You know the dilemma when you’ve stumbled onto a website for the first time and you’re required to create a new username. You think and think and think, and the first name comes to mind. You try it and … it already exists. Now what? Well, you try variations upon variations, of course. Finally, you settle on one, but still, it doesn’t have quite the charm of the first name.
This is the same thing when it comes to naming your domain on the Internet.
With billions of websites available, it’s easy to understand just how many different domain names are out there already. Because of that situation, there are even fewer choices available for domain names.
However, it’s not all bad. When it comes to naming your domain, you don’t have to settle. You want to create a striking domain for a striking brand, something sophisticated which strongly resonates and translates into the success of your online business. On that note, below you will find some top mistakes to avoid while choosing a new domain name in order to not look like spam.
Because there’s just so many websites on the Internet today, checking domain availability should be the most basic, most necessary step in your website creating process. Ideal domain names are going like hotcakes, and so it’s crucial you snatch up the good ones while you can. 101domain offers a great domain search tool, making it easy for you to check and see which domains are still available.
Domain name extensions to avoid like the plague
When it comes to which domain name extension is the best, .COM takes the cake. It’s so familiar that most often people automatically trust websites that end in .COM. Even though there are so many websites already using a .COM domain name extension, it might be the safest bet to follow suit.
The cheapest option isn’t always the best. In terms of cheap domain names on the Internet, they are often picked up by spammers. This includes domain name extensions like .TOP or .XYZ.
Additionally, .INFO domain name extensions have been used by so many spammers that it is often difficult to find a legitimate .INFO website. It is a bit unfair, but that is just how it is.
In the end, you want to make life easier for your customers and increase any web traffic headed your way. You won’t lose out on that aspect with a .COM domain name, I can assure you.
Hyphens and numbers aren’t a good look for you, my man
Hyphens and numbers tend to be spammy. Your domain name should be just one word or set of words. So if your desired domain is already taken, instead of considering using a hyphen or hyphens to get at least some sort of variance of what you’d like, extend your URL. Also, too, hyphens and numbers just aren’t good options in the first place.
When it comes to the time you verbally communicate your website’s URL, you don’t want to confuse anyone on knowing whether a hyphen is included and where it goes or whether a number is the actual number itself or written out as words.
So just stick to A-Z; it’s better that way.
But also, don’t go overboard
I know I mentioned how extending your domain name is the better bet than including hyphens and numbers, but utilizing a longer domain name can have its downsides as well. For any person to remember your domain name, you want to keep it as simple and/or short as you possibly can. Moreover, the longer your domain name is, the higher the chance a person has in misspelling it. Consequently, a lengthier domain name makes it more difficult for a person trying to access your website on their phone.
A word of advice: keep your domain name less than 16 characters. It’s more appealing that way. And marketable, too.
You want to create a domain name that is easy to remember in order to get your point across. That means, don’t opt for hard to spell words like supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, for example. And steer away from homophones like “flower” and “flour” or “piece” and “peace.”
However, the worst thing is getting confused with your competitors. You don’t want to sound like any other business. You’ve got to be your own. So when it comes to naming your domain, don’t use generic terms. Instead, conjure up something unique, short, and catchy.
Don’t follow trends
More often than not, following trends are always a bad idea. This comes into play with things like certain words, phrases, characters, and even misspellings. And then the whole idea of longevity and legacy also comes to mind. Maybe your domain name sounds cool today, but what about tomorrow? Chances are it’ll be cringy in a few years.
Comparatively, trends can be confusing. Sometimes a certain trend doesn’t get around, and sometimes there are people who have never even heard of it. You don’t want to confuse your customers!
And by following trends, not only will your website not be unique, but it will be very similar to many other websites, making it feel “off” to visitors.
Where you put your money matters
Where you put your money does matter. It’s the fingerprint of your business, after all, and you want to leave a good mark in any possible way you can. As Forbes adds, although “getting the domain right can be tough, … a solid URL yields a multitude of benefits including establish[ing] authority [and/or] credibility, reinforc[ing] brand identity, [and] promot[ing] business.”
Now that you know exactly what to avoid when naming your domain, your shiny, new website won’t look like the slightest bit of spam! You’ll be on the road to success by avoiding these spammy pitfalls.