Time to choose a domain name. This is a pivotal point in the life of a website. Unfortunately, it is often something that is rushed into.
Statistics have shown that a site is more search engine friendly if the site concept is in the domain name. Does it have to be there? No. But if you can work it in – all the better. Finding a good domain name is tricky because a webmaster must try to please both Google and the real, live visitors that stop by the site. In the end – the best approach is to please yourself – this site is your window to the web, your online home or storefront.
Think Twice Before Picking Something Cute or Trendy
Too often I see people just setting up a site with no clear plan in place. They tend to pick a name that is cutsie or has some kind of double meaning.
New moms are especially guilty of this infraction. I don’t blame them – it is natural for people coming from the professional world into the all consuming world of motherhood to choose a domain name that reflects their new life. Life with baby. They pick a moniker that has something to do with mom or baby or even a name with reference to, shall we say, baby’s diaper contents (really – I have seen this).
Very cute – for newly initiated moms. But let’s just say that this web hobby catches on and the website grows and grows over the years. The kids get older – and mom moves away from the diaper stage. Now that website – that has taken years of TLC to build is no longer about diapers and babies. Starting over is tough – choosing well in the beginning is easier.
A case in point is eMom – Wendy Piersall. Wendy created her original site to help other moms succeed on the net. I believe the url was emomsathome.com. Over the years she developed a strong following of women AND men looking to grow their internet businesses. At this point she wanted to shed the “mom” aspect of her image – and create a place for all aspiring internet entrepreneurs. Through an involved process, she changed the name of her site to Sparkplugging.com. And – this story has a happy ending – she was able to pull it off (and eventually sell the site) – but I bet if you ask her, she would have rather started off with the right name.
Using Your Own Name
A lot of sites pull this strategy off very successfully. The nice thing is that the site could really be about anything. But if you are putting your name on it – you need to be sure that it is something you will be proud of.
Steer Clear of Brand Names
Lots of sites choose a domain name that includes a brand. Often the site concept focuses around a particular product. Let’s say the site is about iPods. The webmaster may choose something like iPodGuide.com. The problem here, of course, is that the brand is already trademarked – in this case by Apple. Down the road if a corporate giant decides that you are infringing upon their copyright – they could shut you down. Right or wrong – the battle will be tedious and expensive. It is more prudent to choose something more general or neutral – and by doing this you could even be creating your own unique brand.
YOU Must Be Happy With the Choice
In the end, it comes down to individual preference. This is your site and you need to like the name. Many of you might be rolling your eyes at the name I chose – One Mighty Woman. But for me, it gives me a sense of self confidence that I need on days when a little motivation is welcome.
Introduce yourself – what is your domain name? Why did you choose it? How is it working out for you?
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