Follow these simple yet effective tips to find a domain name that amplifies your business!

Are domain names really that important? If you have a functional website and a good business plan in place, people would visit your site irrespective of the domain name, right? Well, not so fast…

You see, your domain name is a crucial element of your website and requires serious thought and consideration. Your domain name will be your identity on the web and can significantly help you with your marketing and branding efforts. To state that more clearly, here is what a domain name accomplishes and takes you a step further in your business:

It is your first impression. Your visitors will hear our domain before they see the website.
It immensely widens your branding opportunities. The right domain name can help you strengthen your positioning in the customer’s mind.
It can help boost your search engine rankings by helping you with SEO. A domain name that is keyword rich and business relevant serves you in the long run.

You can achieve all of these (and more) benefits by just choosing the right web address. Are you wondering how to get your web address right? Fret not, here are some key factors that you can consider when picking a domain name:

1. Think long-term

This is not casual dating, this is a stable marriage. Your domain name is a long-term investment that will be by your side through the thick and thin of your business. So make sure you pick something that not only gets you excited but also adds value to your overall vision and future plans. Because, let’s face it – divorcing the wrong name will cost you years of hard-work, money, branding, and SEO rankings. In short, it’s a huge pain.

2. Pick the right domain name extension

The beauty lies in the details. While domain extension may seem like a tiny element, it can make a huge difference. When deciding on a domain name, pick an extension that best describes your industry or field of work. For instance, if you’re in the technology industry or are launching a new app, then .TECH would complement your business. Retailers and eCommerce business can choose .STORE as their domain extension. If you’re building a personal brand or starting a blog, go for .WEBSITE or .ONLINE or .SPACE. These new domain extensions check all the boxes:

They are short
They are unique
They are easy to remember
They are cost effective
They immediately establish what your website is about
They stand out
They help with SEO efforts
They can be used on marketing materials. A short link can be included in a flyer, pamphlet, standee, and users can easily remember to type those in the browser later.

On that note, click on www.prime.tech or www.kindle.store and see what happens!

Need any more reasons?

3. Drop the hyphens and numbers

One of the goals for your domain name is to be passed along easily by you and everyone else. This is more likely to happen if people don’t have to stop and think about how to say or spell it. It’s not very smooth or punchy to specify a hyphen in a conversation. If it’s going something like “Hi my name is John and my domain is johnpersonal-blog dot site.” then it’s not going to be easy or memorable – the two factors you need on your side if you want to experience success online.

4. Do the research

Do your homework to make sure you’re not stepping on someone else’s toe. When selecting your domain name, ensure the words you’re using are not trademarked or copyrighted by some other company. It could get you in a big legal mess and cost you a fortune, peace of mind and your domain name. Websites and online magazines such as Legal Zoom, Nolo and Entrepreneur can give you some guidance on avoiding trademark infringement. You can also check out Domain Name Rights to learn more about what is important in this respect.

5. Make it brandable, not generic

You know what’s better than a generic domain name? A domain name that is creative and brandable. Remember, your domain name is the foundation of your brand. It’s how your visitors will find and remember you. A generic domain name is mostly words that don’t really stand out, but a brandable domain name is unique and memorable.

For instance, if you’re starting an online store that sells homemade cakes, having the domain name homebakery4you.com won’t make a mark as much as owning homecakes.store as a domain name will. The latter is more memorable because it is:

Short,
Easy to remember, and
Unique (the most important quality needed to be brandable)

Make use of domain name generators, such as Namechk and Domain Typer, and the thesaurus to come up with words that can make for a great domain name.

And here’s a bonus tip…

A lot of entrepreneurs and individuals get stuck at deciding which domain name to go for because they’re afraid of making the wrong choice. The best approach is to do your research and find ways on how you can stand out from the competition. There’s a lot you’ve got to think about right now, so here’s a final piece of advice: Don’t rush it, but don’t procrastinate too long either.