When And Where Should I Register A Domain
If youve decided on your domain name, BUY IT! NOW!
Theyre flying off the shelves, so as soon as you are reasonably certain what domain name youd like to use, buy it!
There are lots of places to register your domain. We like hover.com. < Get a $2 discount on your purchase with our affiliate link.
Choose One Or More Keywords That Represent Your Site
There are a lot of ways to start generating ideas for a domain name. You can simply base your sites domain on your own name, or on your existing business. However, a key ingredient of a truly effective domain name is a strong keyword.
Using keywords in your domain name is smart for the same reasons using them in your content is. The SEO benefits can bring in more traffic by helping your site rank more highly in search engine results. Plus, keywords can help potential visitors better understand your sites focus and niche.
Fortunately, the process of researching keywords for your domain name is the same as finding effective keywords for other uses. You can use tools like and KWFinder to search for terms that have both a high search volume and low competition. Just remember that in this case, youre looking for a keyword that represents your website and content as a whole.
Verify Your Site With Google Search Console / Webmaster Tools
Google, as you may know, isnt actually the internet, nor does Google actually search the entire World Wide Web.
What Google actually does is search their index of the internet. This index is created by relentlessly scanning the web for new sites, pages and content. This is how Google can provide search results so quickly.
This makes Search Console an absolute necessity for any website looking to get found online via search.
Not only does it help Google find your site in the first place , but it also helps them keep track of changes and updates to your site, such as new pages and content.
Since Search Console spots any errors Googlebot may find with your web pages, you can easily identify and fix common problems including
- Penalty notices
You dont need to use Search Console in order to be included in Google search results, but you get a heck of a lot more control over how Google processes and views your site and its content so why wouldnt you use it?
Setting up Search Console is pretty straight-forward, and it wont take you long to get to grips with the basics either.
Read Also: How To Make A Custom Domain Website For Free
You May Like: How To Renew Your Domain Name
Avoid Hyphens And Doubled Letters
Using hyphens may seem like a creative way to get the domain name you want and is admittedly still popular in some European countries . Unfortunately, theyre tough to express verbally . They also make the domain more difficult to type. This can create a poor User Experience from the start, leaving a user frustrated. Even worse, they may give up entirely and end up on someone elses website.
While there are exceptions, when youre brainstorming domain name ideas, its best to avoid anything that isnt a letter. This includes replacing letters with numbers, which make the name a lot easier for people to mistype.
The same goes for doubled letters its asking for typos. Doubled letters are hard to read and even harder to type correctly. If mistakes happen often enough, you may end up with someone typosquatting and stealing your traffic.
Domainname Investment Knowledge Summary From Selection Registration To Investment Trading
The intermediary transaction SEO diagnoses Taobao guest cloud host technology Hall domain name registers the knowledge so-called registers, the simple division, has two kinds of significance registers: 1. A registration of a domain name that has never been registered. In this case, the registrant of the domain name generally foresees the potential value of the domain name and registers the domain name before other people think of it. This scope contains some of the names of well-known brands, well-known groups or individuals, intellectual property rights. 2. A registered domain name. A registered domain name, if not enough …
Read Also: How Do You Sell A Domain Name On Godaddy
Memorability Matters More Than Length
The length of a domain name is not as crucial as how memorable it is. Many lawyers have domains that are just letters that are an acronym for the partners in their practice and then tack on law or law firm to the end, like Guvnnlaw.com. While this is a relatively short domain name, it might not be as memorable, and people will not visit a website as much if they cannot remember how to get to it.
To avoid this, I recommend choosing simple and memorable words over focusing on length. Another reason shorter is not always better is that, for the most part, the shorter URLs like injurylawyer.com are difficult to obtain or are already taken. A domain name like lonestarinjuryattorneys.com is much longer, but it is memorable and contains the keywords that most people in the area who need an injury attorney would be searching for.
It is also essential to keep in mind that by memorable, I do not mean catchy. Simple English terms that describe who you are, what you do, and where you are located are best when choosing a good domain name for a law firm. From an SEO standpoint, trying to come up with catchy words or phrases in a URL is typically better suited for other professions. This is because when someone in the area is in need of legal help, they are not usually going to be searching for a catchphrase they will be searching for terms such as best personal injury attorney in my area or divorce lawyer in Houston.
