How to Pick a Domain Name for a Web Site
Domain names can be cheap to acquire -- but they are nothing to take lightly. Once you choose a domain for your website, it becomes part of who you are on the Internet. You market it, print it on your business cards and attach it to your signature. In addition, a website's domain name is often integrated with the text and design of that website. Once you pick a domain, it becomes impractical to change it. So get it right the first time. Buy a domain you will be happy with.
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Instructions
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Think of a name that describes your website. If you already have a name for your business, or if you know what to call it, that should be your domain name. Also think up some alternatives in case your first choice is already registered to someone else.
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Use a keyword tool to get ideas. Try Google Adwords' Keyword Tool or Google Wonder Wheel. Many profitable and popular keyword-based domain names are already taken, but keep trying. Dream up key phrases that you think people are likely to use to search for your website's topic.
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Decide if you are going to use a country-code top-level domain or not. Country code domains are a good choice if your website is targeted at a specific country or territory. On the other hand, if you are targeting an international or American market, it is better to stick with .com and other top-level domains (TLDs). Moreover, country-code TLDs may have restrictions on who can register them.
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Make a list of all the potential domains you have come up with. Include variations of each name and top-level domains.
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Look up these domain name ideas online. Domain registrars and Web hosts provide domain and WHOIS lookup services. Try your own Web host. If you find an available domain name you like, you may be able to register it instantly with that host. Mark off your list those domain names that are already taken.
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Ask other people which names they would like. Show them the domain names you are considering and ask them which they like best. Disclose this information only to people you trust with your business information.
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Narrow down your choices. You should have several names now that you and other people like. Imagine each domain on your business card, in search engine results and links. Ask yourself what looks and feels right to you.
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Register your domain name at a domain name registrar or with your Web host. Act quickly before another person buys that domain.
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Tips & Warnings
Choose a name that is easy to remember and type. Avoid long names or names that are easily misspelled.
You can register multiple domains.
If you register a domain that does not end with .com, use its full name on your website. If you omit the .net, .org or other top-level domain, people might assume your domain ends with .com. This could take them to another website.
Check out message boards and answer forums for inspiration. The way people ask questions can give useful domain name ideas.
Check the reputation of the domain registrar before you use it to look up domains.
Be prepared to buy your domain as soon as you find out it is available. If you do not, you might find it registered by someone else afterward.
