Domain
Yes, choosing a name for your domain will probably be one of the most important steps you will take in developing your brand and business, and there are some guidelines that can help you make the right choice.
Here are some quick tips on how to proceed:
- Choose a name you like! Your domain name will follow you over the years and you should like it, it will be difficult to change it in the future because it will be indexed in search engines, communicated to your customers and probably to be reported on letterheads and business cards.
- Choose a short name, preferably between 6 and 14 characters. It’s easier to remember and stand out in searches compared to sites with longer names.
- Keep the name simple by avoiding complicated or little-used words that are confusing and more likely to be misspelled and prevent you from being found.
- Avoid numbers and hyphens in the name, they are also confusing and difficult to memorize as well as communicate.
- Make sure it’s as easy to spell as it is to write, if you have to explain the spelling or dictate it then it’s too complicated and makes it difficult to communicate and spread.
- Your brand should be reflected in the domain name you choose. Having a particular brand with a domain that doesn’t even refer to it can be confusing and make it difficult to find you online.
- Check that that name is not already registered, even in other extensions.
- Consider making a small investment to protect your brand, if the name you have chosen is available, check that it is also available in other extensions and register them, with little expense you will have protected yourself.