Before your site can hit the web, you’ll need to register a suitable domain name. Fortunately, this process is neither difficult nor time-consuming – and more often than not, it’s not particularly expensive, either. However, if this is your first time registering a domain name, there are a number of practical tips you should have in your arsenal. As any seasoned web marketer can confirm, a site’s domain name often plays a direct role in its success. The right name can leave a lasting impression on visitors. On the other hand, the wrong one stands to make a site instantly forgettable. To ensure that your site winds up with a suitable domain name, take care to heed the following tips.
1. Aim for Brevity
When registering a domain name for your site, it’s in your best interest to keep things as brief as possible. If you look at the web’s most popular sites, you’ll notice they all share one thing in common: domain names that are short and to-the-point. In addition to being easy to remember, these domain names can also be typed into address bars with relative ease. For best results, aim for a name that’s one or two words long – and avoid names that exceed three words at all costs. If you’re absolutely unable to think of a domain name that meets this criteria, get in touch with an experienced web marketing company.
2. Opt for Originality
You should also make a point of avoiding names that are too similar to existing domains. Not only will this lead to confusion, it stands to compromise the reputation of your site. For example, if your domain name bears a strong resemblance to one associated with a site that contains an abundance of racy or offensive content, your site is liable to be regarded in a similar vein. In addition, opting for originality is conducive to carving out a wholly unique image for your site. Rather than piggyback off of another site’s popularity (be it intentionally or unintentionally), your site should have an identity that’s all its own.
3. Nix Numbers and Hyphens
When deciding on a domain name, it’s important to remember that numbers and hyphens are not your friends. Even if you maintain a commitment to brevity, throwing numbers and/or hyphens into the mix will make your web address cumbersome and inconvenient to type. It’s true that there are a small handful of successful sites whose names include numbers and/or hyphens. These sites represent the exception – not the rule.
A good domain name can do wonders for your site. A name that’s catchy, easy to remember and indicative of your core purpose make your website a hit with visitors. With this in mind, it’s imperative that you put real effort into choosing your site’s domain name. Whether this is your first website or one of many, the pointers discussed above can pave the way for long-term success. Keeping things brief, striving for originality and swearing off numbers and hyphens will do your domain name a world of good.
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