When people look online to find out more about your business, where will they go on the web? The domain name you choose can significantly impact the way you communicate with customers and attract new attention to your brand. Think of the biggest names online and how they all have memorable domains, whether it’s Yahoo and Google or Amazon and eBay. How can you make sure you make the best decision for the future of your business? Check out these quick tips to help inspire and guide your thinking on this important step.
Start by Deciding on the Right Top-Level Domain
Your top-level domain name (TLD) — .com, .org, and so on — can have a big impact on the way customers perceive your business. If you invest in custom web design for your Calgary business, it demands a unique name, too. In recent years, a staggering number of new and highly targeted domains were authorised for use. Many specialty TLDs have lower registration fees than the heavy-hitters such as dot-coms. However, because they are less familiar to most users, they may look inherently less trustworthy. That’s not the impression you want to make, so stick to the most well-known TLDs when possible.
Keep it Simple, Keep it Short
The longer your domain, the more difficult it is for users to remember. Put brevity at the centre of your search for an effective domain name. Remember that the major online brands you know typically don’t have domains that are more than a few words long. A simplified version of your business name is a good choice when possible.
Put an Emphasis on Strong, Immediate Branding
Ensure your domain name has a link to your branding message even if you cannot use the full business name itself. Your domain should be in tune with the rest of your branding. In other words, it should impart the same message or “sense of place” that you want users to experience when visiting your site and interacting with the business.
Choose Something Easy to Speak and Type
While people may share links directly to your site, they may also tell others about it. Choose a domain name that is simple to speak aloud and is not likely to cause confusion. Likewise, your domain name should be easy to type, without a likelihood that a user will mistype the domain and end up in the wrong place.
Select a “Forever” Name
Be sure you’re ready to fully commit to any name you select. Changing your domain later is far easier said than done. Not only will it require substantial time and money, but it can also hurt your brand and your connection with web users. Develop confidence in your choice — don’t rush.
Don’t Overlook the Importance of Your Domain Name
Although it can seem like a trivial task at first, your choice of domain name will have a long-term impact on your business. Selecting something simple, memorable, and in tune with your brand voice and values can pay dividends for years to come — so it’s worth taking care with the choice. At Digital Lion, our years of experience in providing ecommerce website design to Calgary and our keen understanding of the current landscape make us the ideal partners for exploring your next steps. Connect with us today to learn how we can help you make choices that give your brand its best foundation.
Calgary-headquartered Digital Lion, with secondary locations in Edmonton and Ottawa, is a digital marketing and design agency built with a purpose and passion to partner with its clients and provide first-class Web Development, Graphic Design, Logo Design and Online Marketing services. We work with clients across Canada, as well as worldwide, and are focused on being environmentally friendly and giving back to charities that we are passionate about. Our mission is to “Design a Better World®.” Browse our website, follow our social media channels, and contact us anytime for more information on how we can customize a package that meets your needs and suits your style.
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