Before you obtain a website you will need to register a Domain Name for your site. Think carefully before you decide on a domain name, it is not good if you choose a name, get it registered and then later on decide that it is the wrong name for you. It will just create more hassle for you in the long term. Ask family or friends to give you an honest opinion on your chosen name, some times it helps to get a different, fresh perspective from others. A name that sounds good to you may sound completely awful to others.
Your domain name is unique to you, as no two parties are allowed to have the same name.
With domain names, symbols and spaces are not allowed, only letters, numbers and dashes are permitted, domain names are not case sensitive either.
Remember, your domain name is not only shown on the Internet. Business stationary and any advertising will have your domain address on it too, another reason to think long and hard about the name you use. First impressions count, you do not get a second chance to make a good first impression.
Search for domain names on any search engine, then once on domain name sites, type in your proposed name in their search facility to see if it is available to use. Prices will vary, there are many sites offering this service. What is your product or service? How will it relate to your chosen domain name?
You may find the name that you want for your website has been already taken, in which case you will need to rethink your strategy. It would be handy to draw up a shortlist of various names that would be suitable for your site. Think wisely before you actually register your name.
Is it easy to remember or spell?
Is it too long?
Try to avoid using hyphens in the name
Does the domain name connect with the product that you sell?
Your domain name can end in .com, .co.uk, .net, .biz, .tv etc. Some are more expensive to purchase than others. Also, a lot of E-Commerce websites tend to purchase the domain name chosen ending with say .com, but they will purchase others ending with .co.uk etc in addition.
Each additional domain name will have to be bought separately. Many E-businesses find this action prudent and worth the extra cost to avoid other businesses using their chosen name with a different ending. This could circumvent the possibility of lost sales to your business from your competitors.
There is the prospect that your business could develop into various topics of interest, or alter completely. Therefore, it may be wise not to make your domain name too specific to a particular area of your expertise. That way, your chosen name for your site will not be made redundant, entailing extra costs for a new name.
Having more than one dot option for your domain name need not be a problem, you can have extra registered domain names forwarded to your main web site. Obviously this will only be an option if you are financially able to cope with extra fees.
Ensure that you pick a reputable domain name provider, preferably one that is well known and reliable. When purchasing a considerable number of domains, try to park them with one domain name Company. A parked page is a page that will be displayed, informing visitors that this will be the location of your future site. This way, it gives you time to create your web site and protect your chosen domain name from being used by others. Domains are a lot simpler to administrate and maintain if they are together in one trustworthy place.
Some web promotion experts recommend putting your main keywords into your domain name to facilitate good search engine rankings. This is not necessarily the case, a good domain name that reflects your business is more important; besides, your sales copy can incorporate your chosen main keywords.
It is vital that you know when your domain name is due to be renewed, having said that – the domain name supplier usually notifies you when it is due. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to make sure it gets renewed.
