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I found this list a long time ago and saved it in my email because I thought it was pretty good advice. I recently stumbled upon it and thought it may be good for anyone new to domain buying. Have fun and enjoy the tips! :imho:
1. Good domain names are easily memorable and easily typed. Generally this means keeping them short.
2. Hyphens should be avoided if possible. It may make your domain easier to read but it is harder to *say*.
The bottom line with hyphens is that most domains don't include them. So, when you tell someone your domain, they'll probably try typing it without any hyphens.
3. Use a plural form if this seems more natural. If you're selling toy planes, I'd go with "toyplanes.com" instead of "toyplane.com".
4. Domain name search programs. Use them. They are a resource.
5. If you're marketing your products and services primarily to users in a single country (other than the US) then seriously consider using that country's top-level domain.
For example, if you're retailing products primarily to New Zealanders then choose to end your domain with ".nz". In Australia, use ".au" etc. This will help to identify your site as a local one.
On the other hand, if you're marketing your products or services globally (or if you're in the US), use ".com" as your top-level domain.
6. Don't use words that are tough to spell. Similarly, don't use words that are spelled differently in some countries. For example, "ColorChart.com" may confuse those of us in the Antipodes who would probably expect "ColourChart.com".
7. Ensure that there will be no trademark or other legal problems with the domain name you choose.
8. Brand names (e.g. BarnesAndNoble.com) may be preferable to generic names such as "books.com". For many years, it was assumed that generic names were hugely valuable. (Indeed during the late 90s, some generic domain names were selling for millions of dollars.)
These days, many analysts argue that a domain name that features your brand name is more important. For example, if you've invested time and effort building up your brand name (Toyota, for example) you'd be better of using Toyota as your domain name, rather than something generic like "GreatCars".
9. Avoid domain names that are too similar to existing ones. Not only do you want avoid legal issues (tip 7), but you want your brand to be distinct from that of your competitors.
10. Remember, you don't *own* your domain name. You're merely renting it for a specified period. Don't let your domain name expire, or your competitors may snatch it out from under you.
Thanks for reading my post!
1. Good domain names are easily memorable and easily typed. Generally this means keeping them short.
2. Hyphens should be avoided if possible. It may make your domain easier to read but it is harder to *say*.
The bottom line with hyphens is that most domains don't include them. So, when you tell someone your domain, they'll probably try typing it without any hyphens.
3. Use a plural form if this seems more natural. If you're selling toy planes, I'd go with "toyplanes.com" instead of "toyplane.com".
4. Domain name search programs. Use them. They are a resource.
5. If you're marketing your products and services primarily to users in a single country (other than the US) then seriously consider using that country's top-level domain.
For example, if you're retailing products primarily to New Zealanders then choose to end your domain with ".nz". In Australia, use ".au" etc. This will help to identify your site as a local one.
On the other hand, if you're marketing your products or services globally (or if you're in the US), use ".com" as your top-level domain.
6. Don't use words that are tough to spell. Similarly, don't use words that are spelled differently in some countries. For example, "ColorChart.com" may confuse those of us in the Antipodes who would probably expect "ColourChart.com".
7. Ensure that there will be no trademark or other legal problems with the domain name you choose.
8. Brand names (e.g. BarnesAndNoble.com) may be preferable to generic names such as "books.com". For many years, it was assumed that generic names were hugely valuable. (Indeed during the late 90s, some generic domain names were selling for millions of dollars.)
These days, many analysts argue that a domain name that features your brand name is more important. For example, if you've invested time and effort building up your brand name (Toyota, for example) you'd be better of using Toyota as your domain name, rather than something generic like "GreatCars".
9. Avoid domain names that are too similar to existing ones. Not only do you want avoid legal issues (tip 7), but you want your brand to be distinct from that of your competitors.
10. Remember, you don't *own* your domain name. You're merely renting it for a specified period. Don't let your domain name expire, or your competitors may snatch it out from under you.
Thanks for reading my post!
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