Your domain name, pt 1
INTRODUCTION
I first learned the KISS method when I was in the U.S. Navy, and I’ve used it as much as possible ever since. Choosing your domain name is a great place to “keep it simple.”
When coming up with business name ideas, make sure they are easy to say, spell, type, and remember. Also, keep them short!
Follow these guidelines to choose an easy-to-share domain name.
Sure, keeping these rules makes deciding on a name more difficult for you.
But once you’re done, you’re done. A poorly chosen domain name will be a continual pain point for everyone who needs to use it. So not worth it.
Lesson 1
Consider which Top Level Domains (TLD) are appropriate for your business.
Start with some definitions
The website address for this site is "janefisher.us"
"janefisher" is the domain name
".us" is the domain extension or TLD.
This TLD indicates that my business is based in the United States.
The TLD shows the type of network and gives clues about the website's purpose or origin. Websites from other countries often have a country code in their domain (like .uk, .ca, .ng).)
The two most common domain extensions are .com and .net. They are used for commercial businesses and networks. Sometimes, a .net domain is used as an umbrella site for smaller websites of the same business. Other extensions include .org (generally non-profit organizations), .edu (education platforms), and .gov (government).
Note: there are few restrictions about what domain name a website must use. A business can choose either .com or .org. Government websites are the only ones that can have .gov in their domain name. Yet, you might find government websites with different domain extensions. For example, some public schools use .org.
The most familiar TLD is .com. It's been the primary TLD for a very long time, so it can be tough to find a domain name that’s not already in use as a .com. Pick a few of the newer TLDs ahead of choosing your domain name. That will give you options that otherwise might not be available.
An exhaustive list of TLDs is found here. Each vendor who registers domain names has a list of the TLDs they use. This list will change from one registrar to another.
To help you understand, check out the lists from Namecheap and Hover, two companies I enjoy working with. (Not affiliate links.)
Note that a one-year registration of your domain name is included when I design a site for you. Choose your name (or a handful of possible names) and I will add it to your new site for you. It’s no problem for me to connect a domain that you already own. But I can only offer the free first year if I place the order directly to your site for you.
Find more information on the process on my GET STARTED page.
I’m a boutique web designer offering custom site designs for life coaches and professional organizers. If you’re hoping to create an online presence you’re proud of this year, check out my services to see which is the right fit for you! Ready to talk about your new site? Schedule your consultation call here.
