by Krista Tannahill

Created on: November 06, 2010   Last Updated: November 07, 2010

Choosing a domain name plays a significant role in the success of a website or business. A domain name should give visitors an idea of what a website is about and what type of information or products they can find on the website.  In addition to the name you choose there are also a variety of other things to consider. 

Opt for a “.Com” Domain Name

Don’t settle for anything other than a .com extension for your domain name.  A domain name with .com extension (for example: yourwebsite.com) is far more popular than a .net, .biz, .org, .ca.  or .info extension. You simply cannot beat the traffic you will get by securing a .com domain name.

Purchase Matching Domain Names – Including .Org and .Net

If you pick a great .com domain name and successfully drive traffic to your site you will not want someone to try to confiscate your traffic by purchasing a the same domain name but in a .Org or .Net.

To prevent someone from trying to jump all over success and steal your readers or customers make it a priority to secure your domain name with all three domain options including .com, .org and .net.  Of course, you want to make the .com you main domain name and then have the other names point to your website (this is very easy and free to do.)

Choose a Domain Name that Clearly Indicates what your Site is About

Put your keywords in your domain name so it will be picked up faster and so you can generate more traffic.  A name that tells people what your website is about makes more sense than a snazzy name that gives no indication as to what a visitor will find on a website.

Be Unique – Don’t Try to Copy Someone Else’s Success

This is a tough one and if you are new to the online world of business or writing the best piece of advice is to be unique!  Who you are should shine through in all aspects of your website including your domain name.  The fact is that readers and customers are intuitive and will notice immediately if you are trying to mirror a popular website’s success.

Avoid direct competition by choosing a unique domain name that is not in direct competition or excessively similar another site or domain name.

Make Sure Your Business Name is not Trademarked

When I started my online business I wanted to call it PureandNatural.com.  The name was available and I quickly snapped it up.  However, when I went to register the name of my business – it was rejected.  Why?  Because the name Pure and Natural was trademarked worldwide and you are not allowed to use it as a business name if it is trademarked!

The fact is if you are going to run a legitimate online business make sure the name is not trademarked before you purchase the domain name.

Of course if you are just running a blog then you most likely don’t have to register your name with the government or check for trademarks.  But if you want to run a legitimate business selling products or services directly make sure your preferred business name or domain name is not already trademarked.

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