How to Pick the Perfect Domain Name

What is the best domain name?
It must be:
1. Relatively brief
2. It’s easy to remember
3. It is easy to spell
Recently, I spoke to a customer about a company called “Otway Valley Trading Company”.
He wanted the following domain name:
www.otwayvalleytradingcompany.com
Can you identify the potential problems with this domain?
Here are a few:
1. It is too long
It is irritating to have to type long domain names into your browser. This can also increase the likelihood of customers spelling mistakes.
2. Too many keywords
Customers will struggle to remember the name and URL of the site if there are 4 keywords (Otway Valley Trading Company).
Stick to one or two keywords for your domain name.
“”3. It’s easy to misspell:
It is easy to confuse the word “otway” with “ottway”.
4. Is your email address too long?
This is how an email address would look for this domain name:
That’s quite a mouthful to remember.
Choosing a good domain name:
1) The shorter, the better
A short, memorable domain name will make it easier for customers to remember your website address and to enter their Internet browser.
2) Choose something memorable
Your domain name does not have to be boring. You can actually come up with something memorable – it will help you distinguish your business from others – just ask Yahoo!
3) Avoid using hyphens
Our research has shown that domain names containing hyphens can cause confusion.
Websites that use a hyphen to separate keywords (e.g. ace-accounting.com). This is almost always due to the fact that the preferred name (aceaccounting.com), has already been registered.
If you don’t want the domain already owned by someone, you might consider using hyphens to create an alternative name.
4) Don’t use numbers
Avoid using numbers in your domain names if possible. This can lead to confusion (e.g. Was it threephones.com, or 3phones.com? ).
If you need to use a number however, ensure that you register both the numerical and written versions of your domain name (3phones.com or threephones.com).
5) Get a thesaurus
You can use a Thesaurus to help you find inspiration and come up with names that aren’t already taken.
Say you run an adventure tour company and you want to register excitingadventures.com – but somebody has already registered the domain name.
Thesaurus.com allows you to quickly search for the word ‘exciting’ and will provide an alternative such as ‘breathtakingly sensational or fascinating.
Don’t be afraid of using a little imagination. Companies like Google and Yahoo! A unique web address has been a huge benefit to them.
Why should you avoid using numbers and hyphens in your domain name, and what can you do to check for trademark issues before settling on a name?
When it comes to establishing an online presence, choosing the right domain name can be a make or break decision. The domain name is the first thing that people see when they visit your website, and it is what they will use to remember your business online. It is, therefore, essential to choose a domain name that represents your brand effectively and is easy to remember. Here are some tips to help you pick the perfect domain name for your website.
1. Keep It Short
Short domain names are easier to remember than long ones. Ideally, your domain name should be between 6 and 14 characters long. Shorter domain names are not only easy to remember, but they also look more professional and are easier to type. You don’t want people to misspell your domain name or forget it because it was too long.
2. Make It Predictable
Your domain name should be predictable, meaning that people should be able to guess what your website is about by reading your domain name. If your domain name is too vague or too abstract, people might not be interested in visiting your website. Thus, it might be best to use keywords that are relevant to your business.
3. Choose a Memorable Name
Your domain name should be unique and easy to remember. You don’t want your domain name to be easily confused with another website, nor do you want it to be too difficult to spell or remember. Some tips for creating a memorable name include using alliteration, phrasing or rhyming, and using a unique extension.
4. Use a Relevant TLD
Your domain extension (TLD) should be relevant to your business. For example, if you’re running a retail store, dot-com, dot-net, or dot-co is a better choice, as they are more recognizable and trustworthy. On the other hand, if you’re running a tech enterprise, consider using a .tech TLD.
5. Avoid Numbers and Hyphens
While adding numbers or hyphens to your domain name may make it available when your preferred name is taken, it will make it harder for people to remember. Avoid using these characters in your domain name, as they can lead to confusion or misspellings.
6. Check for Trademark Issues
Before settling on a domain name, research the name thoroughly to avoid any trademark issues. The last thing you want is to face legal action because your domain name infringes on someone else’s trademark. You can use various tools like the Trademark Electronic Search System to check for the availability and legality of your preferred domain name.
In conclusion, choosing the right domain name can have a significant impact on your online success. By keeping it short, predictable, memorable, and relevant, you can create a domain name that strengthens your brand and makes it easy for people to find your website online. With these tips, you can pick the perfect domain name for your business and start growing your online presence today.