8 Tips for choosing a good domain name

Your domain name is your identity, your brand and your message. Getting it right out of the gate is tantamount to your success. Here are eight tips for choosing a great domain name.

1. Shorter is Better

You want to pick a name that is memorable and easy to recall. If you choose long name chances are your customers will get the name wrong or wont remember. Also try to avoid abbreviations or acronyms unless you are a well-known established brand.

2. Make it Easy to Spell

This is pretty self explanatory. If your customers have trouble spelling your name then they won’t get to your site and also get frustrated.

3. Avoid Numbers and Hyphens

People general don’t think about name or break sentences with hyphens and numbers. These are awkward and goes against trying to make your domain name as easy to type and recall as possible.

4. Make it Relevant and/or Unique

Your name should be relate to your business. Customers must get right away what your product and services are just from the name.

If you can get a unique and fun name this adds to it being memorable and help brand awareness.

5. Avoid Trademarks and Copyright Infringements

Stay away from variations, intentional misspellings or abbreviations of existing brands. Don’t use hyphens either to justify the name is different.

6. Don’t be misinterpreted

The fact that domain names don’t have spaces and shouldn’t contain hyphens ( see above ) could lead to grouping of letters that can create different words unintentionally example whorepresents.com (WHO REPRESENTS or…..)

7. Don’t take alternates if .COM is taken

If your chosen name is already taken try avoid taking the alternative .info, .org or .net etc. If you do you have already created a situation where customers will be confused and frustrated since most time people will type .com.

Also you have created competition for search keywords with the .com company who undoubtedly will win since its a more popular top level domain name.

Plus you could be violating Trademark and Branding of an existing business.

8. Avoid Intentional Misspellings

Don’t use alternative pop culture spellings for you name because your chosen name is already taken. For example don’t use suckstobephat.com in place of suckstobefat.com

Conclusion (TL:DR;)

The gist:

1. Shorter is better 
2. Make it easy to spell 
3. Avoid numbers and hyphens 
4. Make it relevant and/or Unique 
5. Avoid Trademarks and Copyright Infringements 
6. Don't be misinterpreted 
7. Don't take alternates is .COM is taken 
8. Avoid Intentional Misspellings 

If you have any domain questions give a shout out in the comments section.