Choosing the right domain name for your website

1. Keep it short

Although some places allow you to register a name with up to 63 characters, you have to keep in mind that people need to be able to remember it, and easily type it into their browser. Try to register the shortest name that your customers and visitors will associate with your Website. The general rule is, keep it under 7 to 8 characters if possible. (Not including the suffix.)

2. Dot COM, NET, ORG, US, BIZ?

There are many different extensions available now. We recommend a .com suffix because it is the first extension that most people try when searching for your website. Also, since it is the most popular extension, .com inspires consumer confidence that you have a well-established presence on the Web.

3. Avoid Trademarked Names

There are two really good reasons for this. First, never mind all the stories about someone who bought company's name and sold it to the company for a fortune. Most big companies have spent lots of time and money creating their brand, and are no longer paying a king's ransome to get their names back. The new laws will cost you plenty of money trying to keep a domain name that infringes on some companie's copywrite. We say it's not worth it, but if you get a name like Business.com you may make big money (but it's like hitting the lottery).

4. Register Your Domain NOW

Domain names are being snatched up everyday. You should Register Your Domain Name as soon as possible, before someone else gets it. You do not have to until you're ready to build your website. The longer you delay the less chance you will get the domain name you want, so Register Your Domain Name Today.

5. One Domain Name may not be enough

It isn’t a bad idea to Register several domain names for your website. More names can make it easier to find your website. You should also register the .NET, .ORG, .US versions of your name so no one else takes it. Register your full company name and a shorter, easier to remember version. You can even register common misspellings of your company name (All Your Domain Names can point to the same Website.)

6. Character Types

Domain names can only use letters, numbers, and dashes. Spaces and symbols are not allowed. Domain names are not case sensitive so Mysite.com and MYSITE.COM are the same. Keep your domain name simple, don't use misspellings, dashes or too many numbers.

7. Get lots of Good Advice

When you have several available name choices, see what your customers and friends think about it. Is your domain easy to say and spell? Can they remember it easily? Do you have to explain the name?

8. Don’t Spend lots of money to get a Domain Name

Some companies are still charging huge fees to register a domain name. But with companies like TechMan3k you can get full services and register a domain name for about $10 a year.

If you think that if you have found the right domain name, but you're not really sure... Register it anyway before someone else does!

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