The Domain Name Dilemma - How to Secure the Right Domain Name Whilst most of the words in the dictionary have been registered as dotcom names by speculators hoping to sell them at a profit in the future, there are still many domain name options and combinations available with various extensions.
It is important to consider the following when choosing your domain name...
* Choose a memorable name
The right domain name allows your prospective customers an easy way to remember and find you. It's your location on the web and also your email address.
* Your Domain Name is your Brand
Secure the domain name that best represents your business name and keep it out of the hands of your competitors.
Domains are valuable online real estate and securing more than one helps protect your brand and increase your reach.
You can easily direct as many domains as you want to a single website.
* Build Credibility
Having an appropriate domain name and using it to personalize your business cards and email addresses helps establish credibility and professionalism.
For instance, an email address such as john@ebusiness.com is more professional than john112@freeemail.com
Therefore, do not use a freebie domain name - it is short sighted and gives your prospective client the perception that you are "out to get a quick buck" type of business.
* Your Domain Name is an Investment
Domain names, like real estate, appreciate in value as time goes by.
Furthermore, as a domain name ages not only does it become more valuable, it importantly gains more credibility & integrity with the search engines.
Therefore it is extremely important to secure as many appropriate domains as possible as soon as you can.
Not only can they all be directed to one website but it keeps them out of the clutches of your competition as well as adding to your business' online presence and credibility.
* If your preferred name has already been registered...?
The chances are that your preferred domain name has already been snapped up and that you'll have to settle for a name that isn't totally ideal.
Whilst you should always go for a top level domain (TLD) such as a dotcom extension if you’re a business, as people continue to assume that dotcom equals a business and professionalism, there are some good alternatives.
Other top level domains such as .net .org .biz are good choices for the appropriate type of business, eg. a computer network business should have a .net extension & a non-profit organization shouyld have a .org extension.
However if your business is country specific, you should consider using a country-specific top level domains (TLDs) like .de, .nu, .sg, etc.
However, if your name has been taken you can always consider adding a search engine friendly term or area to the name.
For instance if your preferred name is internetbusiness you could choose internetbusiness-startup or internetbusiness-texas or internetbusiness123 etc..
Also always once your domain is registered, remember to make sure your domain record remains locked.
This feature ensures that your domain remains secure and untouchable.
So if you want to transfer your domain name to a different registrar you have to unlock it before the new registrar can actually transfer it from your current registrar.
To start your Domain Name Search click the "http://www.income.za.net/domain-name-internetbusiness.htm" link to see with what extensions (TLD's) your preferred domain name is available and register as many appropriate domains as you can get - it's an investment in your business' future!
Mark Bellinger, a university graduate, is a successful businessman and entrepreneur exploring legitimate and lucrative internet opportunities, ways to make money on the internet and how to secure profitable domain names
