eCommerce Blog

Step Number One – How to Select the Perfect Domain Name.

It’s easy to get the impression that all of the great domain names are already taken.  While there’s an awful lot of truth to that statement, there are still good names available for small business owners.  Here are a couple of strategies to nab that perfect domain.

The most inexpensive way to find a domain name is by searching through available domain names.  The cost to hand register a domain name ranges from $7.59 to $9.99 on average.  Try name.com, godaddy.com, namecheap.com, or dynadot.com.  All of these registrars are dependable and good at what they do.

As a side note, it is a good rule of thumb to keep your domain registrar and hosting provider separate.  How to choose a great hosting company will be featured next in this blog.

The consensus is that registering a .com extension is generally the best.  For the most part this is true.  However, there are many successful .net, .org, and .us websites on the net.  I would suggest taking a .net only if the .com is not already developed.  No reason the send type-in traffic to your .com neighbor.  Most of your customers will have an easier time remembering your .com extension.

When choosing the domain name, consider how easy the name is to recall, how natural the domain sounds in conversation, and how easy it would be for the would-be customer to type the domain name in without any errors.

One of the resources I like to use when searching for a domain name is domaintools.com.  Domain Tools has a suggestion area to check for similar names in the event the name you want is already taken.  Once you find a name you can live with, then it is time to register the domain name with one of the afore-mentioned registrars.

The next way to find a great name is one that is at auction.  NameJet.com is a great site to pick up expired domain names, names that the owners failed to renew.  There are a lot of choice domain names at this site.  However, the cost can skyrocket in a hurry with just a few interested bidders.

The bottom line for the domain name: make sure the domain is short.  Two words (maybe three words) is optimum.  Make sure the domain sounds natural and is easily remembered.  Try and get a .com.  Leave dashes and numbers out of the domain name.  These are all generalizations, and there are definitely exceptions to this rule.  But, by and large, you will position yourself to more success with a decent domain name.