Loading... This is where it all starts when creating a web site. Finding the right domain name… one that makes sense for your business, isn’t too long or complicated, and is available.
Some things to remember:
- Shorter is better
- No “cute” spellings
- Hypen if you must (better to avoid, but sometimes you just can’t)
Domain names are inexpensive, that’s the good thing. I personally register all of my domains with one registrar and I find them very easy to deal with: 1and1.com. Their prices are low and I like the idea of keeping the domain names separate from the hosting (even though the domain name is frequently free with hosting) because if I should decide to change host it takes only minutes to redirect the domain name rather than a few weeks that it can take to do a full transfer of registrar.
One of thing that drives me crazy, along with most other honest business people, is domain name “squatters.” These are people and/or businesses that have bought thousands of domain names with the intent on selling them at higher prices. I tried for years to get cdg.com and it was owned by a non-profit that wasn’t using it. I wrote countless letters, even offering a small amount of money. Never got a response. I tried to get it when it expired (I even set an alarm), but alas, someone else got it. Last time I checked they had it up for sale for several thousand dollars. Jeepers. I’m a small business and I don’t have that kind of money. Oh well.
I was successful, however in procuring the domain name garagesalefinder.com for my garage sale mapping site. The previous owner had wanted to do basically the same thing I am doing, but simply didn’t have time and sold it to me for a reasonable amount. Not as short as some names, but very easy to remember.
In any case, sometimes it takes a bit of work to come up with a good domain name. One of the tools I find indispensable is: Domain Tools.