Registering your first domain name can be a very exciting moment, but there are a few things you should keep in mind to avoid it turning into a regrettable moment.
The following are some of the most important steps to follow when registering a new domain name for your website or for any other purpose.
Keep it short and simple
The shorter the domain name the better. Try to pick a name that’s no longer than 15 characters and has no more than two words.
You also want it to be simple so that others can easily remember and type it. You should avoid using hyphens (dashes), digits, typos, and anything else that can potentially be confusing.
Consider a brandable name
Generic and keyword-rich domains may look more relevant and appealing, but it’s extremely difficult to find a decent one of those that’s available for registration.
On the other hand, a brandable name made up of a unique combination of two words can help your website stand out from the crowd.
Think of names similar to TechRadar, TechSpot, TechRepublic, AndroidCentral, etc.
Check for similar names
Using a name for your website that’s already used by another website (with a different extension) can be confusing to users, and in some cases may be illegal if it infringes on a registered trademark.
Do a quick Google search to check if there are other sites or social media accounts with the same name or a very similar one. If so, it’s better to avoid it and search for a different unique domain name.
You should also check if there are any registered trademarks that are similar to the name you intend on using. You don’t want to pick a domain name that creates confusion and conflict with a registered trademark or else you risk losing it.
Choose a domain extension
The .com extension, or TLD, is by far the most popular and safest option. You can’t go wrong with a .com domain name, so that should always be your first choice.
But it’s not easy to find a good available .com domain nowadays. If you must consider another extension, some of the top choices are: .net, .co, .blog, .site, and .io.
Choose a reliable domain registrar
When you’ve finally settled on a winning domain name and you’re ready to register it, the last step is to find a good domain registrar you can trust.
Here’s a quick list of things to look for in a domain registrar:
- ICANN accreditation
- Reasonable registration and renewal prices
- Free Whois privacy to protect your personal information
- Free DNS service
- Quick support via chat or phone
There are many good domain registrars out there, so take a look at a few of them, check their prices (especially renewal price) for the TLD you’re interested in, and search for real customer reviews on sites like Trustpilot, G2, and online forums.
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