Your domain name is the equivalent of a home address for your website, so it is crucial to pick the right one for your business. This does not have to be a tedious chore because the following tips will help you make the domain name registration process easier. You want a name that is easy to remember and relates to your brand.
Pick the Right Name
The naming process tends to be the lengthiest as businesses struggle to find a unique domain that reflects their website’s purpose. You can use free sites to search for available names, but you want to focus on ideas that are short and memorable. You want to avoid names that are complicated or have unusual spellings because customers will be less likely to remember them. If you are struggling with the name, you may want to consider using a paid service that relies on a business name contest to generate a large number of unique ideas.
Consider Combined Services
If you want to make the domain name registration process easier, then consider using a company that combines several services. For example, you can get your domain name and hosting from the same place, so you will have fewer bills to remember and less stress. This is a good option for those who have trouble staying organized and want to reduce the number of different services they have to manage.
Understand Whois Records and Your Privacy
To comply with ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), you need to keep your domain registration records up to date. This means that your Whois data has to be accurate. Whois, a free lookup service that lets others search for domain records, usually includes your domain name, registrar, address, phone number and other details.
Many website owners are concerned about their privacy and Whois because it can reveal their personal address, phone number and real name. One option is to use your business number and address instead of your home details. Another option is to pay for privacy services that can legally hide some parts of your Whois data.
Beware of Trademarks
A popular and catchy domain name is not easy to find, so you have to be aware of trademarks. You do not want to end up with a lawsuit because you picked a name that is trademarked by another company. If you are concerned about this, you may want to contact a trademark attorney who specializes in this category. Another option is to search online and also use the USPTO (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office) database of registered trademarks. You want to search for multiple variations of your domain name to reduce the risk of infringement.
The domain name registration process does not have to be a scary ordeal that takes up your precious business hours. These tips will help you make it easier, so you end up with the perfect new home for your website and can focus on other tasks.
