Have fun naming your domain. If you're not enjoying the process you will likely make poor choices and decisions and that will lead to a very ineffective domain name choice. Take your time and realize that it's not something to rush into. It's much harder to change a domain name later than it is to take you time and to do it right!
Don't get stressed and don't make rash decisions!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
What's in a name?
A name can tell you so much about someone. Sometimes it can give you a clue to their age, or where on the planet they come from. Other times a name can be very misleading and confusing and not give you a clear idea about who they are. Here's a blog about baby names that is an interesting concept
Your domain name, also called your website name or address, can be the same way. Sometimes if can be very clear and compelling and other times it may be very vague and non-descript. So how do you choose a domain name. Let's face it, most of the easy domain names are long gone and won't ever become available unless you have millions to spend on a domain name. I'm guessing that you don't so then what? Are you stuck using some second rate domain name that won't do you any good? Will it be forever a sore spot in your business plan that you were not able to secure the proper website address? Here are some clues and tips about choosing a domain name, even now with most of the good ones gone.
First, figure out what the purpose of the website is going to be. Will you be trying to sell something, give more information to prospects, show pictures or videos?
Second, determine what the next step will be after they visit your website. Now this may not seem to matter when you're choosing a name, but it really is quite significant. While people are at your site, the name will influence their next steps and whether or not they will buy from you (or whatever it is you want them to do). But you need to know that so you can find a good fit.
Third, make a list of words that are very important and another list of words that are definitely out. This will help as a launching pad for a name search.
Fourth, start your search with the best case scenario. Don't be afraid to try something that you just assume has to be taken already. Go ahead and see if it's available. I like to use GoDaddy, but anywhere you can purchase a domain name will allow you to run some searches on what is available. So go ahead, be gutsy and try your dream domain.
Fifth, start a list of alternates. Now that you have your best keywords and a list of words to avoid, it's time to start putting together combinations of words. Also, there are a number of prefixes that you can use that will help give you a more unique domain name. Short words are best, such as: my, best, free, online, a, e-. You can also try using a well placed dash "-" in between a couple of your favorite words. Often that alone will give you a pretty good website domain name. Google understands dashes and thinking ahead already to SEO and indexing,
Your domain name, also called your website name or address, can be the same way. Sometimes if can be very clear and compelling and other times it may be very vague and non-descript. So how do you choose a domain name. Let's face it, most of the easy domain names are long gone and won't ever become available unless you have millions to spend on a domain name. I'm guessing that you don't so then what? Are you stuck using some second rate domain name that won't do you any good? Will it be forever a sore spot in your business plan that you were not able to secure the proper website address? Here are some clues and tips about choosing a domain name, even now with most of the good ones gone.
First, figure out what the purpose of the website is going to be. Will you be trying to sell something, give more information to prospects, show pictures or videos?
Second, determine what the next step will be after they visit your website. Now this may not seem to matter when you're choosing a name, but it really is quite significant. While people are at your site, the name will influence their next steps and whether or not they will buy from you (or whatever it is you want them to do). But you need to know that so you can find a good fit.
Third, make a list of words that are very important and another list of words that are definitely out. This will help as a launching pad for a name search.
Fourth, start your search with the best case scenario. Don't be afraid to try something that you just assume has to be taken already. Go ahead and see if it's available. I like to use GoDaddy, but anywhere you can purchase a domain name will allow you to run some searches on what is available. So go ahead, be gutsy and try your dream domain.
Fifth, start a list of alternates. Now that you have your best keywords and a list of words to avoid, it's time to start putting together combinations of words. Also, there are a number of prefixes that you can use that will help give you a more unique domain name. Short words are best, such as: my, best, free, online, a, e-. You can also try using a well placed dash "-" in between a couple of your favorite words. Often that alone will give you a pretty good website domain name. Google understands dashes and thinking ahead already to SEO and indexing,
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