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Tips for choosing your domain name

by Henriette Martel

Choose a domain name that is

  • Easy to remember, pronounce and spell
     
  • Catchy or distinctive such as this search engine www.dogpile.com.

Avoid

  • Names similar to your competitors. Your customers may end up remembering only your competitor's name.
     

  • Names with different spelling eg www.color.org, www.colour18.com. You may need to register both names to cater for global audience.
     

  • Acronyms, unless you cater for a local audience or existing customers who recognise your acronym as a brand name. Typos are common with acronyms. Is it 'ptg.com', 'gpt.com', 'tpg.com', 'gtp.com' or 'pgt.com'?

Underscores (_) and hyphens (-)

  • Domain names using underscores and hyphens are difficult to spell and remember. On the other hand, using a hyphen can be an useful alternative when
  • your preferred name is not available
  • you want to use keywords in your domain name to better your search engine ranking. For example, www.new-cars-denver.com uses a string of keywords.

Ideas for domain names

Real examples
- exact match of your existing or proposed business name www.marketingcues.com
- acronym of your business or trademark www.tdk.com.au
- program that your business runs www.ronaldmcdonaldhousehouston.org
- venue that your business operates www.whitehouse.gov
- profession that you or your members practice www.executivespeakers.com
- sport that you promote www.bicycling.com
- event that you organise www.letour.fr/
- problem that you solve www.headaches.com
- product that you sell www.toothpaste.com
- service that you provide www.whereis.com.au
- brand www.frisbee.com

AusBIZ tips

  • Use keywords in your domain name for better search engine ranking.
     
  • Register several domain names to cater for different product lines and services and to increase traffic through links. It is a cheap form of advertising.

© 2003 Henriette Martel

200 Marketing Ideas for Your Website

Henriette Martel is a website strategist and author of '200 Marketing Ideas for Your Website'. Receive a free ebook when you subscribe to WEBmarketingcues, a free and valuable newsletter with articles, reviews and resources to help you market your own website. http://www.marketingcues.com

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