Setting up a website today is rather easy. All you have to do is think up a domain name that the site shall forever use, and get the hosting company to help you out creating a layout for the website. Well, the major hurdle that you shall have to jump across is selecting an appropriate domain name. What are the common mistakes that people make when they select a domain name? Read on and find out so that you can avoid the same mistakes and ensure that your website’s identity remains top-notch.
1. Clone Names – Selecting domain names resembling that of another company might seem like a nice way to get spillover hits but this simply makes your website appear to be a knock-off rather than the original. Moreover, it comes with legal hassles.
2. Going Away From Common Suffixes – If you have already settled on a name but that seems to be taken in the .com or .net addresses then think up a different name. Businesses that select offbeat suffixes tend to be etched out of memory too soon.
3. Weird But Impressive Names – It’s fine to select a quirky or impressive domain name but try to adhere to names that display what your site is about. Moreover, try to be simple in the selection process so others can remember the domain name rather easily.
4.Long Winding Names – The longer a domain name the harder it is to remember. Try to stay short and sweet.
5.Generic Costs A Lot – The idea that a generic name will get a lot more hits is true but the majority of generic names have already been purchased and you will have to spend a tiny fortune to get them. Instead, try other names and use the saved up money in development or promotional activities.
6. Awkward Spellings – Using odd spellings may seem like an amusing domain name idea but never attempt this if you cannot own all related and appropriate spelling names. Otherwise, people will get diverted elsewhere.
7. Thinking About The Name Late – If you are a startup business then now is the time to decide on a domain name while thinking up a business name. Many folks wait till later only to realize that there are no domain names close to their business name. The day you settle on a business name, make sure you purchase the rights to a close domain name for later use.
8.Lack of Research – Before actually selecting a domain name see what websites pop up when you misspell the name. Many businesses have been known to lose out to competitors because they choose a name close to that of the competition.
9. Using Dashes in Domain names – Today, dashes are seldom used in domain names because they are frustrating to spell and type. Refrain from such practices.
10. Frustration Induced Names – Granted that it is difficult to search for great unregistered domain names but if you settle for a hard to remember the name then you are hurting your business. Keep thinking until an easy name comes to mind.