a few factors you need to consider. First, find an accredited registrar that offers secure transactions and can provide technical support when needed.
Also ensure they have good customer service reviews and offer competitive pricing, as many domains come with ongoing fees. A provider like NameHero offers affordable domain registration, so this is a good starting point.
Next, look at what other services they offer, such as website hosting or email forwarding, which could be beneficial in setting up your online presence.
Finally check if the domain is available before committing. Once you’ve found one you like, don’t wait too long or someone else may register it!
Tips for Crafting a Catchy and Memorable Domain Name
A good domain name is crucial to helping customers find and remember your business. Consider using keywords that relate to what you do, whether that’s the industry you occupy, the area you serve, or a combination of the two.
Also, keep it short, easy-to-spell and unique. People should be able to identify who you are from just one look at your domain name.
You want something catchy too. Think of phrases that stand out, or combine two words together for added impact.
Avoid numbers if possible, as they can lead to confusion when spoken aloud, so opt for spelling out any figures instead. This is relevant because you’ll need to use your domain name in multiple contexts, whether that’s during customer service calls, in audio ads, or elsewhere.
Securing an Appropriate Extension For Your Business Type
Your domain name extension (e.g. .com, .org or .net) is also important in setting up your online presence, and should reflect the type of business you are running.
If you’re a local business, then opting for a TLD (top-level domain) specific to that country such as ‘.co.uk’ could be beneficial, as it helps potential customers find and trust your site more easily when searching locally.
Alternatively if it’s an international brand, consider using the generic global TLDs like ‘.com’ to reach wider audiences worldwide.
There are all sorts of other extensions to consider, so don’t forget to explore them all, and also consider how they interact when juxtaposed with your unique domain name.
Protecting Yourself From Potential Brand Confusion & Legal Issues
Once you’ve selected your perfect domain name, it’s important to protect yourself from any potential confusion or legal issues that may arise.
Make sure the name is not already trademarked, and ensure there aren’t any similar sounding phrases in use by other businesses which could lead to customer confusion.
Additionally, if your business operates in multiple countries – consider registering alternative versions of the same domain with different extensions such as ‘yourbrandname.co.uk’ and ‘yourbrandname.com’. This can help prevent competitors from snatching up a version of your domain abroad, creating brand dilution for you.
Final Thoughts
For more domain name inspiration, check up on what your competitors are doing with their websites. You could find some good ideas this way, as well as seeing potentially poorly chosen domains in action, and thus learning what to avoid.