Choose your new domain name
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.)
Lesson 2
How to get ideas for your domain name?
The gold standard is using your own name or your business name with the .com extension. Start by choosing a name or business name that is easy to say, spell, type, remember, and short. If the .com is already owned by someone else, try the alternate TLDs you’ve already chosen.
Wait just a minute! You haven't named your new business yet?
Lesson 2a
Choosing the name for your new business
Well, this isn't where I thought this blog post would go. But since we're here, some tips on naming your business might be in order. (Remember that I'm not a lawyer or a business guru. Just pointing you in a good direction here.
1) Create a list of possible business names
Brainstorming names from what you already know is a place to start. Divide a sheet of paper into three columns.
Column one: list all the work your business will do; the services you'll provide.
Column two: list all the attributes and benefits that will represent your brand.
Column three: combine the other two columns to create potential business names. Don't overthink it. Jot down every possibility as it comes to you. One of these could be the spark to the actual name you'll pick.
Still stuck? Do some internet searches for other businesses to get inspiration.
2) Once you have your list of potential business names
Say the names out loud to see how that feels.
Make sure your picks are easy to spell.
Ask yourself how hard the name will be for your new clients to remember.
Try your favorites out on friends and family to get more ideas. Don't let them talk you out of a name that feels perfect to you—or into a name that doesn't!
You might try an online business name generator to help you create a name. You'll find there are several resources for choosing your business name.
3) You've got your list of top business name ideas. Now what?
First, do an internet search for other businesses already using that name. Compare the customer base, sales territory, and branding of this company. Determine if the competing name will cause confusion.
Check your Secretary of State's records to see if the name is available. Also, see which names might be so similar that they might be confusing. The lawyer who set up your LLC could do this if you need help.
Do a trademark search at the US Patent and Trademark Office. Make sure no one else has the name trademarked. Consider whether you'll want to trademark it yourself.
4) You already have a name—your own. How about using that?
Notice that I've used my actual name for my business name. This works for me since I do projects outside of websites on occasion and prefer a general name. If I had more than one business, this would work as a good umbrella name the others could point to.
The benefits of going by my name are simplicity, and not being pigeonholed into one aspect of my work. The deficit of going by my name is that no one can tell what I do from the name of my business alone. To resolve this problem, I could add a tagline "Website Design" to serve as part of my signature logo.
NOTE: If my name was more difficult to spell or pronounce, I would not have chosen my personal name for my business name.
Now, where were we? Oh, yes…
Lesson 2 (continued)
If the .com of your business name is taken, try the alternate TLDs you’ve already chosen. You could also try alternate TLDs with your personal name. Having a common name has its pros and cons. It might be easy to remember. At the same time, there are probably others already using your name with other TLDs. Folks may remember your name but not the right extension.
To give you an example, in my case, janefisher.com is the website for a lovely artist in England. There’s also a janefisher.net, another lovely artist, this time in Oakland, California. (I'm starting to wonder if I should have been a painter!) For my third attempt, being a patriotic gal, I was very happy to find the extension .us. It meets all the attributes I wanted. That's a win!
Look at other TLDs for the name you're considering. Especially if you're in the same industry, you may not want to use the .net for a competitor who uses the .com. I didn't mind the other janefishers, they're not competition, and their art is beautiful!
Try an internet search on your keywords to get an idea of who comes up with those searches. This could help you decide to either cross a domain off the list or give you a great idea of something new to try!
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.
