Are you looking to buy a great domain name? Here are a number of suggestion to show you how to choose a domain name!

Firstly here are a few Dos:
– do try for a short domain, as it is easier to remember and spell a short domain
– do try and get one that is easy to spell and tell someone over the ‘phone
– do try the .com, .net, and .org domains first – these are the preferred domains. There is a plethora of new domains being released every day, so if  one of these three are not available, try a different extension.

and Dont’s:
– try not to get the same letters together, because when you spell it out, you will end up saying “double …” all the time. As an example “cheappeaches.com”
– try not to put a hyphen in the domain name too – it might look a bit better like this “cheap-peaches.com” but be assured that you will be tired of telling everyone there is a hyphen in your domain.
– do not use another company’s trademark name. For example, if you use the domain name WindowsSoftwareGuide.com, Microsoft may well come calling, send you a cease and desist order and take your domain.
Keywords:
This is somewhat determined by the nature of your business and the approach that you wish to follow. Is your website of you, or a brand, of is it for a local business or shop? Perhaps less important now that in the early internet days, can be still a good idea to try for a domain name that matches your service. Visitors who will be searching for “new york plumber” are probably more likely to click on a domain like “newyorkplumber.com” than perhaps “joeplumbingtrade.com”

Of course there are exceptions. Think “google” or “bing” or microsoft” or “apple” or “KFC”. These are brand names and not keyword-rich domains, however are instantly recognisable because of the millions of dollars they spend each year in promoting their brand.

You should also try to buy your own name as a domain for reputation management purposes.

Once you brainstormed a few possible options, you can check them for availability. I use “NameCheap” which is where I buy all my domains. It lists a large number of domain extensions too, not just the main .com, .biz and .org. Note that domains cost different amounts depending upon the extension, and a number have restrictions on them too. For example, the .com.au domains (for Australian businesses have a minimum 2-year purchase and you have to have an Australian Business Number to register them.

To go there now, click on the NameCheap ad right here. Note that I will probably collect a small commission, if you click through and make the purchase.

Contact me if you have any issues, and I should be able to help you choose a great domain!