5 Things To Keep In Mind When Choosing a Domain Name

Anyone that’s ever used the internet knows that having a killer website to showcase a brand and promote products and/or services is pretty darn important. What can we say? We’re suckers for extremely user-friendly and aesthetically-pleasing sites. While many assume the first step to starting the website construction process is actually designing the site, in reality, choosing the right domain name is as equally important and can be one of the most difficult parts of the site’s creation.

Choosing a domain name is comparable to choosing a company name, as it requires ample thought and consideration. Your domain name is your personal identity on the web, so you want to make sure that it fits not only your brand but is also easy to locate and promote. Here are five tips to keep in mind when you’re choosing your domain name:

Easy to Remember
No one wants to jump through hoops when trying to find your website online. Finding a domain name that’s simple to remember (and type) is critical to your overall success online. Steer clear of slang words (“u” instead of “you”) or words that have the same meaning but spelling variations (“donut” vs “doughnut”). This will help customers find your site easier, resulting in more leads.

Make it Brandable
When you hear someone say your domain name, does it sound like a brand, or does it sound generic? Your domain name should match your brand and shouldn’t need an explanation. Generic keyword strings are tough to remember and won’t stand out in your customers’ brains. You want something unique to your specific brand, so don’t force keywords in your domain name if they just don’t fit. Using broad keywords when sensible can help with SEO purposes, but don’t force it.

Short and sweet
Don’t waste your time trying to come up with an extravagant and wordy domain name. Long, hard-to-spell names are difficult to remember and will only frustrate your visitors. Be sure that your domain name is pronounceable, too. As human beings, we have more positive associations with ideas and concepts that we can easily say and think about, including pronounceability. This will create a much more memorable experience for any visitor coming to your website.

Numbers are a no-no
This may be obvious, but on more occasions than one, numbers are often misunderstood. Unless it’s targeted towards your specific brand (hello, Satellite Six!), when people hear your website domain, they probably won’t know if it’s supposed to be a numeral “5” or if it’s spelled out as “five.” Confusing your customers isn’t the most ideal business practice FYI.

Extensions are important
It’s 2016, so why are we still biased to .com? Because people trust it, that’s why. The .com extension is one of the most recognized and easily accessible brands out there. Even people who don’t have the slightest clue about the tech world have an association with it. But, things happen, and your .com name can get taken. If it’s unavailable, try .net or .co – these will most likely be your best bet. Also, if you can get your hands on a .gov or .edu extension, go for it. Although these extensions are difficult to get because you need special approval to acquire them, they’re best for SEO purposes, as more sites are willing to link to a .gov or .edu website.

The process of choosing a domain name for your website can be just as essential as choosing your home page design. Determining a memorable and successful name requires a strategy, and we hope we helped get you there. Now, what are you waiting for? Go find that perfect domain name!