A domain name is the first thing you will need when you are about to build a website. What is a domain name? It is that URL (Uniform Resource Locator) or address you enter into browser to access a website. For instance, if you want to access your Facebook account, you’ll only need to enter the address (www.facebook.com) into your browser to visit it. Isn’t that true? “www.facebook.com” is a good example of what we’re talking about here. To better understand this, here are other few examples: kingsmond.com, Nollytech.com, konga.com, twitter.com, youtube.com, jumia.com etc.
Recently, a student of ours intends to surprise me by buying a domain name for his website. Regrettably, the name he bought is nothing to write home about. It was a mistake. He didn’t know that a domain name is the most important part of a website. Here in this article, I’m going to guide you on how to choose a good domain name for your website and avoid a pitfall.
What is a domain name?
First, for the sake of us that don’t know what a domain name is, I’m going to explain it again. This is simply the address to your website. For instance, when someone asks you where you do most of your online shopping; now what would say? You might say Konga.com, Amazon.com, Jumia.com or Kaymu.com. I am on point; right?
In a case where you want to build a website for your clients, I strongly encourage you to give them good tips on how to choose a domain name. That single act of kindness would really help you in the long run, if you understand what I mean. Ok?
Now, what are the tips for choosing a domain name?
- Keep it short & Unique: Try as much as possible to make your domain name very short, simple and memorable so that your visitors can remember it easily. If your domain name is too long, readers may find it difficult to pronounce it, spell or even type it correctly. Web designers normally fall victim of this mess. Don’t be a victim. Ok? The second most important one is
- Keyword: Your domain name should be related to your niche or industry. What does this really mean? Let me explain using an example. For instance, as a website designer, you got a contract to build a website for a hospital; you now decided or advised the client to use “Poultryfarm.com”. Does this sound right? Of course not. This name will be ok for farmers not doctors or anything related to medicine.
Aside from this factor, it will also affect your SEO (Search Engine Optimization). We are going to take this (SEO) as a full course later, just watch out for updates.
Where to Buy a Domain Name
After you might have decided on the name to use for your new website, simply search for a good hosting company over the internet. But if you want a recommendation, simply indicate in the comment box. Visit their website and follow the website procedure to get your domain name.
Note: Always have an alternative name in mind; but why? You may ask, because the name might already exist on the internet. Hence only one domain can be used on the internet.
If you follow and implement this guide properly, trust me! You’ll succeed in the Website Design Business.
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