subject: Web Designers: Use a Great Domain Name to Boost Client's SEO [print this page] Web Designers: Use a Great Domain Name to Boost Client's SEO
If you're developing a web page, either from scratch or redeveloping a current website, discussing with your client about using an excellent domain name should be something you cover.
Typically, most people and your client's are going to want a ".com" domain with a URL that's short. Today, however, it's more difficult to secure those with the rise in online businesses and those having a website.
For example, let's say you're designing a new web site for a company called John's Plumbing Company in Roswell, New Mexico. Unfortunately, there is another company called John's Plumbing in the state of New York and they have already secured the domain "JohnsPlumbing.com." You may consider, at this time, using a URL that ends with .org or .biz. However, there is a downfall with doing this because customers may not think to look at the ending URL and then end up hiring a New York plumber while living in New Mexico.
Another area that should be avoided is using underlines or hyphens in domain names. They can also cause confusion for the customer or client, not to mention the difficulty that is included when typing those names. Using hyphens and underlines in URLS are equally as difficult to verbally explain. Let's face it; most people just aren't as computer savvy as you are.
An alternative to using the two suggestions stated above is using a powerful and longer domain name. A longer domain name can boost the SEO and may be easier to secure, especially if you want to use a .com.
For example, customers looking for a plumber in Roswell will probably Google "John's Plumbing" if they know the specific name. If they aren't familiar, they will probably just search "plumber." Additionally, they will probably add "Roswell" to their Google search to find a local plumber.
Therefore, you might suggest using "JohnsPlumbingRoswell.com" so that the one in New York isn't associated with the one in New Mexico. Furthermore, when customers are searching, this will most likely be one of the first to show up. Overall, it's so much better than using "johns_plumbing.com"
All you need to do is chat with your client and possibly have a brainstorming session to get some words rolling around that are related to the company.
