How to Choose a Domain Name for your Web Site

Selecting a domain name for your web site is often the first difficult task for a company. Many small business owners stress over getting the right name and are disheartened if they discover another company has the name they desire. Fear not! Below are some options available to finding a domain name that will work for you.

Make Up a Name
Typically, a domain name can be as long as 63 characters. Just remember, however, that your customers have to be able to remember it! Consider making up a word that describes what youdo. Although the word may not appear in Webster’sDictionary, it can still have meaning to your clients, and it may provide you with a domain name that is not registered. For example, a day spa owner offeringservices for hair and body came up with the name“Thairapeutics.” An original name such as this provides differentiation.

Buy a Name
Many domain name registrars are now “reselling” names. This is a way of “re-using” domain names that are (or were) registered but never used. Be awarethat the more popular the name the more costly it could be. At other times, however, buying a name can be a reasonable investment. For example, the owners of software for a scientific calculator wanted the domain name “CalcSoft.com” When they saw that the name was for sale, they learned the price was $300—a relatively low investment in exchange for a name that could help brand their business.

Consider a Phrase vs. Just a Word
Sometimes having a phrase that describes your business is easier to register than your company name. More business owners and non-profits are choosing to do this. For example, one company chose the name “The Greater Possibility” to state that they help their coaching and business clients find greater possibilities than they would on their own. Other examples include “Just Pet Me,” for a pet spa, and “The Footstool Company”—pretty apparent what they sell. A simple phrase is a clever way to create a unique domain name and one that your clientele can remember when trying to reach you on the Web.

Consider a name that will increase your Search Engine ranking
You can choose a domain name that will help your web site gain a high ranking on Internet search engines. Try choosing a keyword or multiple keywords that you know people will be searching for such as words related to your business and a geographical location.
For example, consider the key phrase “Berkeley Therapist,” which uses a location and a profession. If you did a Google search for “Berkeley Therapist” you would find http://www.berkeleytherapist.net/. Domain names with dashes (berkeley-therapist.net) sometimes gain higher rankings in the search engines.

Tools such as Word Tracker http://www.wordtracker.com/ and Overture’s Inventory http://inventory.overture.com/ reveal the most popular keywords in Internet searches. Simply type in the keyword of interest and you will see immediately if it is a popular search term or not.

On that note Happy Domain Name Hunting!