Buying domain in this modern digital age is almost the same as staking your claim on the extensive landscape that is the Internet. It doesn’t matter if you are a blogger, an entrepreneur or just someone who wants to establish your personal brand, the first and most important step to a successful online endeavour is to choose the right domain for you.
With all the different options available right now, however, it can be quite overwhelming to navigate the domain market. To help you reach an educated decision, take note of the following tips and tricks for buying a domain.
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Determine Your Purpose
Before you step into the world of domains, you have to have a clear definition of your website’s intended purpose. Do you plan to start an online business, set up an online portfolio, or create a personal blog? Determining your purpose will guide you in choosing the right name and extension for your domain.
Pick an Unforgettable Name
It’s important to pick a name that lingers in mind if you want to attract more visitors and ensure that they can recall your website in a snap of a finger. Keep your domain name simple and short with easy spelling. Stay away from using numbers or hyphens because these will only create confusion.
Use the Right Extension
Domain extension, also known as top-level domain or TLD refers to the suffix found at the end of the domain. Good examples of these include .org, .com, and .com.
Although the most widely recognized and popular extension is .com, other TLDs such as .org and .net might be more appropriate for certain purposes.
There are also newer extensions like .blog and .tech that you can use to add a more unique touch to your domain.
Think of Your Branding
One of the most important aspects of the identity of your brand is none other than your domain. When buying domain, see to it that it aligns not just with your brand name but also with your brand’s values. Consistent and uniform branding across your content, logo, and domain can help you establish trust and loyalty among your audience.
Check Availability When Buying Domain
After you have listed some ideas for your domain name, don’t forget to check and confirm their availability. Most domain registrars feature search tools to ensure if a domain is taken or not. If your preferred domain has already been registered, you might want to consider other variations or choose different TLDs.
Search for Keywords
You can improve the visibility of your website on search engines if you incorporate related keywords into your chosen domain. Just make sure that you don’t compromise on the readability or recall factor of your name for the sake of adding keywords.
Be Wary of Trademarks
See to it that the domain name of your choice doesn’t have any infringement on other existing trademarks. Doing so will help you avoid legal issues and liabilities in the long run. Conduct an extensive search and if necessary, you might also want to seek legal advice.
Look into the Domain History
Don’t finalize buying domain just yet if you haven’t researched the domain’s history just yet. It is also important to check if the domain contains any dubious content or if it is connected to spam in one way or another. The good news is that there are tools you can use to gain insights into the past of the domain.
Assess Availability on Social Media
Consistency across the different online platforms is important for your brand to become more recognizable. Check if the domain name you’re eyeing is also available on the different major social media platforms. You can further reinforce your brand if you use a single handle across the board.
Be Familiar with the Renewal Costs
Although it’s important to consider the initial cost of the domain, it is still important to know and be familiar with the renewal fees involved. Several registrars have low prices at first only to charge extremely higher renewal costs down the line. Be wary of the long-term costs that come with the domain name you choose.
Buy from a Reliable Registrar
Always pick a well-established and reputed domain registrar with an established reputation. Be sure to read customer reviews, check support options, and look into the additional services being offered. Google Domains, GoDaddy, and Namecheap are some of the most popular registrars right now.
Think of Privacy Protection
Your personal data will become accessible to the public in the database of WHOIS after buying domain and having it registered. Most of the registrars provide services for privacy protection to hide your personal information from the eyes of the public. Assess the essence of privacy and think of including this service.
Avoid These Mistakes When Buying a Domain
There are a few mistakes you need to avoid when buying a domain. Sadly, a lot of people commit these mistakes. Make sure you avoid the following pitfalls to stay on the safe side:
- Not researching the domain name
- Choosing the wrong domain extension
- Ignoring renewal costs
- Selecting the wrong registrar
- Not securing the same variations
- Neglecting privacy protection
- Ignoring transfer policies
- Using trademarked terms
- Not having a backup plan
Buying domain is one of the most significant steps in establishing a solid online presence. As long as you remember and follow the tips above, you will be able to navigate the expansive domain market with full confidence. You can also ensure that the domain of your choice is perfectly aligned with your specific goals and will also serve as the foundation for a thriving online venture.
It doesn’t matter if you are a newbie in the digital realm or a seasoned webmaster, a well-thought-out domain name can make a significant difference in your interesting journey in the online world. So go ahead and start looking for the perfect domain for you and your venture today!
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