In many ways, choosing a domain name for your new website is the hardest part of the site creation process. \u00a0Given how difficult it can be to transfer websites to new URLs \u2013 and given the potential SEO losses that could occur by doing so \u2013 it\u2019s vital that you get things right from the start.<\/p>\n
But staring down endless lists of available and already-registered domains doesn\u2019t make the process seem any easier. \u00a0If you\u2019re struggling to choose the right domain for your new website, consider the following tips:<\/p>\n
When it comes to domain names, you have the option to register everything from a standard \u201c.com\u201d URL to a country-specific extension like \u201c.tv\u201d (Tuvalu) or \u201c.ly\u201d (Libya).<\/p>\n
That said, registering a \u201c.com\u201d is the best choice for nearly all businesses, for two specific reasons:<\/p>\n
\u201c.com\u201d domains have better name recognition. \u00a0If you want readers to be able to enter your URL directly into their browsers, they\u2019re far more likely to remember your address if it ends in \u201c.com.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
There\u2019s a small SEO benefit to registering a \u201c.com\u201d domain, as the search engines tend to view these web URLs as belonging to stable, legitimate businesses.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Unless you have a truly compelling reason to register an alternative domain extension, stick with \u201c.com\u201d for best results.<\/p>\n
Keep in mind that the right URL might not just be one web address \u2013 it might be multiple versions of the same domain name!<\/p>\n
As the number of domain names registered continues to increase, good names are becoming more and more competitive. \u00a0For this reason, it\u2019s possible to have a competitor snatch up the \u201c.net\u201d or \u201c.biz\u201d version of your URL \u2013 even if you\u2019ve secured the \u201c.com\u201d version.<\/p>\n
Because this can lead to lost traffic \u2013 especially if your competitors wind up outranking you in the search engine results pages \u2013 consider buying up popular TLDs (Top Level Domains) for your chosen domain, if they\u2019re available.<\/p>\n
Another issue that arises due to this increased competition is the availability of desired domains. \u00a0If your company has a truly unique name (for example, \u201cKaczmarek Consulting\u201d), you likely won\u2019t have an issue securing your \u201c.com\u201d domain.<\/p>\n
But if your business name is even the slightest bit more generic, expect to encounter some difficulties when it comes to finding a \u201c.com\u201d domain.<\/p>\n
If you find yourself in this situation, your first instinct might be to register a longer domain name (as in, \u201cwww.johnsontaxlawattorneyssanfrancisco.com\u201d rather than \u201cwww.johnsontaxlaw.com\u201d). \u00a0Again, though, keep in mind how important domain memorability is.<\/p>\n
When your domain name is too long \u2013 typically, more than three words in length \u2013 your customers won\u2019t be able to remember your website\u2019s URL. \u00a0And while they\u2019ll still be able to find your business using the search engines, you risk sending traffic to your competition if these visitors enter their \u201cbest guess\u201d URL into their browsers instead of doing their due diligence.<\/p>\n
For best results, keep things short, sweet and easy to remember!<\/p>\n
On that same note, another domain name choice that\u2019ll kill your memorability is to include \u201ccutesy\u201d names, abbreviations or numbers in your URL.<\/p>\n
Take, for example, the sample domain name, \u201cwww.realtors4u.com.\u201d<\/p>\n
While this might initially look like a good way to skirt around availability issues while still maintaining your company\u2019s branding, there\u2019s a big issue here. \u00a0Whenever you try to tell somebody your domain name, you\u2019ll have to explain that your URL uses the number \u201c4\u201d \u2013 rather than the spelled-out word \u2013 and the letter \u201cu,\u201d not the full word \u201cyou.\u201d<\/p>\n
If you think people might have trouble remembering long URLs, know that they\u2019ll have a field day trying to remember your text-speak domain name! \u00a0Steer clear and look for alternative domain names that convey your company\u2019s brand messaging without resorting to tricks like these.<\/p>\n
One final caveat when it comes to choosing a domain name is to carefully review your final selection before hitting the \u201cRegister\u201d button for any inadvertently inappropriate language that might pop up.<\/p>\n
To see what I mean, consider the real-life URLs for the following legitimate company names:<\/p>\n
Pen Island \u2013 \u201cwww.penisland.net\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
IT Scrap \u2013 \u201cwww.itscrap.com\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Who Represents \u2013 \u201cwww.whorepresents.com\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Experts Exchange \u2013 \u201cwww.expertsexchange.com\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Speed of Art \u2013 \u201cwww.speedofart.com\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Clearly, one final check will go a long way towards maintaining your business\u2019s dignity online!<\/p>\n
As you go about the domain name selection process, remember that moving your site from one URL to another is a complicated process. \u00a0Not only do you risk losing visitors as the result of your rebranding process, your site could potentially lose SEO value as well \u2013 damaging your ability to drive traffic from the search engines. \u00a0Take the time to think through all of your available domain name options to make sure that your ultimate selection represents the best long-term fit for your business needs.<\/p>\n
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