Choosing a Domain

[Detrition]

Learning how to choose a domain is very important and you don’t want to be in a situation when you have to change your domains. So follow these tips and ponder for a few days until you find the perfect domain name. I will teach you how to choose as domain in this post.

1. Stick to a TLD – A TLD is a domain name extension like .com, .net, and .org. Stick with these. They are the most widely recognized and trusted. You wouldn’t want a a .info domain simply because it is seen a “cheap.”

2. No Words with Multiple Spellings and no Two Letters in a row – Words that you can spell in multiple ways are a big NO because what happens when someone who cannot spell well tries to type your domain and gets it wrong? Loss of traffic. Also don’t have domains like youtubeearly.com because people will forget if you had one or two e’s.

3. Snag all variations if possible – If you find your gem domain, snag all available variations. This means .com, .net, .org, plural, singular, etc. Everything helps and than just redirect it all towards your main domain.

4. Keywords – Try your best to include your website’s niche and keywords in the domain. If you site is about web hosting try to have the word hosting in your domain. This helps with SEO and recognition and is one of the best ways to learn how to choose a domain.

5. Avoid slang and numbers – Try not to have slang like “u” for “you” or have numbers like 0 that can be confused for “o” and don’t use 2 for “too” etc. Be professional.

6. Easy to remember and type – A nice domain should be easy to remember and type. For example, halobb.com is a great domain. It is short, niche related, and VERY easy to type.

7. Check for expired domains – Use this tool to check for expired domains. Some might have backlinks, PR, or even traffic already!

Try to think of a domain you can see on a billboard or something similar. A domain you could remember if you were visiting someone else. Think long and hard. If you want the truth on how to choose a domain don’t be quick to buy a domain because in my experience you’ll always find a better one in a little bit. Hopefully you learned how to choose a domain.

[Epic.]

Thanks for the guide, real basic stuff but still people need to know.

[Spork]

I actually really like this tutorial It gives a nice, in-depth reason as to why you shouldn't use it. Also, for a 'TLD', would a .pro, .me, .us, etc be a good idea to choose?

[Detrition]

Those domains aren't TLD's.

[jung3o]

(02-27-2012 10:12 AM)Spork Wrote:  I actually really like this tutorial It gives a nice, in-depth reason as to why you shouldn't use it. Also, for a 'TLD', would a .pro, .me, .us, etc be a good idea to choose?

for .us you are not allowed to get whois protection
and you need to be a U.S. citizen to register for it.

The only reason (for me) to use TLD is to look professional and it's cheap most of the time.

.me sounds like all about "me" which most likely to be a personal site.
.pro sounds like a domain extension for a commercial product.

the gTLDs are really expensive either when you buy it for the first time or when you are going to renew the domain for additional 1 year.

[Castiel]

My domain http://halo4.cc is short and memorable...but not brandable or a TLD

[jung3o]

(03-04-2012 08:42 AM)Castiel Wrote:  My domain http://halo4.cc is short and memorable...but not brandable or a TLD

I would've gotten a .me for my domain, but I noted the renewal costs a lot.

[Ralph]

I think I'm gonna go buy a domain now :p

[berekdinda]

Helpful red ,.
Guys If you building a brand then the exact name of the brand should be your domain name. In this case it does seem rather long and may even be viewed as spammy looking but I think this one of those instances where the brand name should take precedence.

[JankuiZ]

What can you do with expired domains?