Choosing a Domain Name

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Domain names provide the identity of a website. Choosing the right one for your site can be difficult. You will want to choose something memorable, something that reflects your products and services, and something that is SEO (search engine) friendly. In addition, use good sense when choosing a domain name, For example, you shouldn't choose a name that is a copyrighted word or term. This could lead to legal problems down the road. Because there have been millions of people who set to the task of choosing a web site address before you did, finding SEO friendly web site addresses that haven't already been taken can be a bit tricky. This is why it is a good idea to work on naming your website and choosing a domain name at the same time. Here are a few other things to consider when choosing a url (domain name) for your website:

Branding
One of the reasons that choosing a name is so difficult is the idea making sure you have the best possible keyword is int it.. Your website name and your domain name are your brand, and they should be one in the same. Branding can be tricky because you are, in essence, establishing your website identity. You need a name that reflects what you will be promoting. For example, informational website about debt will be best served with web site addresses that somehow mention debt, while someone selling books can have the option of choosing a url with a catchy name like Amazon.com or a name that describes the service, such as Bookfinder.com.

Length
If you have already started researching domain names, then you have probably already heard several arguments about the benefits of choosing a short one vs a long one. Both arguments have their point. A long name is generally more SEO friendly and can better describe your products. A short web site address, on the other hand is easier to remember and easier to type into a browser.

When choosing a name, you can use up to 67 characters. This means that you don't have to settle for short, obscure, or abbreviated domain names. At the same time, it is unwise to use anything close to 67 characters. It simply leaves too much room for error when someone is typing in the browser name. A ridiculously long name will also make it difficult for people to share your website through word of mouth.

Top Level Domains
When choosing a name, you also have to decide what you want your top level domain to be. While almost everyone wants to be a .com, that option may not be available to you. The good news is that there is nothing necessarily wrong with choosing other names that end in .net, .org, or even .biz.
I use Site Build It to build my websites with. They recommend first finding out your best keyword with the highest demand and lowest competition and getting that in your domain name.

Registration for Beginners
Now that we have discussed the process of choosing a domain name here are the basics of getting that name registered. Every web site needs its own domain name so that users can find it on the web. Registration is important to make sure that two web sites aren't using the same domain name.

Because so many domain names are in use and in demand, there are
certain organizations that have made a business out of web address registration. Known as domain registrars, these organizations act as a middleman between the registry that handles domain names and the public, buying and selling names at whim. Although there are too many of these organizations to name here, examples of registrars are godaddy.com or DomainDirect.com

If you are interested in registering a name, you are in luck because domain registration is a relatively simple process. All you need to do is find a registrar and search for the name you are interested in using to see if it is available.

With the rapid expansion of the Internet, many of the most popular domain names have already been taken. Many webmasters are forced to get creative and add hyphens or numbers to their name. If you cannot find the name you want during the beginning of the domain name registration process, you may want to consider using one of these creative techniques.

As mentioned earlier you will need to decide what you want your top level domain to be. The most common choices are .com or .net, but you can also investigate options like .biz, .org, or .info. Once you have picked your domain name, you need to decide how long you want to hold that name. Most registrars offer contracts that range anywhere from one year to ten years, and most offer you the opportunity to renew once the contract expires.

The cost of this will vary depending on the service you use and the length of your contract. To make sure you are getting the best deal possible, it is a good idea to shop around or get domain name registration referrals before you buy.

Cliff Posey, owner of Websites That Succeed provided this info. Get related articles below: Website Tips , Success Online, Website Development or Websites That Work.


This article is provided by Websites That Succeed were you can get free website help.