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Domain Name Registration -
Key Tips
Copyright © 2006 Keith Thompson
Domain name registration is a necessary, easy, and strategically
important first step in establishing an online presence, whether for
business or otherwise. A well-chosen domain name registration can
set you up for success with your new site in so many ways, the most
prominent of these being increased search engine traffic. Here's
some vital elements to consider when executing your domain name
registration.
A good domain name registration, particularly for an online
business, (which is the main focus of this article) is easily done,
but at the same time requires choices that will impact your site's
effectiveness. So here, in no particular order, are some things to
bear in mind when doing a domain name registration.
The extension - Will it be a .com, .net, .org, .info etc. Any of
these will get spidered and indexed by the search engines, but if
you can get a .com for your chosen name you'd be better off, as this
extension is more common and carries an air of legitimacy with it.
Try not to have you domain name registration with your web host. The
reason being that should you decide to part ways with your host,
(and this isn't uncommon!) it's potentially a massive headache to
move your domain as well. Split them up: you'll be glad you did!
Your domain name registration, purchased from a reputable company
should run you somewhere between $1-10, depending on the extension
and the amount of time you sign up for.
Probably the most important aspect of your domain name registration
is the choice of keywords to use in your domain name. Try to use the
main keyword or phrase you'd like to optimize the whole site for,
and see if you can craft a domain name around it. The search engines
seem to favor keyword-rich domain names. Nuff said.
Keep it short if possible. A shorter name is easier to remember than
a long one.
Don't use your company name unless it has your keywords in it.
There's no point in ranking high for your name if no one is looking
for it yet.
Try to keep your domain name registration topically relevant. As
search engines get smarter and smarter, sites that display total
relevance will rank higher than catch all sites.
Lastly, be sure to avoid other companies trademarks and copyrights
in your domain name. For example, let's say you're an affiliate of
The Sharper Image. It's tempting to use some version of that name to
promote your affiliate site, but don't do it, unless of course you'd
like to meet their lawyers!
To sum up, your domain name registration is easy to do, but
important to do well. It can make the difference in whether you get
found or not!
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Keith Thompson is the webmaster at http://www.domain-name-registration-today.com
where you will find the latest news and information on domains.
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