How To Choose a Domain

Domain Tip #1 - Keep It Short

Try and keep the total number of characters under 15 characters. If you can get a shorter domain, then do it. Many resources recommend your domain is less than 12 total characters. Short domains are more straightforward, plus they give a sense of longevity, authenticity, and trust.

Domain Tip #2 - Keep It Simple

Stick with easy-to-spell words and avoid words like "deceive." It is also wise to have a domain you can easily pronounce without spelling out each character.

Domain Tip #3 - Avoid Dashes & Underscores

Avoid using dashes "-" or underscores "_" in your domain name. If you can't get the domain using just alphanumeric characters - keep looking until you find the right one.

Domain Tip #4 - KingCOM

There are a lot of unique domain extensions out there (like ".tour"), but ".com" instills the most confidence while ".org" is best for "non-profits." We typically recommend getting all the other versions, such as the .biz, .net, .mobi, etc., so that your brand is locked down. (although .biz is not typically a show-stopper).

Domain Tip #5 - SEO & Your Domain

If SEO is part of your online strategy, then you should do the following:

• Renew your domain for the longest time possible. Get out of that year-to-year renewal plan. The max length is currently at ten years.
• Add privatization to your domain. This step will also help eliminate solicitations from overseas. UPDATE: You should always privatize your domain to keep your contact information private. 

You are doing this because Google and other search engines look at your domain's attributes.

Domain Tip #6 - Let Someone Else Do The Work

Check out expireddomains.net. You may be able to find a domain with a ton of backlinks and an established history. Some of these domains already have momentum, and you may be able to ride the wave of someone's work. We've done this for some companies in the past, and it meant "instant referral traffic."

Domain Tip #7 - Get Creative But Not Too Creative

People have been eating away at all the .coms and .orgs for years. This fact means the "pickins' are slim," as we say down south. So check out websites like namemesh.com. These websites will take a few words and create variants that are available for purchase. Remember, these tools are not human experts making recommendations, so make sure they pass all the tests within this article.

Domain Tip #8 - Own It Or You Will Share It

It is tempting to think of the perfect domain, see that it's already acquired, then purchase the plural version of the domain or some other very close variation. Unfortunately, this decision can send traffic to other places and create brand confusion. You need to own your domain name with as little confusion as possible.

Domain Tip #9 - Don't Stuff It

Years ago, there was a strategy to buy a domain "stuffed" with keywords, like "ashevilleplumber.com." While there is still a place for domains like this, it needs to be carefully considered.

We habitually buy easy-to-remember domains for clients and point them to a review page or a specific marketing campaign that involves billboards or other traditional advertising.

Remember, domains are a "means to an end." There is not a systematic strategy that works for every business. We're always thinking beyond the norm to develop effective marketing techniques.

Bonus Tips!

When you create your domain name, make sure to look or unintended words. It can happen when you mesh two words together.

Suppose you use a number in your domain, like "one," get both the numeric value and spelled-out version and point them to the same website. Again, use standard grammatical rules when determining the primary domain.