If you pick the wrong name, it can be difficult to change later on without damaging your brand and search rankings. Therefore, you must carefully consider the right domain name from the start.
Steps to register a domain that ticks all the boxes
Your domain name is like the address to your website on the internet. When people put your domain name in the address bar of their search engine, your website comes up. When people know your website address, you can quickly and easily gain traffic to your site. So, ideally, when you register a domain name, it should:
- Be a unique and memorable name
- Give new visitors an idea of what your website is about
- Provide information to search engines of what you offer
Here are a few easy steps to follow when you’re ready to find a domain for your new website:
Include a keyword
Using a keyword in your domain name has SEO benefits that can bring in more traffic by helping your website rank better in search engine results. Using the right keyword can also help potential visitors to better understand the focus and niche of your website.
Keep it short and memorable
You want people to remember your domain name. Therefore, it is important to keep it short and simple but striking. People will not likely remember ‘thebestbakeryforcapetonians.com’ but they will remember ‘bakerycapetown.com’.
Keep it local
It’s a good idea to use a local keyword in your domain if you can still keep it short. This lets potential visitors know where you are based and are also useful for search engines to rank your site based on your location. For example, using ‘joburgbarber.com’ immediately tells you that this barber is based in Johannesburg.
Choose a top-level domain (TLD)
In simple terms, a TLD is the part at the end of your domain, such as .com or .co.za. Many website owners choose .com because it is the most recognised and easiest to remember. However, you can also keep it local (For example, .co.za, .capetown or .joburg) or add a TLD that explains what your business is about (For example, .store, .study or .org).
Frequently asked questions
Where should you register a domain?
It is always a good idea to secure a domain from your hosting provider or website design company. This way, you can make changes to your website in one go and don’t have to deal with multiple support agents.
Can you have more than one domain for one website?
Yes. You can point multiple domains you own to your website.
Do you need to start using your domain name immediately?
No. You can always design a website at a later stage. However, it is advisable to register your preferred domain name as quickly as possible. If not, you risk the chance of someone else securing your domain name.
Need help choosing the right domain?
Learning how to choose a domain name for your small business website can seem intimidating at first. However, with a little research and the right tools, the process is easy. If you need help or have a question, feel free to contact the team at Web Guru. We will assist you in securing the best domain for your new website.
