Today’s most successful companies have powerful brands which make both online and offline marketing more effective. Starting a web-based business today requires careful attention to branding, and you can keep your company one step ahead of the competition with a top quality domain name. Domain names are Internet-based addresses used to navigate to your website, and provide important search marketing and branding benefits for your business. The process of researching and registering a quality domain name can provide instantly visibility and credibility for your startup.
Domain Name Research and Strategy
Your search for a quality business domain name should begin with research into the name itself. Start by identifying what you want your company name to convey to consumers, and then begin thinking about possible naming options based upon that research. You may want to select a generic, descriptive name that directly conveys the location, service or contents if your site. Start by identifying the core keywords relevant to your site, whether it is a city, product name or industry. These domain names are keyword-rich and may require you to purchase a domain name from an existing owner – in this case, you will have to negotiate a price with the existing owner, who you can identify through Whois searches (http://whois.domaintools.com/) .
On the other hand, you may want to brainstorm unique branded domains which you can use to build up a brand – for example, Skype built a business with a creative domain that had few direct connections to web conferencing. The research process should incorporate ideas in both categories so you can narrow down you preference based upon what is available. Once you have identified the core terms ideal for your brand, you should begin the process of identifying which are available in your desired extension. While .com is the favored domain name extension, you may also want to consider .net domains for technology companies, .org names for non-profits as well as country-codes (.us, .co.uk. de, etc.) for localized sites. Fully evaluate your options to determine which available names is the best fit for your company.
Domain Name Registration and Security
You can determine domain name availability at a variety of accredited domain registrars (http://www.verisign.com/domain-name-services/find-registrar/index.html) . Make sure to register a domain at a reputable, accredited company which has a long track record, accessible support and an easily navigable interface. Since you’re investing in a brand name for your choice of a registrar is important. After identifying the ideal domain you may also want to invest in related brand-protection names – such as registering your brand in .net to redirect to your main site or buying common typos to protect the brand.
Your goal in building a web-based business is to develop a reputable brand built around quality services. To improve the credibility of your brand, use accurate, accessible registrant information – this ensures potential customers and business partners can verify the location and identity of your startup. Taking time to register, develop and protect your online brand can get your startup on the right track.
