by Hayley Solich

Created on: January 02, 2008

Simple...Memorable...Available

These three words are the key message that I have in relation to choosing a domain name. Keep it simple, make it memorable and make sure it is available.

For me, due to availability more than any other reason, I have stuck with the name of the business for my websites. When I tell people, "It's just the name of the business no spaces, dot com", they seem to breathe a sigh of relief. A domain name needs to make sense to people and it needs to relate to what you do. Short, simple and if possible, with a hook.

Think about some of the most famous domain names. My Space, Google, Helium, WhereIs, Facebook, Microsoft, etc. They have all chosen simple, short and memorable names that are distinctive for their business focus. What makes a name memorable? Often a business will have a catch phrase that is like a hook for your business name. You may not remember the name at first, but you can remember the phrase and this is the clue to what the name is. When I think of Helium, I think of the rating system and the talent rising to the top. This is the hook in the name for me. When I think of WhereIs, it just makes sense that a site that is a map directory that shows you the best route to an address should be called that.

When selecting your name make sure that you do a search for that name or to see what other names pop up in the search engines. If you choose a name that is too common, you will be competing with hundreds of other businesses if you are unable to get a rating at the top of the search listing. Also, make sure you run a search to ensure that your name is available.

Try to avoid trying to be too clever, too cryptic or using acronyms that don't make sense or are too similar to other businesses.

Try the name out on your friends or family members. Tell them the name you have chosen and test their memory the next day to see if they remembered. Then test them again in a week's time and see if they still remember.

Let your domain name clearly reflect your business and create the linkages necessary for people to remember it.

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