Selecting the Right Domain Name for Your Company

One thing has become clear as more and more companies have shifted their business models from storefronts to online sales: the number of available website domain names has dwindled. When searching for the perfect domain name for your business, it can often seem like everything you're looking for is already taken. By following a few simple guidelines, however, you can ensure that the domain name you do purchase will be a worthwhile investment.

Find something unique and memorable

Just about every generic-sounding business domain name has been swallowed up in the past few years. Make sure that your company finds something that will stand out in the minds of customers and clients. Sure, WilsonPlumbing.com might be taken, but what about NoDripWilson.com? Once you get your creativity going, you'll be able to come up with a unique and memorable domain name that your customers won't soon forget.

A word of caution: get creative, but stay relevant. Always try to keep your company name incorporated in the domain and make sure the domain coincides with the ongoing branding strategies. Don't ever misspell part of your company name (Acme Graphics becomes Acme Graphix) for the sake of the domain.

Stick with .com

While there is a plethora of domain extension beyond .com, it's best to stick with the original. Extensions like .net or .biz are often forgotten by potential customers, and the last thing you want is them ending up at a competitor's site because they assumed you're using .com.

Keep it short

Eliminate potential for misspellings or confusion by keeping your domain name concise and to the point. EntrepreneurialSEOSolutions.com may sum up your business perfectly, but by the time a web surfer gets it typed in, they'll probably be ready to move on. The value of brevity can't be stressed too much, so take the time to think about stripping your domain name down to the most essential words.

Avoid Hyphens

Nothing's easier to forget than a dash stuck in the middle of your domain name. Unless your potential customers have the address written down in front of them, they'll probably skip the dashes and end up anywhere but your site. You might be able to find the perfect domain name available with two or three hyphens in it, but there's a reason it's still available! Companies and consumers alike understand that nothing is more aggravating than a domain name littered with hyphens.

Above all, make your domain name something you and your company can be proud of. Domains have become one of the most prominent branding symbols in modern business, so selecting something your company can stand behind is essential. Rushing into a domain that you end up changing in a few months can turn into a re-branding nightmare, so take your time, be patient, get creative, and get ready to find the perfect domain name for your company.