What's in a (Domain) Name?

Just like you wouldn’t rush to decide on a corporate brand name, your blog’s domain name merits careful consideration.

SearchMarketingGurus even go as far as to say “your domain name could spell the success or death of your project.”

With those scary words in mind, perhaps you will want to give some thought to the following tips as you conduct your search for just the right moniker:

Keep It Simple

If you’re serious about this blogging business, it’s essential that you choose a brandable blog domain. Think hotels.com, not ILikeStayingPlaces.blogspot.com. Capiche?

Part with Some Cash

Buying a decent domain name doesn’t have to break the bank. You can pick one up from around $8.95 from the likes of   GoDaddy  . Of course, if you have your heart set on a domain that’s already been snapped up, you may have to pony up some serious moola to convince the owner to part with it.

Short Is Sweet

When it comes to domain names, most folks agree that smaller is better. It’s typically easier to brand, easier to remember and easier to spell.

Don’t Forget SEO

SEO should be foremost in your mind when it comes time to buy yourself a fancy new domain. If your address contains keywords relevant to your industry, that will ultimately help your all-important search engine rankings.

Avoid Similar URLs

Picking a domain name that’s too matchy-matchy with another popular site could confuse your audience and soon see your site hemorrhaging traffic to your competitors.

Dot-com Is King

Where possible, opt for a dot-com URL. That’s still what most folks will opt for in search engine results or when they enter a web address directly into the address bar. If you purchase a dot-tv or dot-net URL and you have dot-com competition, chances are high that you’ll lose out on the traffic front.