Your domain name is your brand. For this reason, you need to be sure that you choose one that will allow consumers to find you easily online. In addition, you need to pick a domain name that your customers will always remember.
When you’ve decided on what domain name you’re going to use, you need to have it registered. However, before registering a domain name, you need to consider a couple of things:
- Choose a domain name that best describes your business and is easy to remember
Business directories usually list businesses alphabetically. So, those that start with A are closest to the top of the list. However, this does not apply to search engine results. - Keep your domain name short and simple
Shorter domain names are easier to remember. Try to keep your domain name between 10 to 15 characters. If possible, keep it under 10. - Use correct spelling and avoid using hyphens when you register a domain name
If, for example, you are selling the latest gadgets, use www.coolgadgets.com instead of www.kool-gadgets.com. The first option is easier to remember. Hyphens are also associated with spam. - Choose a domain name that includes what you do
If you sell toys, having a domain name like www.toystore.com will help place you higher in search engine results. Just be careful of accidental double-meanings, like these domain names! - Make sure that your domain name will not have legal issues
You need to make sure that your domain name is not similar to another company (e.g. sylvanlearning.com vs. sylvan.com). One way to protect your name is to: - Register as many website domain names as you can
To ensure that you will protect your name online, take advantage of all available domain names that you can purchase – buy domain names for your business such as “.com,” “.net,” “.org,” etc. So, if your business is Express Moving Company, try to buy domain names such as expressmovingcompany.com, expressmovingcompany.net, expressmovingcompany.org or expressmovingcompany.com.au, etc. - Stick to more common domain extensions such as the ones mentioned above.
People tend to search for businesses that have a .com rather than those with lesser-used domain extensions such as “.cc” or “.ws.” People tend to avoid these because such extensions are considered spam indicators. - It is better to register domain names for two years
When a domain name is registered for two years or more, it shows that you are serious about your business. Additionally, search engines will pick this up and tend to place you higher in search results. - Have your domain name registered by a trustworthy domain name registration company
Make sure that you and your business are listed as the owner of the domain name that you are registering.
Do not rely on companies with the cheapest rates and make sure you verify contact details of the company just in case you encounter problems in the future. - Domain registration details should be kept in a safe place
When you register domain names, the domain registration company will send you a username and password via email. You must keep these in a safe place. You will need these whenever you want to make any changes to your domain name. - Choose a trustworthy web hosting company
After you register a domain name or a number of domain names, you need to find a hosting service for your domain name, your website and your emails.
Choosing servers within your local area will make it easier for you to communicate with your host. People will also have faster access to your website. - Set up your own email address
It is easy to have free email addresses through Yahoo, Hotmail, Gmail, etc. However, setting up an email address such as yourname@yourdomainname.com makes you and your business look more professional. - Some requirements before you register a “.com.au” domain
You need to have a registered business name that is similar to the domain name that you want. (e.g. Las Palmas Pty Ltd can register the domain name www.laspalmas.com.au)
You need to have a registered business name number or company number.
A “.com” or other U.S.-based domain names do not need any of these two requirements.
If you need professional help in deciding on what domain name to use or if you want to buy cheap domain names, let Complete Cloud assist you. We have a team of experts who will help you and give you advice on registering a domain name.
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