For most web developers choosing a domain name is a walk in the park but for beginners it may not be so easy. With that in mind, today I’d like to share my thoughts on choosing a quality domain name.
Choose a domain name that can be remembered
If you’re launching a new site, choose a name people will remember easily.
Imagine that you were to visit a site called “holesintheboat.com”, and its logo was a boat with holes in its hull. Seems simple, right? However, all it may take for visitors to remember that site is ONE visit. You may not be able to go to such straightforward lengths, but at least ask yourself: “Will people remember my domain name?” Try to select a name that won’t be mistaken or confused with similar ones. You don’t want people typing your competitor’s domain name when they’re trying to visit your site.
Two free tools that I recommend when deciding on a domain name are
Buy similar domain names
If you think people may confuse your domain name with a similar name, try to buy that name, too.
I’ve noticed that sometimes when newsletters mention some websites they put the “s” in the wrong place. For example they may put “HoleInTheBoats.com” when what they meant to put was “HolesInTheBoat.com”. Smart domain shoppers will buy both domains so that if people mess-up the name and type “HoleInTheBoats.com” they will be automatically redirected to HolesInTheBoat.com. Additionally it is also suggested that if you use words that are commonly misspelled or spelled differently in other countries, such as “programs” and “programmes”, you should look into buying those domains too. Good domain name registrars make it easy for you to redirect one domain to another.
I prefer GoDaddy.com for buying domains.
Make your domain name easy to read
Which of the following is easier to read?
holesintheboat.com or HolesInTheBoat.com
See how using a capital letter at the start of each word makes the second domain name easier to read and easier to remember. Whenever you mention your domain name ALWAYS present it in its most readable state. A good place to start is in your email signature, letter head and business cards. If you bought the “.net” version of a domain name because someone beat you to the “.com”, help people to remember your site by writing it like this:
Example.NET
Having a simple and memorable domain name never fails to get you repeat visitors.