19 March 2013
Here are a few guidelines to follow.
Part 2 in our next post will have some resources to make it even easier.
You don't want anyone to confuse your site with another popular website! Create your own unique branding.
If you're at all serious about building a successful website and/or online business over the long-term, you'll want to consider
While directing traffic to a .net or .org is fine, owning the .com is critical. There is still a huge majority of internet travelers who believe that .com is the only business or 'real' extension. So cover your bases, then go for breadth.
When was the last time you had a good time typing in URL's? Keep the path to your website's front door easy to type.
Work with the words until your domain says as exactly as possible what you do or what you offer.
Review your website's main mission, and look for how your potential domain names will support your mission.
Try using color-words or rhythmic sounds to enhance memory
Kickstarter.com and IndieGoGo are good examples. These 2 crowd-funding sites have a similar yet distinctively different mission. Kickstarter is completely descriptive of exactly what the site does.
Indiegogo is also descriptive for those who will associate "independent projects, films, recorded music" with "indie". Add the "GoGo" for rhythm and appeal, and voila! An easy-to-remember domain.
Visit the U.S. Copyright Office site. Run at least a minimal search to ensure that you are not in violation of a copyrighted domain. There are also attorneys who specialize in copyright search, depending on your budget and the extent of your business's reach.
No one will remember where the hyphens go or which numbers are in your address. Avoid using them altogether.
Unless you plan on being in business 6 months or less, avoid the temptation of the trendy. It won't be the trend someday too soon, and you'll still be stuck with it.
If you're on Facebook, check out my Art and the Studio group for conversations and dialog about the making of art.
Would you like to create real income from sharing what you know while traveling to places you want to experience? Check out the Golden Dragonfly Traveling Academy for Art. It’s a special kind of place where you can create and sell your own workshops or retreats.
Grow your audience, see the world! For artists and art lovers who love to travel
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