Web marketing (part 3)

When you're ready to launch your web site and you're trying
to select a good domain name, there are many factors that need
to be taken into consideration.

Select a Domain Name that Reflects Your Web Site

Above all else, your domain name should reflect what your web
site is all about. For example, if your web site is about
grooming a dog, you certainly wouldn't want to select a domain
name like 'mybusinessname.com,' since this would have nothing to
do with your web site's focus. You would want to select a domain
name that tells the world what your web site is all about --
something like 'doggrooming.com.'

Select a Domain Name that Contains Your Web Site's Keywords

Another consideration of great importance are your keywords.
Try to select a domain name that contains your most relevant
keyword phrase because some Search Engines place relevancy on
them. A keyword phrase is two or more words that best describe
your web page. If your web page is focusing on grooming a dog,
your best keyword phrase will be "dog grooming."

Select a Domain Name that will be Easily Remembered

With millions of web sites accessible on the Internet, it is
also very important to select a domain name that will be easily
remembered. As in the 'doggrooming.com' example above,
'doggrooming.com' is very easily remembered, contains the most
relevant keyword phrase and describes the web site in explicit
detail. It is the 'perfect' domain name for this particular web
site.

Select the Best Domain Extension

Another consideration of importance is the domain name extension.
Although there are many new domain extensions available, dotcom
is still the best choice. When typing in a web address, Internet
users automatically want to type in a .com extension, since this
is the extension that has been embedded into our brains from the
start.

Avoid Using Numbers in Your Domain Name

Although you may be tempted to do so, avoid using numbers within
your domain name. Including a number within your domain name can
cause problems. When you tell someone your web address, you will
continually have to tell them it's a number and not the word. For
example, if you selected a domain name like number1host.com, if
you were to tell someone your web address, they may try to type
it as 'numberonehost.com' instead of 'number1host.com.' This type
of domain name can cause confusion.

Avoid Using Abbreviations Within Your Domain Name

Although well-known companies, such as IBM, can get away with
using abbreviations within their domain name, most companies
can't. As a rule, try to avoid using abbreviations or anything
that will be difficult for your visitors to remember. Not only
will this cause confusion, but it can also cause your potential
visitors to make spelling mistakes when trying to type in your
web address.

Avoid Using Long Domain Names

Although you may now register long domain names, it's really not
a good idea. In the first place, if it's too long, it won't fit on your business cards or other print pomotional items. Secondly, the longer the domain name the harder it is to remember and the more apt your potential visitors are
to make a typo when typing it into their browser.

Ensure Your Domain Name is Not a Trademark Infringement

Prior to registering a domain name, you may want to consider
searching the Trademark Electronic Search System,
http://www.uspto.gov/main/trademarks.htm to ensure your
potential domain name isn't infringing on any trademarks.

Please don't take this point lightly, as trademark infringement
could cost you your entire business. It is your responsibility
to ensure that your potential domain name doesn't infringe on
any registered trademarks, as the trademark laws that apply in
the hard copy world also apply on the Internet. Any company that
registers a trademark has the right to protect their trademark
and has the right to notify you that your domain name is
infringing upon their trademark.

When you're ready to begin, create a list of a dozen or more
potential domain names, as chances are, your first choice will
already be taken. With any luck, one of the domain names on your
list will be available.

Take your time and select a quality domain name that will grow
with your business. It will be well-worth your time and effort
in the long run.