What is the best way to choose a domain Name: Five Crucial Steps

A domain name is like the street address of the online company. It lets people know where they can find your store. This is probably the reason it's known as a web website address. But it's so much more -- unlike most street addresses, your web name could reflect, or precisely match the store's name. The domain name is an extension your brand or, sometimes, is your brand itself.

The choice to choose a domain's name is just as important as choosing the location of your physical shopfront. It is important to make yourself known easily and present yourself in a tasteful way that makes sense for your industry and customer base. You want to go to where customers are, as well as in areas where your competitors doesn't.

If you're only starting your store or are looking to create an online presence to the brick and mortar storefront, read on for tips for choosing a domain that will serve you well over the long run.

What is a domain's name?

A domain name, also called a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) or web address is what a visitor types into their browser to find your site. It starts with http://www and usually ends with something like .org, .net, or the most well-known version -- .com.

Domain names and hosting account are distinct items, however you'll require both in order to bring your site up and running. It is possible to purchase both or in separate installments but you'll have to set up some settings so that they can talk to each other.

What is the best place to purchase the domain name?

Many hosts offer domain buying services or include a free domain name in the package. However, you might find it easier to visit the domain buying platform at WordPress.com. Search for the available names and select from common end-points (.com, .net, etc. ), along with over 350 different choices like .blog, .store, and more.

What is the best way to select a domain name

The process of choosing a domain name, in essence, the same as naming your business. Similar to how you would not name your new company Coca-Cola due to the fact that the name is trademarked and already recognized as a trademark, you'll need to choose one that is available and affordable.

This article isn't about the best way to come up with ideas instead, it's about how you can filter your choices to arrive at the bestdecision out of the options that you come across.

All in all, you need to make an extensive list of possibilities and narrow it down upon this goal in mind: something that's easy to recall and share. The end of this post will share details about five factors that help determine if an internet domain is in line with this.

Make a list of names that relate to your organization and the purpose of your business.

It is important to choose a domain name which includes your company's name, or is closely related to your business. If your company is online, then you must consider available domains before choosing an official domain name for your business. This is an important decision to make.

If you already have physical stores that you'd like to create an online presence for, you'll have to think outside the box in order to come up with a solution that is both associated with your current name while meeting the primary objective of something that's easy to recall and share.

Check for availability

Once you have your first list of concepts, you can look up the domain's availability. If you already have an existing business name, you can start with this step to check if it's still in the market.

When one of the most successful ideas, or your existing domain name, is available with a .com end, then you've probably discovered your winning domain. Though, you should still review the list that is at the bottom of this article to ensure it meets the ultimate aim of a quality domain name.

Most likely, however the best of your ideas may already be takenand will being offered at a premium price, or will only be offered as an alternative of the original (by including words, choosing an alternative end, etc.). If this is the case Don't get discouraged. It's a typical situation. Utilize the remainder of this article to guide you through more options until you come across the most effective option.

Consider the price

Popular, easy names are usually owned by an individual already. If they don't use it, they might list it as a sale item. You'll have to consider the price and its importance for your business.

The prices for domain properties as well as physical ones vary dramatically because they're set by the owner. A seller could ask for just a couple hundred dollars or, for a domain like eCommerce.com, tens of millions.

A domain name can beincredibly important, and as every other investment in your business do not be afraid of purchasing a domain name if it's within your budget and the best fit.

The best way can you narrow down your domain name possibilities:

There are dozens of considerations when choosing a name, each of which must be evaluated in the context of each other. Just like with any commercial decision, it is important be able to narrow your choices and consider the pros and cons of every URL.

 For a domain that is easy to remember and communicate select a domain which:

1. Is short

Avoid long names like, "RebeccasLouisianaCrabShackOffTheCornerofMainAndThird.com."

Most one-word domains are frequently sought after or listed at exorbitant price points. The addition of a couple of simple words to your domain could be a good move. However, make sure that it is in line with the other objectives included in the list.

DRYFT is an example. It is a retailer offering fishing equipment and apparel. They added the word "fishing" to their website's domain name dryftfishing.com. dryftfishing.com -- keeping it simple and easy to remember.

2. Endes with .com, if the possibility exists.

This is the most commonly used option and the one that a majority of people are likely to type when they arrive. Another ending could be offered or more affordable however, keep in mind that potential visitors may abandon their search or get to another competitor's site because they type in .com first.

Some online stores, however, do utilize alternate names if they are compatible with their brand. Certified Comic Shop, for instance, uses the domain certifiedcomic.shop, a innovative way of establishing their online brand.

3. It is easy to spell.

Names like "Kathryn" could also be spelled "Katherine," "Catherine," or "Katheryn." Thus names such as "DessertsByKathryn" is difficult to communicate audibly. Also, you'll need to buy all of the spelling variations or explain how the word is pronounced every time you say the word, which is not always practical.

4. Doesn't include a hyphen or number, and is simple to say

Like getting a domain simple to read, you don't want to include other elements that are unclear when they are spoken to.

A hyphen is one great illustration. Though adding one might make a domain available, many people are still going to end up on the wrong path. Numbers also cause confusion because they are spelled (twenty three) or entered in digits (23).

2 Hounds Design knew that people could interpret their name with two distinct ways. Their primary website's domain is 2houndsdesign.com, they also purchased twohoundsdesign.com and changed it's URL to their own site.

5. Can't be easily mistaken for something offensive

There's nothing worse than accidentally sending customers to competitors is causing them to be offended. When a typo that is commonplace or an alternative ending leads your customers to a website they consider offensive, it's an additional reason to choose the best option.

Take a look at your own gut. Do you feel proud every time you say it out loud? Do you think of saying it on television, to your family members who are respected or even in front of the board of directors from Fortune 500?

You can share it with a small group of friends or a test audience. Ask them to be creative and see if there's anything "dirty" or "offensive" you can come up with by using the word. They may discover an undiscovered area or a pop culture reference that you're unaware of. It could save a lot of embarrassment.

Tell them the title and ask them to type it in. Do they correctly spell it? Recall them a couple of days later to see whether they recall the word.

Found your perfect domain? But there's a little more to consider.

If you've found that ideal domain, you can go on and fend off competitors with a swath of market. Do you have a domain ending in .com? You might as well get different endings, such as .net and .org. Do you choose a name which could have been misspelled? Snap up the other versions before competitors swoop in by redirecting them to the main URL.

If you've found a great domain name at a reasonable price, take the initiative to secure as many variations as you can in order to secure your investment.

Make your dream brand

Making the online store you've always wanted is more than just great software like . All of the components for a wonderful shopping experience as well as efficient backend operations.

In the case of branding, a strong name and beautiful logo is essential. But online, a great domain name can be like an ideal store's location in Main Street. It can make or break your business's success. Consider your options carefully. A perfect domain name for your business is there!