Domain And Website Names - 6 Guidelines For Best Branding
By Bette Anderson

Here are six guidelines to assist you in the selection of a domain name to use for your website which will prove essential in representing you and your business in the very best way possible.

1) Your domain/website name states who you are and what your business is. Use your own formal company name if it is a fairly established, recognizable entity that people would be familiar enough with to search for online.

2) If your business is relatively new with little name recognition but you sell a key, identifying product that people would primarily associate with your business, combine the company name and product in your domain name such as (fictitious) BennysBananas.com. People already familiar with the company name of Benny's as well as those searching for their premier product who can't recall the company name will be led to the site.

3) If you are an internet marketer, chances are you are establishing a presence all over the web utilizing various mediums such as social networking (Facebook, Twitter, blogs) or article writing wherein you are gaining name recognition and an identity base to create a large group of followers to whom you can introduce your opportunity. In this case, it is best to use your own name for your domain/website name. If your own name is unavailable for purchase, add your middle initial or possibly add "biz" or "internet pro" to the end of it.

If your middle initial should create an unintended word when combined with either your first or last name, use another option as the search engines will bring up sites including the unintended word. Your casual lead-in comments and subtle introductory hooks placed at social networking sites and blogs will capture curiosity as to what you are attempting to promote. People will then click on your name to learn more without you having already revealed the opportunity, thus providing a better chance that they will remain at your site to investigate further.

They will quickly learn to identify you as a leader in internet marketing as they come across your name repeatedly on the internet. You will have an opportunity to utilize your multifaceted personality at various locations to attract potential business customers. Your name and your product/service will become synonymous.

4) Stay away from using unusual characters or intentionally misspelled words (EZ for easy) or cutsy number substitutions for words (4 in place of four) in your domain/website name. Chances are poor that your site will come up in searches using those replacements rather than the standard word values.

5) Avoid any words or phrases that could be interpreted as being offensive to a group of people. Consider that your objective is to draw people to your site, not drive them and their business away. What you might think is funny or clever, others may consider a personal affront and will shun or even actively condemn your site to other individuals, groups, etc.

6) Your domain/website name should be able to stand the test of time. It's a good idea to stay away from trendy or hip short-lived phrases unless, of course, they are actually part of your business name. Your intent is to establish a long-term presence on the net and build a respectable reputation over time. Ask yourself if five years from now your domain name will sound outdated or cheeky.

Remember to purchase your domain name in both.com and.net if available to ensure that the public can find you either way.

Utilize these basic guidelines and you should develop a domain/website name that will serve you well for a long period of time and will enhance your business and encourage prospective clients to seek you and your products/services out rather than unintentionally deterring potential business resulting in lost profits.

Coming from a corporate environment, my focus has shifted to entrepreneurship and creating a better life financially as well as enjoying more free time to pursue personal interests. My search for this enviable lifestyle has led me to an opportunity that is truly phenomenal and fulfills every aspect of the life I desire to experience. For a peek at this highly-respected, integrity-driven global opportunity, go to: http://www.bette-anderson.com.

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