How to choose the right domain name

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How to choose the right domain name for search engines.

If you are looking to choose a domain that will help you get found in the search engines (such as Google, ASK, Yahoo! and Bing) then we have a few simple tips to help you decide on your choice of web address.

Identify your keywords

The first place to start is by writing down or ‘Brainstorming’ terms or keywords that best describe the domain you’re seeking. After you have these keywords, you can start to mix these together to create your search engine friendly domain.

A good example would be if your company was a Electrician in Sussex , you’re domain might include words like “Electrician, Electrical, Rewires , Sussex, etc” then play around until you can find a good match that looks good.

Make it Easy to Type

If a domain name requires considerable attention to type correctly, due to spelling, length or the use of un-memorable words or sounds, you’ve lost a good portion of your branding and marketing value. I’ve even heard usability folks toute the value of having the letters include easy-to-type letters (which I interpret as avoiding “q,” “z,” “x,” “c,” and “p”).

Character Types

Just a reminder. Domain names can only use letters, numbers, and dashes. Spaces and symbols are not allowed. Also, domain names are not case sensitive.

Make it Easy to Remember

Remember that word-of-mouth and SERPs dominance marketing (where your domain consistently comes up for industry-related searches) both rely on the ease with which the domain can be called to mind. You don’t want to be the company with the terrific website that no one can ever remember to tell their friends about because they can’t remember the domain name.

Keep the Name as Short as Possible

Short names are easy to type and easy to remember (the previous two rules). They also allow for more characters in the URL in the SERPs and a better fit on business cards and other offline media.

Reject Hyphens and Numbers

Both hyphens and numbers make it hard to give your domain name verbally and falls down on being easy to remember or type. We would also suggest not using spelled-out or roman numerals in domains, as both can be confusing and mistaken for the other.

Ask Around

When you have settled on several available name choices, see what your friends, family  and clients have to say. A name that may make perfect sense to you may be too hard for other people to remember. Is your domain easy to say? Is it hard to spell? Do you have to explain why you chose the name?

Don’t Shell Out Large Amounts of Money

Domain names are not expensive, if a company is trying to charge you over £100 for a domain then stay away! Artificial Colours can manage you domain from only £15 (for a .co.uk for 2 years)

.co.uk & .com Domains

If possible purchase both .co.uk and .com versions of your domain, this will avoid confusion if another company sets up a site on the the .com and you have a site on the .co.uk.

Spelling

Check spelling‚ this is an important step that is often forgotten, check check and check again. Also ask someone else to check for you.

One Response to “How to choose the right domain name”

  1. That’s great.very helpful,thanks a lot

    Comment by runescape gold on March 7, 2011 at 9:33 am

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