Choosing a Domain Name - So Many Questions
So I'm ready to create my own domain and I've been reading blogs and posts on this topic to help me get clarity. This is my current understanding...
Key Words or Brandable
When we are choosing our domain name we want to be thinking about a brandable name. Even though it most likely isn't a "brand name" YET, the intent is that it WILL BE. We will use key words in building our site through our content.
.com .org .net
These are the top three we want to go with. Choosing .com is our absolute first choice, the search engines recognize it the most.
If we find that a domain name that we are considering is already taken as a .com it is recommendable to consider a different name rather than going with a .org or a .net
In searching for the already owned site, you may find that the name is owned, but it sends you to a different site domain name. Definitely do NOT choose a .org or a .net of that original domain name, come up with something different.
More Questions
Longer versus abbreviated domain names? If the site name is lengthy, is it okay to have a lengthy domain name or is it better to abbreviate? Isn't it really just a point and click anyway? I do consider what it might "look like" on paper goods. I will be posting this question and will update this blog as I gather more information.
Thanks to the WA community for support, I thought this would be an easy step and I'm surprised by how much time and thought I am putting into it, but it is my business after all! Cheers and may blessings abound!
Recent Comments
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I know what you mean, it really is a process to pick a domain name. I think about what helps me remember domains that I am interested in and it comes down to what makes sense to me. I can easily remember a longer domain name if it makes sense. Abbreviated domain names I have more difficulty remembering. What would be the factor that would help you remember a domain name? Go with that.
1. Make it Easy to Type
2. Keep it Short
3. Use Keywords when able
4. Target Your Area (IF you're going local)
5. Avoid Numbers and Hyphens
6. Be Memorable
7. Research It (not trademarked or copyrighted by someone else)
8. Use an Appropriate Domain Name Extension (the top three mentioned above)
9. Protect and Build Your Brand (buy the others if available)
10. Act Fast (register it now, before someone else grabs it)
As far as the length of your domain name, I would consider choosing one that you and your soon-to-be followers can remember easily. If someone goes to your website, they may want to remember it next time and if you have an easy URL to remember, that makes a difference.
Thank you Steph! I posted in the discussion on domain names, but this is what I am trying to decide between...my niche is supporting students with challenging behaviors - parenting tips and educator tips; I have an LLC, Courageous Educational Services that I am working on "branding". All of the following domain names are available, would you mind giving me your thoughts?
courageouseducationalservices.com
courageedservices.com
courageouseducation.com
CourageousEd.com
Thank you Steph, and anyone else who would like to chime in!
With gratitude!
I would just go with what the actual name of your LLC is - the first one courageouseducationalservices.com -- you sound like you already have a branding in place and that is your brick-and-mortar business for students with challenging behaviors.
Just go with the actual name of your business. Easy enough. And yes, .com is generally better - but if you are a 501(c)3 you might want to consider .org because that is what is often times used for.
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I can totally relate to this blog post and wanting to choose the right domain name!