How To Select A Good Domain Name
How to select a good domain name for your website
1. Keep it short
Go for domain names that are shorter than 10 characters. The shorter the better . Not only are shorter domain names easier to remember but also are less of a chore compared to typing a 50 character long domain name.
Good Examples : google.com, digg.com, yahoo.com, fark.com
Bad Example : localb2bbusiness4u.com, grandmasorchidsbusiness.com
2. Select a memorable name
A memorable name guarantees repeat visitors. Even if your visitors liked your website, if they can’t remember the address, they will have a hard time coming back to your website. Memorable domain names need not be short or be made of one word. Play around with combination of two words for domain names that are striking and memorable.
Good Examples : reddit.com, youtube.com, amazon.com
Bad Examples : a–9.com, a-immobilienmarkt.com, m3skrna.com
3. Avoid hypens and numbers
Word of mouth is one of the most common ways a website spreads. By using hypens and numbers you will hamper that. Of course there are exceptions to rules, but use hypens and numbers carefully .
4. Don’t follow trends
Remember the ‘Web 2.0′ trend in domain names? Domain names with omitted vowels and the ones that sound like baby talk. Sure there have been successful websites with those kind of names, but trends have never guaranteed success, it’s originality and ingenuity that make up the recipe for success.
Good Examples : yahoo.com, hotmail.com, twitter.com
Bad Examples : twubs.com, qoop.com, thoof.com, galxz.com, mzinga.com, noqeo.com, zooomr.com, zixxo.com, viddyou.com, sclipo.com, cluztr.com, oooooc.com, soonr.com, pluggd.com, crush3r.com
5. Try to avoid words that are commonly spelt wrong
For a good domain name, it is best to use words that are spelt easily . Words may be misspelt due to typos or confusions or differences in the languages itself. Try to avoid words that are commonly misspelt, words like vacuum, manoeuvre, occassion, neighbour etc. Wikipedia link for a list of commonly misspelled words.
6. Try to get the relevant top-level domain for your website name
Top-level domain (TLD) is the last part of the domain name – .com, .net, .org, .edu, .gov, .de, .nl etc. If you are a business, it is best to get the .com of the name or a derivative. To most people, .com represent a website. In case you could not get the .com, you try .net. If you are an organization, it is imperative that you have the .org domain name. If your target is country-specific, you can go for the country code. Wikipedia: Top-level domain
7. Does it sound brandable?
If something sounds brandable , probably it’s a good domain name. Maybe you don’t really plan on creating a brand out of your website,but you never know what is in store for you in future. Besides, no one likes to visit a website that sounds horrid.
Good Examples : sun.com, adbrite.com
Bad Example : fixlooqr.com, oooooc.com
Follow the guidelines above to ensure you have a good quality domain name.After you come up with or choose your domain name,confirm it is indeed a good one with Domometer .
