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How to Choose a Domain Name
In today's world, having a strong presence on the World Wide Web is vital for any business that wants to reach its full marketing potential. The world has become accustomed to information being available at the click of a mouse. Having a strong web presence starts with choosing a good domain name.
If you think you can get away with any random domain name, think again. Choosing a successful domain name takes skill and even a bit of luck. Make a mistake with your domain name, and people may not be able to remember your website or end up recalling the wrong domain. Of course, making things more difficult is the fact that many quality domain names are already taken. In many cases, "squatters" hold onto domain names just so they can make money by selling them. Unfortunately, trying to buy from a squatter is often prohibitively expensive - especially for small business.
If you're in the market for a domain name for your business, consider the following.
Shorter Domains Are Better
The shorter your domain name is, the easier it is for people to remember it - and the less of a chance you have of people typing it incorrectly. However, don't make your domain name so short that it doesn't make sense. For example, an acronym might be physically shorter than your company name, but it may also be a collection of letters that people can't remember easily.
Find a Domain That Ends in COM
The .com extension is synonymous with the web. By having a URL that ends in .com you automatically seem like a more established business. Businesses that settle for a domain with an extension of .info or .net run the risk of seeming like a less established business. Many people have also gotten into the habit of adding .com when they type in a URL.
Include your keywords
Good domain names include your target keyword in them. So, if you're trying to rank for the term "Chicago sandwiches", including the words "Chicago" or "sandwich" in your domain name can give you an SEO boost.
Use the right tools
Websites such as www.ajaxwhois.com can help in your search. After each key is pressed this web site will tell you whether the domain is available.