Tips on How to Choose a Domain Name

It seems simple, but when you consider the ramifications and start researching the available names, the task of choosing a domain name can quickly become a challenge.

  • Use Your Business Name
    If your business name is Smith Associates, for example, you could buy smith-associates.com. It would be important to buy this name to protect your brand and possibly add another domain name using your keywords.
  • Use Your Keywords
    When you first begin your domain name search, it helps to have terms or phrases in mind that best describe the your core business. Try combinations of those keywords to find something unique and descriptive of your business.
  • Make the Domain Unique
    This has become a challenge with the scarcity of plain English domain names, but it can still be done.
  • Find your domain name here from Sebastopol name registrarChoose a Dot-Com Name
    Most people who use the web still assume that .com is the only domain extension appropriate for a business and will automatically type in .com after your name.
  • Make it Short, Easy to Recognize and Type
    Cute spellings may throw people off and as they try to correctly type a domain name such as xprtsonline, which could be better named experts-online.com.
  • Make it Memorable
    Word-of-mouth business and recognition in searches within your industry will depend on your name being easy to remember.
  • Create and Fulfill Expectations
    When someone hears your domain name for the first time, they should be able to instantly and accurately guess at the type of content that might be found there.
  • Don't Copy or Imitate Known Brand Names
    If you choose a name similar to a well known brand name, people may assume wrongly that you are associated with that name and go to the better known site by mistake. If the name is perceived to encroach on someone else's trademark, you could find yourself getting sued. To be sure you're not infringing on anyone's copyright with your site's namesearch at copyright.gov before you buy.
  • Set Yourself Apart with a Creative Brand
    A "brand" is more than just a combination of words, which is why names like mortgageforyourhome.com isn't as interesting as branded names like bankrate.com or lendingtree.com. A combination of different domain names will probably be the best solution.
  • Buy your domain names in Sebastopol, Sonoma County, CADon't Follow the Latest Trends
    Trends come and go, and after the trend you followed when choosing your domain name becomes less popular, your site will appear dated.

Get Help Choosing an Appropriate Domain Name

What words should I include in my name? What effect will my name have on my search ranking? Should I choose a hyphenated name? These are all valid questions and there are more. Contact us for help. We will assess your unique situation and research your competition and your industry to recommend good name options that will benefit your branding and search ranking for a small fee.