As a small business owner, a strong online presence is fundamental to your success. Today, the cornerstone of a brand’s presence online is a domain name, as it’s the first impression for potential customers while they research your business.
Before launching your website, you need to choose a domain name that not only matches, but enhances your online brand, signifies your business’ credibility, and aligns with your SEO strategy. So how do you select the perfect domain name? What factors should you consider? In this guide, we’ll show you how to choose the the right domain name that not only resonates with your target audience, but also helps propel your business to new heights.
Why do you need a domain name for your small nusiness?
According to research by Stanford, 75% of customers assess a company’s credibility based on their website. Today, there are a lot of website providers offering free sub-domains like WordPress or Wix. However, if your company’s website domain is: yourbusiness.wix.com, it does not look very professional online or on a business card – there’s a reason why the world’s most well known brands, enterprises and start-ups launch great brand names with exact-match domains.
Securing a reputable domain name can significantly enhance your small business’ credibility amongst current and prospective customers, and potential partners. And, you can leverage a customized email address, matching social handles and align your entire brand with your domain that adds a layer of authenticity to your communications and long-term branding efforts.
Using a company email address for email marketing can indeed improve deliverability and engagement rates, as recipients are more likely to trust emails coming from a recognizable and professional domain.
It’s a relatively simple yet powerful way to improve your business’ legitimacy and establish a strong online presence.
How to choose the perfect domain name
Step 1: Conduct keyword research
Keyword research is a crucial step in domain name selection. It helps you understand what your potential customers are searching for online. As a small business owner, carving out a niche in the market can be challenging, and search rankings play a pivotal role in visibility and success.
Ensuring that your domain is keyword-friendly can be a cost-effective method to improve your website’s visibility. This can lead to higher search rankings and increased web traffic.
However, it’s important to strike a balance. Your domain name should not be overwhelming or lengthy with too many keywords at the expense of sounding unnatural and less brandable.
Step 2: Align with your brand identity
A domain name is more than just an address on the internet. It’s a powerful tool for conveying your brand identity. It should reflect your business’s mission, values, and unique selling proposition.
Consider your brand’s personality when choosing a domain name. If your brand is fun and quirky, a creative and unconventional domain name might be a good fit. On the other hand, if your brand is more traditional and professional, a straightforward and descriptive domain name may be more appropriate.
Use a Domain Name Generator: If you’re having trouble brainstorming ideas for your domain name, consider using a domain name generator tool. These tools provide suggestions based on keywords or specific criteria you provide. Explore different options and variations to find the perfect domain name for your business.
Step 3: Choose the right domain extension for your business
The domain extension, also known as the top-level domain (TLD), is another crucial aspect of your domain name. The most common TLD is .com, but there are many others available – and some are even tailored towards businesses – such as: inc domains.
While .com is the extension mostly commonly opted for, don’t be afraid to consider other TLDs. For instance, a .inc domain is a perfect fit if you are aiming for a professional, credible online presence.
Remember, the right domain extension for your business should align with your brand identity and the nature of your business. It should also be easy for your customers to remember.
Step 4: Avoid common pitfalls in domain name selection
When selecting a domain name, it’s easy to look for long-tailed results, and one very common mistake is choosing a domain name that’s too lengthy or complex.
A domain name should be easy to type and remember. Avoid using hyphens, numbers, or any unusual spellings. These can confuse your customers and make your website harder to find.
Another pitfall to avoid is choosing a domain name that’s too similar to another brand’s. This can lead to confusion and potential legal issues.
Always research your chosen domain name to ensure it’s not already in use or trademarked. Here are some key points to remember:
- Keep it simple and easy to remember
- Avoid hyphens and numbers
- Research to avoid legal issues
- Make it unique and brandable
Step 5: Register your domain name
Registering a domain name is a straightforward process. However, it’s important to choose a reputable registrar to ensure the security and reliability of your domain.
Ensure that you ask your peers, read reviews and conduct other thorough research to choose a reliable domain registrar that’s best for your business and long-term professional and personal needs.
Ready to launch your small business online?
As you prepare to launch your small business online, selecting the perfect domain name is a crucial step. Invest time and thought into the process. Consider your brand, your target audience, and your long-term business goals.
Now, consider an exact-match .inc domain – as a globally recognizable extension that is business focused and aimed to project professionalism and credibility.
Whether you’re launching your new small business online, or rebranding your business, consider find that perfect, available, affordable .inc Domain today!
Have a great business idea in mind? Ownr is excited to help you take the next step. With incredible tools and resources, you can leverage one platform to help streamline the business formation process while saving you valuable time and money.
Get started today and launch your business with Ownr + .inc Domains!
This article offers general information only, is current as of the date of publication, and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While the information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author(s) as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by RBC Ventures Inc. or its affiliates.