Some Things to Consider When Choosing a Domain Name

Choosing a domain name can be a bit of a pain in the butt these days. It seems that just about every single name and name variation has already been registered. None the less you need a domain name and task must be done. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind when choosing:

Consider whether the name will be used in print advertising. Perhaps on a business card, brochure or other ad. Since you are not allowed spaces in a domain name it is a good idea to see that is doesn’t form anything odd when all the letters are combined. For example, lets say your company is called McCall’s Park Service and you want your domain name to resemble your company name so you choose, mccallsparkservice.com. This can be misconstrued since you are not sure if it should read, MC Call Spark Service or McCall’s Park Service. Sometimes you can clear this issue up a bit by using capital letters when using a domain name in print, McCallsParkService.com. Using capital letters when typing in a domain name in most modern browsers is totally acceptable and makes no difference to functionality.

An other thing to consider is length. First off, nobody likes to type in a long complex domain name and secondly it is much more prone to typos. You would be surprised at how many people just type in a domain name, make a typo, get a page error and then give up and assume your website is down! Try to keep it short without being cryptic.

Stay away from creative spellings. Ezautotrade.com or exerciseballz.com. If you use these names in print advertising people will tend to remember the correct spelling and type it in instead. Chances are it will go to your competitors website!! Instead try using a geographic marker to get an available name, exerciseballsatlanta.com or exerciseballsusa.com. This is easy to remember and also signifies where you are located or do business. If you truly reach a global market you can use the biggest marker of all, exerciseballsplanet.com.

If all else fails and nothing is available you can use dashes to help you find an available domain name. This should be a last resort for the same reason as creative spelling. It is also why they are available…