6 Domain Name Mistakes You Must Avoid to Succeed Online
TL;DR
In an earlier article we discussed the importance of a top-level domain. If you have an idea, dream, whim, or solid business proposition, your next step should be buying the domain and squatting on it until you either make your dream come true or realize working at Acme Inc wasn’t the worst and at least you got health! That said we will cover the following domain name mistakes:
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- Choosing the wrong domain extension
- Choosing a long or complicated domain name
- Ignoring keywords
- Not thinking about marketability
- Copyright and trademark infringement
- Not registering your domain soon enough
Critical Questions to Ask Yourself:
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- Do you have a domain?
- Is your domain name memorable, short, and easy to market?
- Have you made any improvements in the last 90 days to your digital footprint?
End State:
Choosing the right domain name is an important task that can have serious consequences if done incorrectly, and should be done in a thoughtful manner while considering length, extension, keywords and more.
The Deep Dive
Introduction
Are you a business owner struggling to get your domain name, right? Have you put it off, assuming it’s not a big deal? Well, you may have just found out the hard way that selecting the right domain name is critical for the success of any business. Sure, everyone knows the power of a good website. But many don’t recognize that getting your domain wrong can have serious consequences that could damage your business’s reputation and even lead to its demise. Choosing the right domain name is no small task. You need to consider the length, the extension, the keywords, and more when deciding on the perfect domain. A domain name is more than just a web address; it is the identity of your business and a significant factor in your online presence.
Furthermore, bad decisions can lead to lost customers, opportunities, and revenue. In this blog post, we’ll cover six common mistakes people make when registering a domain name and give practical advice on how to get it right. You’ll learn how to avoid being one of the countless businesses that have fallen victim to domain name errors and succeed in giving your business the best possible start with the right domain name. Keep reading to discover how to ensure that you stay ahead of the competition regarding domain name selection.
Mistake #1: Choosing the Wrong Domain Extension
When choosing a domain name extension for your website, there are two aspects you need to consider: perception and pricing. It’s important to remember that each domain extension has specific usage rules. For example, you can’t register your store under a .org extension. According to a study by GrowthBadger, “.com” is “over 33% more memorable than URLs with other top-level domains (2022).” Additionally, the extension determines the cost of the domain name you choose. Research all the available options to weigh their pros and cons before deciding on an extension. Unfortunately, if the domain you want is in use, you may have to try a different extension or look for similar typos and unavailable domains that might be available.
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- Generic top-level domains (gTLD): These domains are accessible to anyone seeking registration, consist of three or more characters, and account for over 52% of domain extension options. “The Internet currently has 1,487 top-level domains (TLDs) as of August 31, 2022.” Available options include familiar extensions like .org, .com, and .net to newer options such as .me, .biz, .audio, and .day.
- Sponsored top-level domains (sTLD): Private organizations provide the domains associated with their oversight, ensuring they are supported and adequately managed. These TLDs typically represent distinct professional, ethnic, or territorial groups. Each sponsored TLD (sTLD) is under the authority of a delegated sponsor responsible for establishing its identities – such as Google’s .app domain name and GSA’s .gov domain name.
- Country code top-level domains (ccTLD): Initially, country code top-level domains were created for businesses and individuals residing in a particular locale. Additionally, many website agencies have registered ccTLDs to leverage extensions like .ai for artificial intelligence or .gg for gaming influencers.
Mistake #2: Choosing a Long and Complicated Domain Name
Choosing a long and complicated domain name for your website should be done cautiously. While it may seem like a great way to stand out, it could end up causing more harm than good. Longer domain names are difficult to remember and type, leading to typos and errors. Long names are a significant setback when someone is trying to reach your website, so it’s essential to have a domain name that is short and easy to remember. Additionally, having a short domain name ensures it’s suitable for branding. It conveys your brand’s message quickly and accurately, making it easier for users to recognize and recall.
Furthermore, shorter domain names are more suitable for mobile usage, as they require less typing, resulting in fewer errors. Research has shown that the top 1 million websites have an average of 10 characters for their domain names, meaning most popular domains are short enough for easy accessibility and branding. Thus, choosing a shorter domain name is recommended to increase your online visibility and success.
Last, no one wants to squeeze a long domain name on a business card. Fortunately, BRKLYN Creative provides multiple solutions to keep you on brand and away from visual and digital distractions.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Keywords
Having a suitable domain name for your business is crucial for success. To succeed online, you must pay attention to the keywords in your domain name. Ignoring keywords in your domain name can lead to misconfigurations, typos, and incorrect domain name extensions. When choosing a domain name for your business, ensure it contains relevant keywords that accurately reflect the content of your website. Keywords and search engine optimization (SEO) will help search engines discover and rank your website more accurately. To ensure you’re getting the right keywords, consider using a Google keyword planner to survey the search volume of each keyword. Don’t overuse keywords; too many can make your website look dull and boring. By taking the time to research and choose the right keywords for your domain name, you’ll have a much better chance of success online.
Mistake #4: Not Taking Marketability into Consideration
Many website owners don’t consider marketability regarding domain name extensions. Typos in domain names can also be a problem – one wrong letter can lead to massive confusion and make it harder for users to find your site. Not only that, but limited domain availability can make finding a suitable domain name even harder. When selecting a domain name, it’s crucial to consider the extension’s marketability and the potential for typos or limited availability. Taking the time to consider these factors can help you find the right domain name for your site. Doing so will make you more likely to reach your target audience and grow your business.
Mistake #5: Copyright Infringement and Trademark Issues
When considering domain names, it is vital to consider the potential for copyright infringement and trademark issues. You should take precautions when choosing domain names and extensions like .com or .org. It is important to note that typos or misspellings in domain names can lead to copyright or trademark infringement. For example, if an individual were to register a domain name with a misspelling of an already existing business, they would be infringing on the copyright of the original business. To prevent this type of issue, companies should take the necessary steps to protect their domain name by registering it with different extensions and similar spellings and searching the web for any potential infringements. Also, registering a copyright or trademark for their domain name is recommended. By taking these proactive steps, you can protect your domain name from potential issues.
Mistake #6: Not Registering Your Domain Name Early Enough
Are you planning to launch a website? Then registering your domain name should be your topmost priority. Many businesses fail to realize the importance of registering their domain name early. This inaction can lead to limited availability of the domain and unwanted typos in the domain name. Registering your domain name early will also give you access to a wider range of extensions. This will help you create a unique identity for your business and increase its visibility online. So, make sure to register your domain name as early as possible to avoid any hindrances in the future. You can use various online platforms to register your domain name and host it on a reliable server. Research thoroughly before making decisions, compare prices and features and ensure you get the best deal. Doing this will ensure you have a robust online presence and won’t worry about limited domain availability or typos in your domain name.
Conclusion
Starting and running a successful business is no easy feat. To succeed, it’s essential to understand how to use the right combination of digital tools, practices, and processes. As a business owner, one of these tools is a domain name. With the amount of competition, your domain name is an invaluable asset that can make or break your success. Avoiding trademark and domain name issues is key to your brand’s survival. Additionally, pay attention to the other domain name mistakes and ready your company to be on the path towards success.
While it’s common knowledge to strategically select a domain name that accurately reflects your product or service, there are other pitfalls that business owners can easily overlook. From lack of research to inappropriate extensions and more, these mistakes can lead to costly consequences in the long run.
Works Cited
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- Byers, K. (2022, February 3). Domain Extensions: .com vs .org, .net, .io & 4 Other TLDs (Study). GrowthBadger. Retrieved June 27, 2022, from https://growthbadger.com/top-level-domains/
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