Reserve Your Domain name Now!
by Joe Chapuis
Before you register another domain name,
here are a few things you should know that will save you some
time and money:
- what your domain name should REALLY say
- how to find a great name that will get you noticed
- where to register a domain name for about the price of a pizza
For starters, don´t think of your domain name as simply
a title for your business or web site. You should think of it
as a headline - something that appeals directly to the wants,
needs, and desires of your target market.
It probably doesn't hurt to use "your" name (BobsPlumbing.com).
But, you really should be thinking about a name from the perspective
of your clients and prospects. I hate to tell you, but they don´t
care about your name (or you, for that matter). People want benefits
and solutions, and you should be telling your prospects what benefit
they will receive by doing business with you - in a great domain
name.
Despite what you might think, all the good ones are not taken.
Granted, generic one-word names (i.e. business.com, computers.com)
are not available or are very expensive if for sale - but that´s
OK. There are alternatives, and good ones.
Step 1:
Brainstorm some ideas. Make a list of keywords related to your
business. Include some powerful, emotion-stirring adjectives,
or at least words that might pique one´s curiosity. Put
them together in two or three word combinations. Get creative.
Step 2:
Go to NameBargain.com, where you can search up to 30 names at
once for free - a HUGE time saver. I´ve had good experiences
with them. You can register names through them for $9.99 (unfortunately,
they've got a ten name minimum for the first purchase.) Also,
try Whois.net
where you can look for hidden gems among the millions of recently
deleted domain names (names that were once registered and are
now available). You can also search by entering multiple keywords,
and combinations of these words are automatically checked. Nifty.
If your domain name
is already taken, search
the WHOIS database to see who owns it!
If you´re really serious about finding good domain names,
visit Softnik.com.
They offer a wonderful program called Domain Name Analyzer which
can help you quickly and easily locate a great name. It belongs
in the toolbox of any online professional - and it´s free.
| Check
to see if YOUR Domain Name is available by typing it into
the search box directly below (choose from .com, .net, .org,
.info, biz and .us domains). There is no charge to check availability
of domains, but if you decide to purchase your domain name
now, our pricing starts at only $7.95 - The lowest price you'll
find for single year registrations!
Compare
our prices here! or you can Search
the WHOIS database to see who owns any domain! If you
want to transfer to take advantage of our lower prices, transfer
your domain name. |
|
|
Step 3:
When you find something you like, before you take the plunge,
ask a few people what they think. Get an objective opinion from
someone who could be your customer. How does it sound if you say
it out loud? If you advertise on the radio, you better make sure
it's clear.
Remember: this isn´t 1994 - you can only be so choosey
when it comes to selecting names. The one you really have your
heart on may be taken. If it is, but doesn´t appear to be
in use, contact the owner and ask if it´s available. Detailed
name and contact information can usually be found by doing a search
at BetterWhois.com.
Once you locate the owner, don´t offer anything up front,
just inquire (Remember this important rule of negotiating: The
first to name a price usually loses). To get an idea of how much
similar names are going for, first visit one of the good domain
name auction sites like http://www.afternic.com.
Step 4:
Before you register a name (especially if you´re in the
U.S), you may want to do a free search at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office web site. It´s a
good way to see if your proposed domain name may potentially violate
a registered federal trademark. Don´t assume that because
it is available, it´s not trademarked. I've seen it happen.
It could be a costly mistake if you assume and you're wrong.
In addition, there are also state and international trademark
issues to consider. Internet and trademark law can be a bit overwhelming
to the uninitiated. Here´s a good summary of trademark-related
questions: Trademark.com. Check this one out for more info on “CyberSpace Law”.
Other considerations and recommendations:
- Stay away from hyphenated names unless you also own the unhyphenated
version (no one remembers the hyphen, and people will accidentally
visit your competitor).
- Opt for “.com” if possible. There may be more options
with “.net” and “.org” (or any of the other
zillion new extensions), but “.com” is still king. People
remember “.com”, and again, you don´t want to
send prospects to your competitors.
- Stay away from numbers (i.e. Websites4you.com) - sounds and
looks cheesy; plus, it creates confusion if you advertise on the
radio.
Step 5:
You´ve done your homework, you´ve found a good, “benefits-focused”
name, and you´re ready to buy. Here are few places you may
want to register your domain name (I haven´t personally
tried these, but the prices look good):
Cheap Domain
Registration - $8.75
GoDaddy.com
- $8.95
Joker.com
- approx. $11
OrderYourDomains.com - $12
Dotster.com
- $14.95
Keep these tips in mind, and you´ll soon be on your way
to finding a great, memorable, traffic-generating domain name
(for about the price of a pizza).
Wishing you much online success...
Joe Chapuis
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> Working from home, Joe Chapuis is a self-employed internet
> business consultant and online publisher who swears he'll
> never work for someone else again. His free report:
> The 10 Commandments of Online Success™ and
> free email newsletter will show you how to
> get "amazing results online, fast."
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Copyright 2001 Joseph P. Chapuis - RequiredReading.com
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