Choosing a Domain Name is very important, it’s just like choosing a name for your Child. A lot of thinking and consideration will be needed.
While naming a child, most will like to search for the meaning of the name. While some will like to name the child according to the scenario surrounding the child’s birth.
We wrote a post earlier on what is a domain name and the types of the domain name and choosing a domain name is one of the top decisions you have to make that will determine the success of your blog.
One thing you should know is that your Domain Name is your address on the web. Make sure that you select a domain name that not only fits your blog or website but is also very easy to discover and promote.
Hold on, Domain Name is not just for blogs, if you are starting a new company, a new brand, or have an existing brand you wish to take online? Either way, you are going to need a website.
You may ask; Why is the Domain important? I will try to answer this as
quickly as possible and move to the business of the day.
Table of Contents
- Importance of good domain names
- How to Choose a Good Domain Name
- Make it Sound like a Brand
- Keep it Short
- Make it Easy to Spell and Pronounce
- Don’t Use Hyphens and Numbers
- Use Keyword
- Make it Memorable
- Research and Avoid Copyright
- Use the Right Extension
- Use your Name or Business Name
- Check Social Media for Availability
Importance of good domain names
- First Impression – Your URL is the first thing visitors see. A good name makes a positive and lasting impact. Just the same way a bad domain will chase visitors away.
- Affects SEO – Keywords in your domain name can help your SEO ranking. Although, from Google Panda and Penguin Update EMD (Exact Matching Domain) is no longer necessary but still helps.
- Defines Brand – The name of your domain is a branding opportunity. It tells your visitor what your brand is all about. Having the right domain name will certainly increase your brand recognition worldwide.
These are just a few reasons why choosing a Domain is very important in building a successful blog or presence online.
So how do you choose the right or best domain name? This is absolutely what I am going to share right here with you.
How to Choose a Good Domain Name
Make it Sound like a Brand
A domain should be brandable such that when you hear or see the domain name, it sounds or looks like a brand. That means it should not sound generic or strange.
Note that the name you choose for your domain is how visitors will find, remember, and share on the web.
Keep it Short
Keep the name short and concise because if it is long and complex, you risk customers mistyping or misspelling it.
Getting a short and simple domain name is the best way to go. Ideally, it should be between 6 – 14 characters.
Make it Easy to Spell and Pronounce
The actual target is to make domain names easy for you and others. If people find it hard to say or spell it, then forge it like a broken balloon.
Don’t Use Hyphens and Numbers
Don’t forget that your domain name should be easy to spell and pronounce. Well, hyphens and numbers will make it more difficult. For example Face–book, if it had a hyphen people, will be searching before entering Facebook
Use Keyword
However, this is no longer important or necessary since Google update it is very vital as it tells the visitor what the suite is about.
For example, seoexpert.com tells you that the site is not about Fitness or Insurance.
Make it Memorable
Remember that there are many registered domain names in millions, so having a domain that is catchy and easily memorable is crucial.
Research and Avoid Copyright
You have to be sure that the name you choose is not trademarked, copyrighted, or already being used by another company. For example, registering a domain with the name mtn.com.org when MTN NG already has mtn.com.ng. Sometimes it is accepted but not professional.
Use the Right Extension
When you mention any site name before the TLD, everybody will think it must be .com. In choosing a domain, use the appropriate domain extension if .com is not available.
Use your Name or Business Name
Yes, you heard that correctly, you can use your name to register your domain. You might not know what will happen tomorrow, just like another person uses Linda Ikeji’s name to register first.
Check Social Media for Availability
Lastly, before you register that domain, check social media to see if the name is available and if there are no pages or groups already using the name.
Having read all these rules, what do you have in mind about choosing a good domain name? Let us know by commenting.
If you are new to blogging, you should definitely read all you need to know about starting a blog.
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