In simple terms, the simplest way to describe it is that, simply put, your domain name can be described as your website address. The address users enter into a web browser whenever they wish to go to your website. Your domain name is exclusive to your website.
Once you purchase and register it, the domain name for your business is yours alone, and no other company can claim it. However, you have to renew it every year. A well-chosen domain name is a reflection of the business name and branding. That is crucial because that name will also appear in your email address and can identify the emails you send to customers.
The domain name can be the beginning stage in creating your online profile for your business, and it helps establish the direction for how your customers will find your website. Think of your business and how they interact in a conversation with you and your company.
How do you make the power of a domain name benefit your business? and be noticed in a market on the internet?
Let's review what a domain name is and how it operates and how you can select and register the domain you want for your business and your brand.
A domain name can give you and your immediate business credibility and place you in the same market as your biggest competitors. It signifies that you're serious about business and lets customers and shoppers see your business as an innovative one easily accessible online. It's the means people can use to access your website to discover how to understand your business better and buy your products and services.
The correct domain will help establish your brand's image, creating a positive image for your business, and can be the difference between making a vibrant online presence and becoming lost in cyberspace. If you publish your site through an internet service provider (ISP), your web address could end up like ISP.com/SuperiorAutoRepair (not very professional) compared to SuperiorAutoRepair.com. Do you see the difference? Your customers will, too.
Furthermore, SEO, or search engine optimization (SEO), is crucial for your business being found through searches. You need to be aware of whether your domain name has been designed to be SEO friendly and has keywords that aid in the rank of your website.
Do you remember the days when Google existed under the URL google.stanford.edu? or when Twitter used to be twttr.com? And we don't! There's a good reason for this. The original domain names weren't appealing and concise, and they weren't clear, simple, or memorable. That's precisely why the founding team chose to change their domain names.
If you've tried to find a domain name suitable for your business's needs, you're aware of how difficult it can be to find one that's appealing and straightforward. It's not surprising that this first quarter of 2021 was a success in 2021 with 363.5 million domain name registrations for the entire top-level domains (TLDs).
So, how do you select the domain name that reflects your business and is memorable for your customers? Let's explore the why and the method of choosing the perfect domain name.
Before getting to the point of making a purchase, the first major decision is choosing a domain name. It is essential to have various options since you don't know what domains are available to purchase.
The idea of brainstorming with family members or friends is a great way to begin. Get your ideas bouncing off real people who are open about your decisions.
Next, check Google to determine whether there are business domain names similar to those you're looking at. If you choose something like saratheflorist.com might be confusing (and could lose your business). Suppose there's already one who operates using this domain name from sarahtheflorist.com.
When selecting your domain name, be aware of these aspects:
Does it work for your business? as the primary way to promote your company, your domain name must be compatible with your business's services or products. If possible, select the domain name with the most commonly used keywords in your business and determine what kind of business you manage.
Do you think it's short and straightforward? Do not use a domain name that may create confusion, like numbers, hyphens, or other characters. Domain names comprised of a lengthy string of characters and words are likely to be difficult for consumers to remember.
Does it sound clear and concise? It is essential to make things simple for people to understand, so select a domain name written in a simple language. Avoid using words that are slang. If the words you use in your domain name aren't easy to spell, it could cause people to have difficulty finding your website.
Are you able to make it memorable and creative? A unique and appealing domain name will stand out in the minds of your customers and will help you set your business apart from others.
Is it unique? Suppose your branding name has a lot in common with that of another. In that case, people may likely mistake one for the other, and the company will be able to use its name as a deterrent domain strategy, mainly when it is a name trademarked.
With the choice to choose domain names, it's time to know what's available. There are numerous sites to complete your domain search.
Many businesses prefer using a domain name that ends in .com since it's the easiest to recall for customers. Around 44% of domain names utilize the top .com domain name extension, which means your first choice could already be used.
The great thing is that the capability for anyone to build a website with the .com extension could add an air of credibility and authority to your business. It shows that you've invested in your business and gives it some credibility.
Many people believe that website names begin with .com since this is what they're used to. However, you can choose from many domain extensions that could work to benefit your business. Be sure to ensure that the extension you choose is appropriate to your business (.lawyer is a good choice for lawyers but not for plumbers), and use your research to avoid confusion with a brand that has registered the domain.com.
Domain name prices can be wildly different, starting at $0.99 and going into the thousands. The cost will be based on the location you purchase the domain and other elements.
If you consider the total price for your domain name, You need to be aware of additional costs like annual renewals and other charges. Be mindful of any fees for automatic renewal or transfer-out costs. Be sure to review the domain registration company's Terms of Service in total to understand the cost of your purchase entirely.
The majority of proxy bids are accepted so that you can specify the maximum amount of your offer. The system will keep increasing your request until the maximum limit is attained. If you're successful in this domain auction, you will have a certain amount that you must claim for the new domain.
Based on the service provider, domain names can be initially purchased for more than a year. Examine your business objectives before choosing the length. If you plan to alter or modify your business name or product shortly, locking yourself into ten years may not be the best idea.
The primary benefit of buying the domain name for an extended period is that it's locked, and it's not possible for that competitor will be able to purchase your domain name and take it away from the title you have purchased. Certain registrars offer discounts when purchasing longer-term contracts, for instance, five or two years at each period. It also means you don't need to spend time renewing each year or face the risk of losing your domain registration.
When your business may be in flux, or you're uncertain about which direction the future will take, it's logical to buy the domain name for one or two years and then revisit it at the right time.
If you decide to register just for one period of one or two years, Your top goal is to avoid losing the domain name. Be sure that you can access the proper email address and payment details on file with your registrar, and be aware of the critical deadlines for renewal. If you do not, you could put the security of your domain name in danger.
Though most providers will notice that your domain name expires or the payment information is due for updating, It's a good idea to note the date for renewal on your calendar to ensure that you update your payment method that's on file if necessary.
If you cannot locate your domain name, the loss could negatively impact your brand and negatively affect your customers' experience. Additionally, the failure of your domain name could result in losing your search engine ranking. That allows others and competitors to acquire and take over your domain name over the years.
When you've chosen the domain name and decided to register it, you'll need to select the domain registrar or the business you'll use to buy the domain. When looking to find a registrar are some things to look out for:
Domain transfers. Find out the transfer policy offered by the registrar. If the process is complicated or costly, look further.
Pricing. Some companies will offer lower prices initially, and after that, they increase costs at the time of renewal. It's possible to get locked into a long-term contract.
Expiration policy. It is not possible to purchase a domain the same way as you lease it. If you don't renew your lease, another person can be able to take it away from you. Choose a registrar that provides automatic renewals as well as grace periods.
Protection of privacy on domains. As a website owner, you're obliged to submit your data in a database accessible to the public. Privacy protection on parts conceals your primary contact details to ensure your identity is safe.
Subdomains. It is not necessary to register separate subdomains. But, you'll want to make sure that the registrar you choose to use allows you to include subdomains on your website easily.
Choosing the best domain name for a business website might be daunting initially, and it's, after all, an important decision. But, with some research and the proper tools, this procedure is quite simple.
