From the perspective of Search Engine Optimization, or SEO, have all the good domain names really being taken?  Indeed, most 7 characters or less domain names with the key extensions are taken, however, the selection of a suitable www domain for your business is still possible if you remain flexible.  Furthermore, search engine optimization, or SEO, does not depend heavily on the www name you select.

The real value in the name you choose from a search perspective is how easily to be remembered and spelled.  Of the two types of visitors to your site, human visitors and search engines, the ability of a person to remember your domain name and spell it correctly to pass it on to others via viral have exceedly outweighs any SEO value. Search engines are robots and don’t care.

Using some words like “greatest” or “best” for example,  in your domain name is thought by some to be a disadvantage as it will be penalized by search engines.   Do bear in mind that search algorithms change often and therefore, you may not be really penalized for using such words.  However, in consideration, on the other hand,  the reaction of your human visitors, they may feel you over boast without the content and turn off totally. Therefore, for a serious small business commercial enterprise, please avoid such useless adjectives in the domain name.

In other cases a commercial enterprise in business for profit should not select a dot ORG domain simply because the dot COM was taken. The mindset of getting one particular name should be reconsidered especially if it’s your first online venture.  Here’s a breakdown of the most desirable domain extensions and the usual purpose of each:

COM – Commercial for profit enterprise
INFO – Information only related website
NET – Companies providing internet services
ORG – Non-profit organizations

Certainly there are many more like BIZ, US, WS, PER, SG, CN, TV… and others which are all reasonable choices, but for commercial small business my recommendation is always acquire a dot COM www domain name.

Using a company name is okay, and expected if it is famous and popular.  There is, however, little or no value as far as keywords in www domain to attract visitors, so is that a mistake for search engine optimization? Certainly not. The fact is that having generic phrases relative to the business in the content that will made it to Google page one: thus, the key is…not the domain!

Here’s some advice to help you when choosing a new dot COM business website domain name.

Start out with a list of about 10 domain names that you would like to have.  Next, make a list of market related single word terms about what you do and the customer base you service.  If your market is localized, consider geographical terms that relate to where you sell or provide services. Spend some time brainstorming to come up with the initial names and additional lists of single word terms. You may want another list of significant initials.

Next, search for “WhoIs” in Google to find free online services that keep a database of available domain names, and follow the link in the search results. Each database has a search box which allows you to input the domain name and extension. Begin with your first choice and work down the list and keep track of available names for review later. It may not be easy, so try combinations of the key terms as you continue to search, and keep in mind you want a domain name that is easy to spell and remember. By the time you’re done you should have a half dozen or more available names, so take your time and select the best one, and then register the name immediately.

The domain name may not be significant for search engine optimization, but the length of your registration can be. My advice is registering domains for 2 years minimum, and 5 to 10 years if that’s in your budget. Search engines consider that the length of your registration reflects your commitment to be online long term, so at today’s prices 5 years is practical and should cost less than $50 USD.

In conclusion, the concept that all the good domain names are taken is a myth. You may not get exactly what you want, but practical options are available with a little research and due diligence.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Share

More SEO tips...