Choosing the right domain name, and how it relates to Search Engine Optimization.
A very important step on the road to optimizing your website for search engines, and more importantly being memorable to visitors is choosing the right domain name. What is a domain name?
Let’s look at what wikipedia says: A domain name is an identification label to define a realm of administrative autonomy, authority, or control in the Internet, based on the Domain Name System (DNS).
Having worked in the domain industry for a number of years, I understand the definition, but most people probably have no clue. In layman’s terms, it is the address that internet users type into the address bar of their browser in order to display a website. In short: An internet web site address. For Example TopHatRank.com (on a side note, domain names will resolve regardless of capitalization, and are always registered using lower case letters.)
Registering a good domain name is one of the most important things for your online presence. Most visitors remember the name of your website by memorizing your web address, so the shorter the better. All domains contain two elements. The name itself: TopHatRank, for the domain TopHatRank.com and the extension, in this case .com .
The domain name market, although fairly young is becoming smaller and smaller each day. Domain names are unique addresses, which means that the best domain names have been registered long ago and are either in use or for sale at ridiculously high prices. That doesn’t mean that all the good names have been taken.
The first step in coming up with a good domain name is to Brainstorm. Try to come up with a domain name that clearly indicates what you do, a problem that you solve or a solution that you have to a problem. This will give visitors a fairly clear picture of what he or she will find on your website. When I need to register a domain name I go to my favorite domain registrar FrugalName.com and type in a prospective domain into the search box. If the domain I type in isn’t available with the extension I wanted, the site will present me with available extensions, as well as a long list of domain names under the “Also Available” tab. If this list doesn’t give me any viable options, I click on the “Smart Search” tab and select any and all extensions I’m willing to consider. When searching for a domain, don’t forget to check the “View choices with dashes” option for more results.
If you are still stuck without finding anything available, try using psychicwhois. I’ve found that this is a useful tool when trying to come up with available domain name possibilities.
Start out with a list of about 10 domain names that you would like to have. Next, make a list of market related single word terms about what you do and the customer base you service. If your market is localized, consider geographical terms that relate to where you sell or provide services. Spend some time brainstorming to come up with the initial names and additional lists of single word terms. You may want another list of significant initials, or shortened versions like using CPA instead of accountant etc.
Here are some tips to consider when brainstorming domain name ideas.
- You want your domain name to be as short as possible. Shorter names are easier to remember.
- The domain should be easy to spell and pronounce. Could you quickly tell someone what your domain is over the phone without the other party getting it wrong?
- Consider registering other versions of your primary domain name. If you are registering the .COM version of a domain for your business, you may also want to secure variations of the name, alternate spellings, common misspellings, and the .NET and .ORG versions of your domain and forward them to your main website to keep them out of the hands of your competitors.
- Try to use a keyword term relevant to your site as your domain name provided the market isn’t too competitive.
- Don’t use free hosting services, or aliased domains. If you want to be serious, commit to your own hosting account. I’m talking about domains like example.goto.com or hosting services that force banners on your page. Good hosting plans are around $4 a month. It’s an investment in your business, so don’t skimp by using free hosting.
- Before buying your domain, make a list of keywords that someone might use to find you online. This list could include your industry, your target market or niche, a problem your target market has, or a solution that you can offer.
- Buy the .COM version of the name if it is available. When people hear a domain name, they “expect” .COM whether it’s .NET or .BIZ or .ORG or whatever. It pays to find a domain name that you like that is part of the .COM family. If you just can’t get the name you want, try a hyphenated version of the .COM name.
- Be careful not to use any stop words in your domain name. What are stop words? Stop words are common words like or, and, the, to , at, etc that search engines automatically ignore.
- Internet marketing is all about using the right keywords. A domain based on keywords has the advantage of being easier to rank and advertise using sponsored links, and thus a better value over your name or your company name. The domain doesn’t have to be a brand. It should make finding your website as simple as possible, and should be easy to remember or associate with the type of subject matter our website deals with.
- Your domain name is what most people are going to use as the anchor text when linking to you.
- When your domain is an exact match to the keywords most people will use to find you, it makes you look good. You look official and relevant.
- Think outside the box, be creative, and don’t forget to consult friends, relatives etc for opinions and ideas.
- Longer domain names aren’t a bad thing, but make sure they are keyword rich.
If you are thinking about bringing your business online, or are considering creating an online presence, start your domain name search at FrugalName domain registration. They offer Free 24/7 Support which is based in the United States so you are supporting American jobs, and have the added benefit of actually understanding the support agents.
If you decide to register a domain and host your site with FrugalName.com and need a hand in getting things set up, we can assist you via the “Assign an Account Exec” option under My account. This will allow us to manage your product accounts…without compromising security. Just click on CONTACT in the menu bar on TopHatRank.com and request assistance, and someone will reply within 12 hours.