Personal Vs Business Domains
Think about the kind of website you want to build with your domain. If youre launching an online store for an existing business, choose a domain name that will help customers find your website. Start by searching for a domain name that matches the name of your business. Ideally, your domain name and your business name will be the same or similar.
If youre launching a resume website or creative portfolio, your domain can be your full name or nickname. You might want to consider including your middle initial, to distinguish your website from anyone else who shares your name.
If youre creating a blog or other personal website, you might be migrating an existing audience from a social media platform or an email list. Align your domain name with the channel people already follow you on. This could look like choosing a domain name that matches your Instagram handle, or that references the name of your email newsletter.
No matter what kind of website youre launching, youll want to consider how your domain name will impact other arms of your online presence. For example, if you plan to set up an email for your business, your domain will be a prominent part of your email address.
You May Like: Can I Create A Website Without A Domain Name
What Is A Domain Name
A domain name is the name the users will use to type into google to find your website online. For example, when you type in safaridigital.com.au, you will land on this website. That is our domain name. Just like a physical address, our domain name is the place where you can find us online.
When you decide on what you want to call your new website, you can purchase the domain name from a domain name registrar. In Australia, there are hundreds of different options for domain name registrar. Its important to remember that once you purchase the domain name, you can always transfer it between the company you bought it from, to the company that will be hosting your website.
Generally speaking, domain names are cheap to purchase and register. Users will pay a yearly renewal fee to keep the domain name. The average yearly fee will vary depending on whether you choose a .com, .com.au, .Sydney, .co etc. Your top level domain specification will determine how much your yearly renewal fees are. Depending on your TLD, yearly renewal fees can range from $5 all the way up to $100+.
Avoid Hyphens Numbers And Doubled Letters
Each of these elements is another hurdle for users to attempt to jump just to access your website. It’s not exactly intuitive to keep these characters in mind, and doubled letters can make the domain name messy and hard to read.
Not to mention, all of these elements are susceptible to becoming typos as users try to search the internet for your business website. If you’re sharing your website via word-of-mouth to clients, it’s also much harder to convey the domain name clearly when it is jumbled with hyphens, numbers, and the same letters back-to-back.
Read Also: How To Transfer Domain To Squarespace
Want To Learn More About Seo
If you want to learn more about the factors that can affect your sites ranking and performance in search, including domain names, keyword optimization, and links, we recommend checking out our informational page on search engine optimization.
As a leading SEO company, WebFX can help companies just like yours create engaging websites that not only rank well, but also drive more traffic and create more conversions. We know that SEO is about much more than your websites URLand we can help you capitalize on every factor that will boost your appearance on the major search engines from page three to the top of page one.
Earn a 20% greater ROI with WebFX
leads for clients.
- WebFX did everything they said they would do and did it on time! The whole process was very easy!OwnerARIZONA GARAGE DOOR SUPPLIER
- The entire staff at WebFX has been phenomenal. They are quick with their replies and incredibly helpful.Marketing Specialistcable company in pa
- WebFX has been excellent to work with! Very knowledgeable about the ever changing algorithms that make up SEO!Marketing DirectorAlarm System Provider in MA
- WebFX has been a pleasure to work with on our SEO needs and I look forward to working with them on future projects.Operations Manager
Pick A Domain Name Thats Flexible
Your domain name is one area where you dont want to put yourself into a box. While you should be specific enough to attract an audience, you dont want to be so precise that theres no room for your website to grow.
For example, shutter.photography might be perfect for a photography blog. However, if you decide to write about other art forms in the future, youll be stuck with an inaccurate domain name.
Therefore, its smart to consider how your site or business may expand over time. Youll want to make this decision with a long-term vision.
Recommended Reading: What Are All The Available Domain Extensions
Prepare To Purchase Your First Domain Name
Take a few minutes to do a final check.
- Does it fit your business?
- Will it be easy to find?
- Will it be easy to promote?
- Is it catchy or memorable?
- Did you stay away from using slang? Numbers? Hyphens or underlines?
- Does it pass the friends tests?
- Did you make sure that no one else is using it ?
- Is it going to stand the test of time?
- Do you love it?
