Selecting a Quality
Domain Name
When you're
ready to launch your web site and you're trying to select a good domain name,
there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration.
Select a Domain
Name that Reflects Your Web Site
Above all else,
your domain name should reflect what your web site is all about. For example,
if your web site is about grooming a dog, you certainly wouldn't want to
select a domain name like 'mybusinessname.com,' as this would have nothing
to do with your web site's focus. You would want to select a domain name
that tells the world what your web site is all about -- something like
'doggrooming.com.'
Select a Domain
Name that Contains Your Web Site's Keywords
Another consideration
of great importance are your keywords. Try to select a domain name that contains
your most relevant keyword phrase, as some Search Engines place relevancy
on them. A keyword phrase is two or more words that best describe your web
page. If your web page is focusing on grooming a dog, your best keyword phrase
will be "dog grooming."
Select a Domain
Name that will be Easily Remembered
With millions
of web sites accessible on the Internet, it is also very important to select
a domain name that will be easily remembered. As in the 'doggrooming.com'
example above, 'doggrooming.com' is very easily remembered, contains the
most relevant keyword phrase and describes the web site in explicit detail.
It is the 'perfect' domain name for this particular web site.
Select the
Best Domain Extension
Another consideration
of importance is the domain name extension. Although there are many new domain
extensions available, dotcom is still the best choice. When typing in a web
address, Internet users automatically want to type in a .com extension, as
this is the extension that has been embedded into our brains from the start.
Avoid Using
Numbers in Your Domain Name
Although you
may be tempted to do so, avoid using numbers within your domain name. Including
a number within your domain name can cause problems, as when you tell someone
your web address, you will continually have to tell them it's a number and
not the word. For example, if you selected a domain name like number1host.com,
if you were to tell someone your web address, they may try to type it as
'numberonehost.com' instead of 'number1host.com.' This type of domain name
would cause confusion.
Avoid using
Dashes and Underscores in Your Domain Name
Although many
people do it, don't make the same mistake I made when I first started out.
Avoid using dashes, underscores or any other characters within your domain
name that may cause confusion. When I registered my domain name, Web-Source.net,
I actually wanted websource.com; however, it had already been registered.
So, I settled for Web-Source.net. Now, when I tell someone my domain name,
I have to say it like this: web dash source dot net.
Don't get me wrong,
www.Web-Source.net
is now a high traffic web site, but I can only imagine how much traffic I've
lost over the years due to my domain name. I have received many emails over
the years from visitors who had a hard time finding my site. They said they
couldn't remember the domain name and kept wanting to type in websource.com.
Avoid using
Abbreviations within Your Domain Name
Although well-known
companies, such as IBM, can get away with using abbreviations within their
domain name, most companies can't. As a rule, try to avoid using abbreviations
or anything that will be difficult for your visitors to remember. Not only
will this cause confusion, but it can also cause your potential visitors
to make spelling mistakes when trying to type in your web
address.
Avoid using
Long Domain Names
Although you
may now register long domain names, it's really not a good idea. I learned
this lesson the hard way. I registered
'www.workfromhomebusinessguide.com'
and the sad thing is ... I can't remember the domain name half the time.
How can I expect my potential visitors to remember it? Try to keep your domain
name as short as possible. The longer the domain name the harder it is to
remember and the more apt your potential visitors are to make a typo when
typing it into their browser.
Ensure Your
Domain Name is Not a Trademark Infringement
Prior to registering
a domain name, you may want to consider searching the Trademark Electronic
Search System,
http://www.uspto.gov/main/trademarks.htm
to ensure your potential domain name isn't infringing on any trademarks.
Please don't take this point lightly, as trademark infringement could cost
you your entire business. It is your responsibility to ensure that your potential
domain name doesn't infringe on any registered trademarks, as the trademark
laws that apply in the hard copy world also apply on the Internet. Any company
that registers a trademark has the right to protect their trademark and has
the right to notify you that your domain name is infringing upon their
trademark.
When you're ready to begin, create a list of a dozen or more potential domain
names, as chances are, your first choice will already be taken. With any
luck, one of the domain names on your list will be available.
Take your time and select a quality domain name that will grow with your
business. It will be well-worth your time and effort in the long run.
Copyright © Shelley
Lowery
About the Author:
Shelley Lowery is a successful well-known Internet Marketer and the
owner of several successful sites, including
www.Web-Source.net. Would you like
an easier way to make money online without having to design your own site?
Learn how to easily generate thousands of dollars every month with this secret
residual income system on complete autopilot. Visit:
www.ResidualIncomeOpportunitySecrets.com
You have permission to publish this article electronically, in print,
in your ebook or on your web site, free of charge, as long as the author
bylines are included.
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