5 Rules To Choosing Your Domain Name

Here are 5 Rules to consider when you choose your domain name.

1.  Get a “.com” Name

It’s pretty much the default extension people think of when typing in an address. Is it the only way to go? Not at all.  Many have made a “.net” work just fine, but if your concerned about branding, a “.com” would be the ideal way to go.  Not to mention the possibility probability of losing traffic due to mistyping of your site. Those of you outside the U.S. also have your home extensions to consider (United Kingdom – .co.uk)

2.  Avoid Hyphens & Numbers

I needed to type a hyphen in there? Is it the number, or the name of the number? Exactly! Again it can be done, using hyphen and numbers, but you can already see the possible headaches.  Launching a radio station blog? Sure, numbers are okay to use.  It really depends on your situation for using them.

3.  Keep it short

“The Blogger Source” yea, we kinda ignored this one.  While it is better to use a short name, if you have tried searching for a domain name you quickly realize there’s not too many to be had.  Next step would be to limit it to two words.  What you want to achieve is the ease of remembrance.  While some may tell you “NOT” to use a three word name, depending on your selection it can work just fine.  So go “AS” short as possible.

4.  Keep it SIMPLE

Some of the name concoctions I have seen recently, how do you spell it??? Make it easy to spell.  I would not try a name like Flickr unless you have a branding team in the back office.  Again, you want to consider traffic, that “tricky word”, a mistype, and they are off to another site.

5.  Make it memorable

That “easy to remember”, “sticks in your head”, and “have to share it with others” name. You want a name that relates to your intended use, is catchy, unique, and try avoid a similar sounding name.  Although, with the popularity of bookmark sites, and RSS feeds, needing to remember a name is of less importance.

 – While there is an exception to every rule, keeping close to these is ideal. However,  if you believe in a name that goes against these basic rules, then go for it! There is no right or wrong, and with the proper motivation any name will work.