URL and domain names play a vital role in search engine optimization and reinforcing brand value.
After all, first impressions count, and users will immediately start to create an initial judgment of your site and brand just by reading your domain name.
Whether you’re starting a new business or creating a new line of products, choosing the right domain name is key to ensuring the success of your venture. The right domain name can see you propel in attracting highly sought-after search traffic, and the wrong domain, let’s just say that revenue growth may not be that easy.
To help you get to a flying start on your new venture and domain name selection, we’ve highlighted 10 key tips you should consider before running away with your new domain name.
1. Know Your Keywords
Before registering your website, make sure it has keywords that best define your brand, product, or service. We recommend first listing out the top 3 most important keywords that summarise your business.
Remember, simplicity is key.
2. Be Concise & Avoid Use of Dashes
You don’t want your target users to forget about your domain name right off the bat. Besides, shorter URLs fit and look better in Google SERPs, business cards, and social media content.
Be concise, use as few syllables as possible, and most importantly, try to avoid using any dashes (-). The use of dashes can oftentimes be associated with spammy keyword-stuffed domains and can often be completely overlooked by users.
3. Be Conscious about Mobile
The amount of mobile users has now overtaken desktop visits in a majority of industries. That’s why you want to choose a domain name that’s easy to input on touchscreens and isn’t frustrating to type for returning users.
4. Choose a Unique Domain Name
Your URL will forever become part of your brand. That’s why it’s crucial to choose a unique domain name that resembles your message, product, and services.
However, be careful when using very unique domain names that include non-standard spelling. When people visit a correctly-spelled domain name, you may lose tons of traffic instead of your uniquely spelled URL.
A solution is to purchase the correctly-spelled domain name and redirect it to your site. However, this option may end up being significantly costly.
5. Never Trust Trends
Leveraging trends for content marketing and SEO can go a long way. But choosing a domain name that complements the current trend may harm your brand in the long run. Unless you understand your market, it can pose a significant risk to the longevity the survival of your brand.
You want to establish a URL that’s distinct from your brand and one that’s not copied from a competitor or a trend. Most trends are only temporary, and if you’re using odd and trendy spellings, the long-term consequences may be costly.
6. A “.com.au” Domain is Crucial
Just because custom domains like .net, .org, .io are gaining traction doesn’t mean a .com domain isn’t useful anymore (quite the opposite in fact). Businesses with long-term objectives should focus on owning a .com domain or a country code Top Level Domain (ccTLD) like .au, .uk, etc.
Many users also trust a .com.au domain more than others, especially those not so familiar with website domains (think, aged demographic). Brands who opt for .net and similar domains may need to purchase a .com equivalent in the long run. They might even need to buy it at a higher price if the domain is already in the hands of a domain squatter.
7. Choose a Memorable Domain
Small and medium businesses often rely on word-of-mouth marketing to establish a strong following and reach. So if you want your brand to spread faster and attract more traffic to your site, we recommend choosing a memorable domain that’s easy on the ears.
Ask groups of people that reside within your target audience and request feedback. What does this brand name sound like to you upon first impression? What does it remind you of? You’ll quickly start to form an idea of how your target market will perceive your brand name.
8. Use Domain Selection Tools
If you’re stuck in brainstorming for a perfect domain name, there are tons of domain selection tools online that can guide you. Only consider this as your last resort, though, since it may not be the best fit for SEO.
9. Build and Surpass Expectations
You’ll want users to expect a great product and shopping experience on your site, and you need to deliver. Showing an excellent first impression and meeting the following expectations is crucial for websites with SEO-friendly domain names.
After choosing the perfect domain name that looks and sounds terrific, you’ll need to invest effort into branding and content marketing to piece it all together!
Final Thoughts
Domain names are similar to storefronts and billboards that attract users and potential customers. Building a robust digital presence will become easy if you have a domain that conveys your brand to search engines and visitors.
So don’t just randomly pick a domain. Take time to brainstorm ideas, talk to your target audience, and really envision how it’s all going to look like 2, 3, and even 5 years down the track.
About Us
Red Search is an award-winning SEO agency in Sydney. We are a team of SEO specialists on a mission to help Australian businesses navigate through the SEO minefield and achieve their business growth goals. We have worked with leading Australian brands such as Coca-Cola Amatil, Eyecare Plus, Barnardos Australia, and Cerrone Jewellers.
Written by: