How do I choose a domain name?

When you are initially stepping into the World Wide Web, it can become a very daunting experience. What with unfamiliar web jargon and people who seem to know much more than you. At Brandsplash we aim to provide you with the best internet-based products and services at all times.

Choosing a domain name is the first step in giving your business an online presence. However, knowing what domain name to choose is something you need to pay attention to. Here are a few points to act as a guideline:

Company Name

Your business name is ideally the best domain for you to initially register, as it maintains your company identity and is easily recognisable to your existing clients. Ensure that it is easy to remember and the URL works i.e. short and if possible, try make sure its catchy too!

NOTE: If your business is named Air Fresh Car Air Conditioners – it is far too cumbersome for people to remember exactly, so look at something that is pertinent but shorter, like airfresh.co.za or afc.co.za.

Creating Choices

If you can afford to register more than one domain, it is a good idea to look for domain names relevant to your business. Create a list so that you have them on hand to check. Search for them here.

This is a good way to ensure people who don’t know your business, can still find you by pointing other domains to your website. You will be able to create traffic via these websites to your website. Using the example above, you could look at registering caraircon, carfresh, aircon4cars, airconforcars, etc.

Using TLDs, 2ndTLDs & gTLDs

Consider registering TLD (Top Level Domain) variations of the .co.za domain, especially if your first choice has already been registered by someone else, you may find that the TLD version is still available, e.g. .com, .net, .org or the generic .info gTLD.

NOTE: The .com is the most well recognised TLD, followed by .net, .org and then the generic .info. Again these can all be pointed to your primary website and could gain you an advantage over your competitors.

Using Characters

You may be able to register your company name by using a hyphenated version, e.g. airfresh.co.za may already be registered, then possibly air-fresh.co.za may still be available. If you do use this then make sure everyone knows about the hyphen, otherwise, you will lose potential new customers to the other website. When using numbers as a substitute for a word e.g. 2 and 4, remember that being smart, may not be very clever.

Added to this, it needs to become part of your branding as well, so it becomes more recognisable. The same would apply if you wanted to register thecaraircon.co.za, remember to include ‘The’ in the website design and any printed material as well. In the case of aircon4cars.co.za, the 4 would have to be accounted for in the rest of the business advertorials.

NOTE: A domain will only accept letters, numbers and the hyphen character, all other characters are unacceptable.

At Brandsplash we also offer you the ability to search for multiple domains, as well as to register for multiple domains. You can also transfer an existing domain to us.

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