What is a domain name?
Let’s examine the basics and how internet addresses represent domain names. Your home, for example, is located at a set of coordinates, but you direct people to it by providing a street address. Similarly, your website resides at an IP address like 192.168.1.1, but users access it via a domain name like companywebsites.com. The domain name provides people with a memorable and unique way to find you.
A domain name represents your business’s public image, so it is crucial to consider several factors when selecting one. Consumers expect business websites to use a .com extension. However, whether you use a .com, .net, .org, etc., depends on how you intend to use the site. Domain availability and your personal preferences play a role in this decision. In general, if you run a business that offers products or services to consumers, you should use a “.com” address that strongly identifies with your business or service. The exception is when you establish a unique brand around a unique domain name.
The difficulty of registering an original .com domain has led many businesses to purchase names on the secondary market through auctions or brokers. With this in mind, using a high-quality .net domain name is far more acceptable now than ten years ago. Of course, if you offer internet technology-related services, it makes sense to use a .net. The .org domain promotes a sense of credibility among non-profits.
What Should you consider when selecting a domain name?
Choosing a domain name requires a few considerations. The shorter the domain, the better. A short domain name is easy to remember and fits into limited advertising spaces much better. Furthermore, easy-to-say and spell domain names translate well into word-of-mouth or radio advertising. For example, companywebsitesmakescooldesigns.com is unwieldy and hard to remember or copy. Trying to fit all of that on a business card isn’t going to be easy. On the other hand, companywebsites.net is easy to remember and write down.
In cases where you are unable to choose a brandable .com, you should avoid domains with hyphens, numbers, or a symbol, unless you are targeting a niche audience. It might be fun to make up a catchy word, such as “zeekies” that you can brand your business around. You might also choose a country-specific domain, such as .us. Furthermore, you might want to try using a domain name generator to keep your search as creative as possible.
Above all, ensure that the domain name you choose is short, memorable, and easy to pronounce and spell.