The domain is the name that helps the search engines to identify your website. Registering the ideal domain name is a key action for your online activities - it creates your identity, projects the right image and reflects your business. Conversely, an inadequate name might isolate you from the main internet streams - which always has a very bad impact on your traffic and sales.
When deciding on an actual domain name consider these essential criteria:
- It must be easy to remember and spell.
- Your own business name should have the same name as your website address, which makes it easier for costumers to find it.
- Ideally, it should give a clue about your main activity and reflect in the best way the business you are in.
- It should contain relevant keywords related to your business, which will improve your popularity rank.
- The starting letter should be 'A', 'B' or 'C' because many search engines list the websites in alphabetical order.
- It is not a good idea to choose your name as it means nothing for most of the people. A good domain name should conjure up a visual image that will make it easier to remember.
Domain names must be purchased and registered. Some of them are cheap, but others - which already have good traffic - might be quite expensive.
There are companies that offer free domain names, but you have to pay for hosting your site:
- With Start Logic you get a free domain and reliable web hosting for just $5.95 a month. Free Setup, 15 GB of web space, 250 GB of data transfer, unlimited email accounts, 24/7 customer phone and live chat support is also included.
- eBoundHost.com gives you one domain name for free. However, if you need unlimited domains you can purchase them for $9.99/month. Furthermore, you benefit of 2,000GB transfer, 200 GB storage and, 24/7 live support.
- Globat.com provides you free domain or hosts 6 domains on 1 account for only $4.95/mo. In addition you receive 10 GB of space, 3.5 Terabytes of transfer.
- Hostway offers you free domain name, free setup and hosting for your site and 24/7 support for only $9,95/mo.
If you are short of money you can buy very cheap domain names with free hosting at the following sites:
www.registerdomainnameuk.co.uk,
www.getdotted.com.
GoDaddy
