What's in a name: Domain registry 101.
Domain registry! This is the part that everyone rushes to get
to. Yes I agree, it is exciting, your own piece of the
internet. For me this was one of the most difficult parts of the
process.
Let me explain. First, if you have not researched and tested
your theme/niche and you still need help, please review the section on
choosing your concept/theme.
It is
extremely important that you
decided on your theme/niche before you get to this point.
Remember we are building a strong foundation, a strong business.
What happens when you build in sand? Exactly! Deciding on a solid niche, one that you are passionate about and one can be monetized, is extremely important. Ok, enough said.
What makes domain registry so tricky? It is more the name selection that is difficult. A domain name serves a number of functions. It is the address that people will use to find you but it is also your brand.
With your domain name, you aim to please both the search engines as well as their customers. You want a domain name that contains your keywords. You also want a name that is catchy. Something that has a nice ring. People will remember it. Sounds easy enough but as you know there are several ways to approach the questions, here lies the test.
If possible, you’d like to have your concept keyword in your domain name. Having it in your domain name tells people what your website is about. If your website is about bowling ...what would you likely remember better, Bowlingtips.com or some abstract name like Amaxon.com.
I know there are tons of websites out there that have unrelated names. Google for one. However, just remember, for Google, it took quite a bit of advertising $$$ to gain recognition. People now associate it with a search engine (one among many things) but it wasn't always that way. Having a name that tells people what you are about is half the battle.
Now there is some debate about search engines and how relevant domain keywords actually are. Some think that there is still some relevance albeit to a lesser degree, some think not at all. All of these things must be taken into account prior to domain registry.
I say if you can get it in your name, it creates great brand, people remember it, go for it. I think it is a win-win. That is my take on it.
Hyphenated names: The Good, The bad or The Ugly?
There are different schools of thought on hyphens in your domain name. The one issue that I see with it - people generally don’t remember the hyphens. It looks good on paper and it is easy on the eyes but will anyone remember to type the hyphens? Some will, some will not. Would I ever head in to the domain registry process and snap up a name with hyphens in it? You betcha and I will tell you why.
1. Once your website becomes successful, others might want to copy you. What better way to do that than to create a domain name that is similar. Let’s say AlgebraMathTutor.com is a successful site. If someone wanted to copy you why not create Algebra-Math-Tutor.com.
It is a good alternative and people could mistaken one for the other. So what I recommend is picking up both of them when you are ready to register. Pick up both and have the second point to the first. So if you choose Algebra-Math-Tutor.com with the hyphens, a visitor typing the other name without hyphens would still end up at your site.
2. Back to the keyword in the domain name, scoring points with the search engine theory. The basis behind this theory is that it is easier for the search engines to spot your keywords in your domain name with hyphens. How much value there is in that, only Google knows. It doesn't cost that much to own both so why not?
Should I use plurals such as "The", "My" or numbers in my domain registry/domain name?
I think this one is a matter of preference. Ideally we want to choose a domain name that is a short as possible. However, we all know that there are ton of names out there already. People buy them just to sit on them in hopes of making a profit later.
The odds of obtaining the exact name that you want are slim.
You may need to modify it a little. I think using Plurals are ok.
They personalize your domain name and they are sill catchy. If
Bowlingtips.com was not available, Mybowlingtips.com is an
option.
Numbers on the other hand I would avoid in domain names. I know websites that make it work however I just think it is sometimes tricky. People might spell the number and end up at the wrong site or forget it all together.
Which extension should I obtain? .COM, or .NET?
Everyone recognizes ".COM". Dot COM is the most recognized extension worldwide. People automatically tack it on to website names. Could .NET work also? I think it could however do you really want it if someone already has the exact name, a .COM version. Probably not. Again if you can claim both the .net and .com, why not.
As you are developing domain registry name ideas, periodically check on purchase availability. A domain registrar will be able to search the registry for your request and let you know if it is available. Try not to do this too often. It is best to wait until you have narrowed down your selection to just a few options.
Do I need to worry about copycats using my name?
Once you are successful and we know you will be, people may want to imitate your name. The best time to deter this is early on. After your website it successful it may be too late. How do we do this? I hinted at it earlier...
Purchase domain names that are similar to yours
1. Domains names that are an exact duplicate but with hyphens.
2. Domain names that are the plural version of your name. i.e. Don't by website.com without websites.com also.
3. Domain names with the .Net.
It is relatively inexpensive. Consider the extra $30 an investment.
Do I need to worry about trademarks?
I don't think most people do, however I play it safe. The last thing that I need is a legal notice stating that I have to relinquish use and rights to my website domain name because it infringed upon trademark. So, if you want to take the extra steps you can search the Trademark Electronic System. http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/index.jsp
Private Registration
Ok we are making progress....I hope that I didn't lose you. We are almost ready for your domain registry!!!
Similar to having an unlisted phone number and address, you can have unlisted personal info related to the ownership of your website. If you do not select private registration, anyone that wants to locate a website’s owner can do so by using a Whois database. http://www.domainwhitepages.com/
Some people don't mind being listed. You could receive a generous offer for your website someday. If they can't find you they can’t make you an offer. Something to think about.
Domain Registration!
Ok! You made it. We are finally ready for your domain registry. There are a plethora of companies that you can use to register your domain name. Make sure you go to one that is reputable and stay away from those that register them for you for free. Any company that offers domain registry for free makes me wonder if I will really own the domain name at the end of the day.
For other related pages on Domain registry, make sure you check out. Domain registry: Best domain registration.
