Domain Name . . . Got One?
A domain name is how consumers find you on the internet. They type your domain name into the browser or into search engines like Google. It's very important to have a domain name that is easy to remember and spell and one that is relevant to your website.
If you already have a domain name, you may consider skipping this section, BUT before you do, you might want to ask yourself if you have the BEST domain name. Here are a few questions that will help you determine if your existing domain name is the best choice going forward.
If you already have a domain name...
- How old is your domain? Google likes domains that have some age on them. If you domain is only a year old or less, abandoning it may have little or no consequence.
- Does your domain have PageRank? Check PageRank here. If your site has PageRank of PR1 or higher, you may want to continue building upon this.
- Have your individual pages been indexed by Google? To see which pages have been indexed, in Google’s search box, type this: site:www.YOURDOMAINNAME.com
- Does your domain name include your important keywords? If you sell “blue widgets” and people will be searching for your products using that term, a domain name that included any (or all) of those keywords would be more beneficial that a company name (branding) domain.Example: www.BestBlueWidgets.com is more potent than www.XYZcompany.com
If you need a domain name...
With the keyword discussion above, you already know more than most people who acquire their first domain name. You know that a “keyword-rich domain” will attract more traffic than a “company name” (branding) domain. Choosing a domain name begins with keyword research (we’ll discuss this a bit later), and try to use those keywords in the first part of your domain name.
Click Box Below To Purchase Domain
Considerations: If your site now has Google PageRank or if your pages have been indexed by Google, your only decision is whether or not a new ‘keyword-rich’ domain name would be a better marketing choice. “XYZ Company” domain (your company name) is a branding exercise, whereas a domain utilizing good keywords, “BestBlueWidgets.com” is a marketing effort and will typically rank higher on keyword searches.
Solution: Keep the domain name that has PR, or has pages indexed. Obtain a new domain using your best keywords and make it your blog. In your posts, you will talk about “blue widgets” and link to the appropriate pages on your other domain. The blog will attract traffic and funnel it to the other domain while adding additional ‘Google Juice’ to that domain.
Brochure or Blog?
When you obtain a new domain name you should answer three important questions before you can proceed.
- Will this be a static website (i.e. a brochure), or will this function as a blog?
- Will you hire a web designer or attempt the design your website yourself?
- Who provides the best solution to host your new domain?
The recommendation we give to most small businesses today is drastically different than it was just a few short years ago. You can accomplish all or any of these things if you first choose the right hosting solution provider. If you will be doing lots of blogging will want to use a blogging platform like Blogger or WordPress. if you want a "traditional" website you will want to use Hostgator to host and build your website.
Each of these solutions still require some knowledge of website design, functionality and SEO skills. You can save yourself lots of time and frustration if you allow us to build your site for you.
Not sure what's the best domain name for your new website? Give us a call or send us an email so that we can help you with your website development.