Domain Names

Miranda

Miranda

Domain Names
 Quick Guide

What is a domain name?

A domain name is the address that identifies where your business website lives on the internet. Just like a street address identifies where you reside. Your website address is one of the key elements to setting up your business website. Website = Domain Name + Hosting + Website Design

A domain name consists of your chosen name (often your business name) followed by an extension, otherwise known as a TLD (top-level domain). The TLD is the part of the address that comes after the dot. There are generic TLDs and country-specific TLDs. These include .com, .com.au, .net, .gov, .edu and .biz.

Laptop on bench with Google on screen

How do I pick a good domain name?

There are a number of factors to consider when picking an address for your website. Here are some considerations.

Do

  • Make it short.
  • Try to include keywords.
  • Pick a suitable TLD. Generally your country TLD is best.
  • Research keywords in your niche to help you find a suitable address.
  • Choose an address that is easy to say and remember.

Don't

  • Don't use hyphens and numbers as this can be confusing.
  • Don't try to be tricky or fancy. Straightforward is best.
  • Don't go crazy purchasing multiple addresses.*

*Some companies recommend buying various addresses covering all variations of your business name, related keywords, misspelled variations and all the common TLDs to secure your business and drown out the competition. This method is expensive, creates many hassles and can actually make ranking your site in search engines harder (more about SEO here). This appears to be nothing more than a tactic used by domain sellers to squeeze more money out of you. It is bad advice and is likely to be more detrimental than beneficial.

In short, pick a simple, snappy domain name with the most fitting TLD, which is usually the TLD specific to the country you are operating in (ie .com.au).

How much should I pay for a domain name?

The cost of domain names for most sellers starts at $14.95 per year and are purchased for 2 year timeframes. Search for a domain name now.

I have a domain name, now what?

Once you have settled on a domain name for your website you will need somewhere to place the files that will make up your website. This is called hosting.