If youve checked off all the boxes above, theres just one last thing to do
Truth In Domain Names Act
In the United States, the Truth in Domain Names Act of 2003, in combination with the PROTECT Act of 2003, forbids the use of a misleading domain name with the intention of attracting Internet users into visiting sites.
The Truth in Domain Names Act follows the more general Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act passed in 1999 aimed at preventing typosquatting and deceptive use of names and trademarks in domain names.
Also Check: How To Get A Free Domain Name Without Web Hosting
Try To Buy It From The Owner
Sometimes people buy domain names to sell to companies like yours in the future. If someone already owns the exact domain you want, try getting in touch with the owner and make an attractive offer. Find their details on the WHOIS database and contact them to discuss buying the domain. You can also do additional research by looking up the brand on social media, and noting how often the site is updated. If a domain hasnt been updated in years, theres a chance the owner might be willing to strike a deal.
Using Your Domain Name As A Competitive Advantage
A domain name isnt just a web address in someones browser. Its an extension of your company and brand. Domains play a critical role in how you position your brand and present yourself to the digital world, whether youre blogging or selling products online.
Your domain name doesnt need to be overly clever for it to be perfect. Instead, choose one that is simple, memorable, and has a nice ring to it.
Youll look more professional and gain instant credibility with your shoppers, which will likely lead to more awareness and sales for your business. You might not be the next Google, but with a little bit of luck, your domain can be a household name.
Also Check: How To Monetize Domain Names
Make Your Domain Name Easy To Type
When looking at the worlds most popular domain names, one thing comes to mind as their common denominator:
They are all very easy to type and spell.
Instagram, Facebook, Google, Twitter, YouTube, Apple you cant really go wrong typing these in your browser bar.
Your business website visitors should also have no problem typing your domain name in their browsers. You shouldnt have to explain your websites name in a casual conversation or detail how its spelled.
The worst thing that can happen is potential visitors mistyping your domain name and ending up on a different website, which might be a competitors.
Guidelines For Choosing A Domain Name
Here are some domain name guidelines to follow:
With all of that, there are a few dos and donts that are important to keep in mind when finding the right domain name. Lets start with the donts, since that list is shorter.
Don’t Miss: When Was A Domain Registered
Everything You Need To Know Before You Buy A Website Domain Name
Choosing the perfect domain name can be one of the hardest decisions you have to make when it comes to starting a business or creating a new website.
It may seem like all the good ones are taken. And, well, they pretty much are. This is the unfortunate reality for a couple reasons. First, there are just a LOT of websites and businesses out there! Second, domain squatters buy up domain names and squat on them, meaning they dont do anything productive with the domain, they simply hold on to it, hoping to eventually sell it for big bucks to someone who has a legitimate use for it. With these two factors working against us, we have to weigh all the options before you select your domain name.
Register The Misspelled Versions Of Your Domain
In addition to the above point, another way to safeguard your domain from being misspelled or mistyped is by registering several of the most likely or most common misspellings of your domain name.
Once you buy these domain names too, simply redirect them back to your proper domain name.
For example, if your domain name uses a double t as in the word letter you should probably register a name with a single t as well in case someone types in leter.
Don’t Miss: What Is A Url Vs Domain Name
Register Your Domain Name To Give Your Website The Uniqueness It Deserves
While registering your domain name may be a short-term task, its a long-term commitment. Whatever youre building a website for, your domain will act as the anchor of your online presence and stick with you for years to come.
It can help your SEO, act as a pathway for users to learn more about your brand, and make it easier for customers to spread the word about your products.
Check If Its Not Trademarked Or Already Used
Before you move forward with a specific domain name, check to see if the name is available on social media sites, as well as if there are any trademarks already registered to the name.
To build your brand, its ideal to have the same name across your domain and social networks. This builds familiarity and makes it easy for your visitors, fans, and customers to find you around the web.
Avoid legal issues you should stay away from names that already have trademarks.
How can you quickly check social networks and trademarks for your potential domain name?
Its quite easy with a tool like Knowem. Search your potential domain name itll show you if its available throughout over 25 popular social networks and if there are any trademarks already registered to the name.
If its taken, consider tweaking it so that you can create original social media profiles.
Recommended Reading: Who Own Domain Name Search