How to Choose Your Domain Name

by Rick Morris.  May 1, 2008

So you're ready to get a website live on the Net, eh?  And you have the perfect business name, right?  Well, now it's time to secure a meaningful and relevant domain name for your new website.

Domain name registration can be as simple as naming your business, or as difficult as naming your child.  You want a domain name that's similar to, and ideally matches your business name.  It needs to be as short and sweet as possible.  Of course, most of the short domain names are already registered.  But, there is no need to toss in the towel.  You can still find a relevant domain name for your business.

Where do you begin?  You perhaps don't consider yourself an internet guru, but you know that without a domain name, you can't have a website.  A quick search on Google or MSN for the keywords "domain name" or "domain registration" will return a plethora of sites literally begging you to register your new domain name with them.  Which one should you go with?  Let me help you.

I've been developing websites for years for businesses and organizations around the United States.  I've tested domain name and web hosting companies from California to North Carolina.  Some are excellent in what they do, while others are downright unprofessional.  And, I always kept coming back to one company . . . GoDaddy.com.

GoDaddy.com is arguably the best web hosting and domain name registrar available anywhere in the world.  I currently have about 350 domain names registered through them.  They are inexpensive, trustworthy, and professional.  Moreover, they have 24/7 live phone support.  In addition, GoDaddy.com offers plenty of free features when you host your website with them.  The first indication of this is a $1.99 domain name if you purchase one of their already low-cost, feature-rich hosting plans to go with that domain name.  You're going to need a hosting account anyway if you want to see your website live on the Net.  So, why not keep it in the same place as your domain name?

What's in a Name?

What name should you choose?  You've no doubt heard that the shorter the domain name, the better.  It will be easier for people to remember, and more importantly, easier to physically "type" from the keyboard.  It should reflect your business name, contain nothing but letters or numbers, and absolutely should be a .com or .org name.  The length of your domain name can vary.

You will probably find it difficult to register your domain name since it may already be taken.  In this case, if you can't keep it short, try to keep it simple.  For example, if you want to register the domain, "xyzrealtor.com" (where xyz represents the name of your business), you may find that it was registered by someone else long ago.  Instead of adding a dash, like www.xyz-realtor.com, add an "s" to the end, like www.xyzrealtors.com. 

You can even just spell out your business using a combination of your name and the type of business you have, like www.smithrealtors.com.  If that doesn't work, add "inc" to the end of your preferred domain name, like www.smithrealtorsinc.com (if you are incorporated, of course).  But, the most important element in securing a good domain name is that it must be short, and it must be simple to remember.

If your business is called, Ernie's Fabulous Emporium of Recycling and Waste Management Processing, Inc., you will clearly want to try to find a domain name such as "Ernies.com" or "ErniesRecycling.com".  Choosing a domain name that has your physical name combined with your primary purpose of business is always better than a 10-syllable domain name.

Another route would be to choose a .Org name.  Ideally you should be a non-profit organization before you use the .Org extension.  But that hasn't kept ordinary people from registering a domain name with the .org extension.

Never use the .Net, (extension) unless you have a very popular keyword or phrase.  Most are already taken, of course, so you will have a tough time in securing any of them anyway.  Many search engines consider .Net domain names as link farms.  Unless you will be updating your website with useful content on a regular basis, stay away from .Net.

Many people believe it's important to buy up all the possible domain name/extension combinations.  I think it is usually a waste of money.  If you have a trademarked business name and it is a quite popular business you are running, it may make since to register all possible extensions with your domain name.  But, if you are just starting out and don't expect to turn millions of dollars your first year in business, I would recommend you bypass offers for the other extensions. 

How to Register

To register your domain name means to "secure" it for your personal or professional use.  You can usually register it for up to 10 years, but I would recommend no more than a couple of years.  If you like what you have, and your website is providing a return that's of use to you, then you can always add more years to your account.

To get started, go to www.godaddy.com.  Enter the term (domain) you want in the search box on their home page.  No need to add the ".com" to the name as it is already selected.  If you want to check for a .org, .cn, or other extension, select it from the drop down menu beside the term you entered.  Click on the "Go!" button and check the results.  If your chosen domain name is available, you will be able to purchase it immediately.  If not, go back and start your search again.

Follow the steps on the ensuing screens and you will arrive at the checkout screen.  Enter your info and authorize the transaction.  Voila!  You just purchased your new domain name.  You also set up your GoDaddy.com account. 

GoDaddy.com will send you a couple of emails in a few minutes, to the email address you used during signup.  Check those emails to ensure your purchase was a success.  Keep those emails for future reference on how to log into your GoDaddy.com account (account name and password was provided in one of those emails).

Congratulations!  You have the perfect domain name.  Now what? 

It's time to put that domain to use.  In short, it's time to put up a website!  I can help you with that, of course!  Choose a website plan and a free website template, and I'll be in touch.