The domain name is one of the most important features of any website since it is the first thing a user encounters about a site. If the domain name doesn’t catch on, then the entire website can potentially fail, especially if it is for a business. Choosing a good domain name takes some work and some creative thinking. A domain name should be chosen based on the following criteria.
Easy to Understand
A domain name should be easy to understand even if no one can figure out what the website is actually for. People don’t automatically think of a search engine when they first hear Google. However, a simple word that can be easily pronounced and memorizes can quickly conjure certain images in a person’s head once the domain name becomes synonymous to a particular website.
Relative to Site
While the name doesn’t have to give away everything about the site, there should be at least a modicum of relevance. That means the domain name will generally be the name of the business or person the website is made for. In regards to e-commerce the domain name might be comprised of what the site is selling.
A Variation
In the case of business or person having too long of a name, a creative variation should be chosen. No one will be able to remember a long domain name, which means they will be less likely to even visit the site.
Choosing the right domain name can be the difference between having a successful site and having a site that gets lost in cyberspace.