subject: How To Choose a Domain Name [print this page] How To Choose a Domain Name How To Choose a Domain Name
The choice of a domain name to a large degree determines the fate of a Website. A good domain name can make a Website busy from the start; it plays also a significant role in any Website's SEO and will help a Website achieve respectable search engine ranking. Better yet, a good domain name can be profitable while you use it AND even more profitable when you no longer need it, or want it.
(For those unfamiliar with the importance of domain names, a Website isn't limited to one domain name. It is wise to start with the right domain name to begin with BUT if you didn't there is no need to throw in the towel on your Website. A better domain name can be acquired at any time to make a Website more successful.)
So, how to choose a domain name?
1/ Be humble
There are millions and millions of businesses just like yours Online. Don't assume that you're the first or only one in your line of work. Don't presume that your business name (or your own name) is so famous that it will attract new customers; in the case of a small business you'd be making a gravely mistake.
2/ Think like a consumer
All business owners are guilty of thinking from their own (business owners') perspective. Before you commit to a domain name, stop for a moment and consider how a consumer who doesn't know you - or your business name - would search for a business, product, or service like the one you provide. (Consumers use keyword domain names in their searches!)
Let's imagine that you're a real estate broker. The natural temptation would be to name your Website after your office, right? Before you do ask yourself two questions: how many people know you / your office? (100? 500? 1,000?) Then ask a different question, how many real estate buyers are searching for the products you sell (a house, a condo, a townhouse, or apartment)? Which number is larger?........
These are a few domain names liked by the public (some of them may even be available):
CondosForSaleSF.com
BuyCondoChicago.com
CondominiumForSaleNYC.com
PropertiesForSaleLosAngeles.com
BeverlyHillsPropertyForSale.com
LAApartmentsForRent.com
ApartmentsForRentSF.com
RentApartmentInManhattan.com
ApartmentsForRentPhilly.com
Suppose you're a medical doctor or a dentist, a similar rule applies to you. The vast majority of new patients won't search for you by name. Let's take a look at some keyword domain names (again, some may be available still) used by consumers; they may seem funny to you, but to a consumer making a life-altering decision they're exactly right:
LosAngelesBestPlasticSurgeon.com
BeverlyHillsBestPlasticSurgeon.com
BestDentistInLA.com
BeverlyHillsBestCosmeticDentist.com
BestLapbandSurgeonLosAngeles.com
3/ If you run a local only business, include your location in the domain name
If you happen to be a dentist with a dental office in Los Angeles area, you may think that a great domain name like Dentist.com would get you all the patients. Not so, it is a fabulous domain name but it won't do you any good because even though it would generate a massive number of visitors who are dental patients, those visitors won't necessarily be from California and none of them will travel from far away destination in the country or the world to come to your office.
Take a look at a few keyword domain names (you may be able to get them on Coveted Domain Names) that meet all the criteria:
DinnerInLA.com
DinnerInBeverlyHills.com
HomeImprovementBeverlyHills.com
BeverlyHillsHomeRemodeling.com
LosAngelesCarsOnline.com
AutoInLA.com
LAAutomotiveOnline.com
LACarCare.com
4/ Chase after keyword domain names (they're profitable now and will produce massive dividends later) and seize them if you can.
Surprisingly, many people believe that a personalized domain name such as a business name or the owner's name will help them stand out Online. Not so. Even huge and recognized brands such as Hershey and Grey Goose Vodka that have spent untold millions to promote their brands on the Internet and off have learned that keyword domain names have a massive advantage over brand domain names. 90,500 have looked for Hershey Online; while 1,220,000 were searching for Candy. 74,000 looked for Grey Goose Vodka; but 368,000 searched for Vodka.)
Now you know that it is worth giving more than a passing thought to the question how to choose a domain name. Whether you're planning a Website; have a Website that needs help; or are looking for a profitable investment, the answer is a good domain name. I personally urge you to invest in keyword domain names. The demand for keyword domain names is growing; the supply is very limited; the lucky owner of a sought after domain name - regardless how he or she will use it - is bound to make VERY good money immediately and later on.
