Since the inception of the Internet, we've all used domain names as the addresses at which our favorite websites and resources reside.
While many users don't give a second thought to a company's domain name, consumers and businesses alike might not realize the impact an URL can carry. More than a web address, this moniker encompasses a brand.
Today, we'll take a look at domain names, including the process of registration, and what businesses should consider.
Choosing a domain name
Domain names come with an endless potential for variety – simply changing one letter or the attached suffix creates a brand new name and destination. When choosing a name, it is important to keep these considerations in mind:
- Length: The best domain names are short, sweet and to the point. It can simply be the name of the brand, if available. For a domain to be memorable, it should be as short as possible.
- Keywords: Entrepreneur contributor Jon Rognerud noted that keyword optimization also comes into play, though brands must be careful not to overdo it. "Ultimately, you'll want to use keywords to create a domain name that's both memorable and likely to be ranked in the first ten listings of search engine results," Rognerud advised.
- Relevance: Your business domain name should always be relevant to your business if it is not directly related to your brand name. If you are choosing to focus your domain around keywords, the keywords chosen should make sense in relation to the services and/or products that your business offers.
- Uniqueness: According to 2014 research from Tek Eye, there are more than 284 million domain names currently registered. This means a unique, compact name may be difficult to find. Many providers will suggest alternatives if the name you've selected is taken, but brands should be sure to differentiate their name enough to stand out in the marketplace.
The domain name serves as the doorway for users, consumers and visitors to access your site.
Registering a domain name
When it comes time to register the domain name, your company will want to select an industry-leading hosting provider. Hostway's domain registration enables brands to control their nameserver information, manage multiple domains with our online control panel, provide protection with domain locking, and boost potential traffic with domain aliases.
To find out more, check out our Top 10 Reasons to Register Your Domain Name with Hostway, and be sure to contact us today.