5 Steps To Choosing A Domain Name
Before we go over the 5 steps to choosing a domain name we need to answer the question: “why do I need my own domain name?” Take a look at my last article:
5 Reasons You Want Your Own Domain Name
You’ve probably heard of domain names before, but what actually is a domain name. An example of a domain would be:
www.example.com
The domain name for this website is theglobalworkplace.com.
5 Steps To Choosing A Domain Name
- Branding Versus Keywords - should you use keywords (words that describe your blog) or a name that is more brandable or generic. I prefer keywords for a couple reasons:
- Keywords communicate to your reader as to what your blog as about.
- It helps with search engine rank. Search engines take a look at the keywords in a domain.
- Length - technically you can have up to 67 characters, but you want to keep it short (easier to remember). This domain name is about as long as I’d like to get: theglobalworkplace.com. 18 characters in this domain name.
- DotCom - The letters after the dot (.com, .net, .org) is called the Top Level Domain. You preferably want to get a .com top level domain. If that’s not available then a .net or .org is a second choice. If at all possible try to get a .com, .net, or .org.
- Hyphens, numbers, and other characters - I prefer using only the 26 letters of the alphabet.
- Finding an available domain name using domain tools. The Domain Tools website is a great site for finding alternative domain names.
- Go to the Domain Tools website
- Click the “Suggestions” tab on the top horizontal navigation bar.
- Type your preferred domain in the “Domain Suggestions” text box and click Search.
- You’ll see your domain, if it’s available, and suggested domain names.
Of course there are many other things too consider when choosing a domain name. However, I just wanted to get a quick and easy way for average users/bloggers to quickly find that perfect domain name. If you want to do some extra research on the topic try visiting Problogger.net’s article Choosing the Domain Name for your blog.
One last thing…a great resource are your friends an family. Tell them your blog topic and have a brainstorming session. Your sure to find a great name with the collective minds of friends and family.
Action Items
- Choose a domain name
What do you think? Do you have any other suggestions for choosing a domain name?
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