A domain name is the name of a given web site, for instance: marketing.com. There are certain general proven rules that govern domain names on the internet:
- The shorter the name, the better. Please don’t get excited as most if not all the cool one word names are already taken!
- The domain names that end-up in .com are more popular.
It is true that we are used to searching web sites by typing .com. Hence, a web site ending in .net or worse .info will lose some of its traffic by people typing the wrong web site address.
- The keywords should be included in the domain names. In short, what you are about should be stated in your domain name.
- Hyphens in very moderate quantity are OK in a domain name.
As an example, if you have a golf site, of course golf.com is already taken. If you find a domain name for example like best-golf.com that would be a good name. A general rule is that more than one hyphen will make you lose your customers.
HERE IS AN IMPORTANT INTERNET MARKETING SECRET: YOU HAVE TO ASSUME YOUR AVERAGE CUSTOMER AS BEING AVERAGE!
Hence, I have domain names that only had one hyphen and although I spelled it and emphasized it when telling the person to visit my web site, she still said: “Your web site is not functioning, I just checked.”
ALL RIGHT MISS KNOW-IT-ALL, YOU ARE JUST GETTING ON OUR NERVES!!!
Although I often come across as a person who “knows it all”, I have made more mistakes in my life than I care to admit.
As an example of such mistakes, I chose the wrong domain names for my web sites in the beginning, until I knew better. You want examples?
My main web site for self-hypnosis products and information is called: www.aperfectharmony.com
My main web site for my very popular hypnosis for childbirth is called www.hypno-beginning.com (notice the dash!)
My main web site for a popular hypnosis for a well-being program is called www.myalpha-power.com
These sites all still exist as I am stuck with the brand now.
OOPS!!
HERE IS YOUR CALL TO ACTION:
First make sure you have clearly defined your niche (the market you want to get into) and then think of names that would be appropriate for your web site. Then, log on to any domain name registrar (I use Godaddy.com) and create an account. I know other internet marketers who are not so fond of Godaddy and recommend namecheap.com. Then, you can search for a domain name that will represent your website. Godaddy has a function that can offer you suggestions for related or similar terms for your web site. Then, you can register your domain name. The check-out should be very easy.
Congratulations, you now know the market you want to get into and you have a name for your web site. Next, we will find a nice place to host your web site.
Hence, I have domain names that only had one hyphen and although I spelled it and emphasized it when telling the person to visit my web site, she still said: “Your web site is not functioning, I just checked.”
First make sure you have clearly defined your niche (the market you want to get into) and then think of names that would be appropriate for your web site. Then, log on to any domain name registrar (I use 