What’s in a (domain) Name?

I’m thinking about naming my kids Olive and Caper — “so that they know preciously why they hate you,” jokes my mother.

Taste in baby names is one thing; taste in domain names is another.

What is a domain name? How do you pick a domain name? How do you maximize the effectiveness your domain names? Read on.

What is a domain name?

First, for anyone who doesn’t know a domain name is your address online. For example, www.ladieswholaunch.com. It’s also referred to as a URL.

Here’s the great news: domains are cheap! Dirt-cheap! If you tire of one you can register another. And birthing them is a hellva lot easier than kids from what I hear.

How do I pick a domain name?

If you run a service you might consider naming your domain with your own name. For example, my freelance design portfolio is www.KatieMcCaskey.com. If you have a name that is frequently misspelled I recommend clients also register the common misspellings of their name. Or, I recommend they register a domain name that combines their name with what they do, like AnnesAutoShop.com 

Can you have more than one domain name for one website? Yes, you can. In fact, you can register multiple names and point them all to your website. This is called forwarding or redirecting a URL.

Another thing to consider is that your URL is the first marketing opportunity you have. Therefore, SpaceAgeSewingKit.com might work better than BettyFrankSewingSupplies.com

What if your name is taken?

Should you use hyphens? It's up to you. It’s preferable to have the non-hyphened version only because its one less character a perspective client has to type. Does your competition own the non-hyphenated version?  Choose something else as your "main" url. (But go ahead and register the one with hyphens, too!)

But how do you find a unique name? Be creative! A good way to find out what’s available is to head over to Name Boy and plug in some key words. It spits out various combinations and what’s available. Please note: ordering domains through them isn’t a requirement, and I recommend a different domain name and hosting company.

What extension should I choose?

By far the most common extension is “.com” for “commercial”.  That should be your first choice. The extension “.net” is a good second choice. That stands for “network”.

You may use “.org” if you run a non-profit or “.edu” if you are an accredited school or university. Other extensions include “.info”, (“information”) “.us” (“United States”) and “.tv” (often used for media sites… and much more expensive).  If you have residence in other countries you can use their extensions (e.g., “.co.uk” or “.com.au”). 

Other URL option : Private Registration

Additionally, you can choose to register your domain privately. For a small fee this means the average internet snoop can’t discover your address and telephone number. This is particularly important if you run your business out of your home.

Where Do I Get a New or Additional Domain Names?

You can register your domain name countless places online. I recommend my clients register domains with the same hosting provider they will use for their website. You see, the domain name is just the first step. You’ll also have to pay a hosting fee so that your site is up and running 24/7. Make your life easier and register both with the same company.

I recommend my clients use 1&1 because their prices are fair and their user interface is better than most. Their service allows the average user to go in and make changes to their account on their own without too much tech know-how. I know my clients like that flexibility. I usually recommend the 1&1 business package because it includes three domain names and your website hosting. One-stop shopping! Click here to learn more about 1&1 domain names and hosting packages.

Next time, lets talk hosting! And not dinner parties… let’s talk about hosting websites.

Yours in web creativity,
Katie McCaskey
BeeCre8tive.com

Comments

[prlinkbiz]

Just FYI in regards to 1&1- I just read a post by Rammit over at I will teach you to be rich and he was pretty unhappy with 1&1:
http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/blog/well-that-sucked

[Katie McCaskey]

Here is a good point: with literally thousands of web hosting choices you must find one that works for you.

Personally speaking I've had nothing but good results from 1&1. I find that they are very easy-to-use and manage, particularly for those who are inexperienced. But, like anything else its worth it to do your own research. Or, hire me and I can help you research.

[MWD]

MWD Web Design, Inc. has become a well respected Global Design Firm with our Headquarters located in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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