Finding the right name for your company is harder than you might think. Not only because you want your domain name to reflect the quality, credibility and professionalism of your company – and choosing the wrong name could do just the opposite - but also because all the obvious great names are likely to have been taken.
Starting with the basic set of rules will stand you in good stead. Then you have to decide whether you want to follow the path of choosing a Descriptive Name – one that describes your company – or a Brandable Name – one that sets you apart from the rest.
Basic rules
- Keep your domain name short and simple
If the name is easy to spell, say and type, then it will be easier to remember. Keep it catchy.
- Avoid hyphens and numbers
These overcomplicate a name and will make it harder for your target audience to remember the name of your website.
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Avoid associations
Check that the name you have chosen isn’t too similar to an existing domain name or an expired domain name. You don’t want to be mistaken for another company.
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Avoid copyright infringement
Check that your chosen domain name isn’t a registered trademark or limited company. This may take some time to determine but it’ll be worth the effort as infringing copyright can lead to all sorts of problems. To help you with your check see the list of links at the end of this article.
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Give ‘dot com’ preference
If possible, try to buy a ‘dot com’ domain name. There is a surprising amount of people out there who assume that all web addresses end in dot com. However, remember that you are less likely to get the name you want and they will be far more expensive as ‘dot com’ names are in high demand. Choosing a catchy name for your company is more important.
Descriptive name
The safest way to find a successful name for your company is to choose something that is as close to what you do, or what you’re selling, as possible. If people can guess at what you do simply by your domain name, then your company will be more likely to stick in their minds. For example, needapresent.com tells you exactly what the company does and is very easy to remember. It is also keyword rich which will help with high rankings amongst search engines.
A useful way to begin when choosing a descriptive domain name is to think of a handful of words or short phrases that best describe your company and what you do. Think of those words and phrases that web browsers might think of as well when doing a web search. Play around, adding prefixes and suffixes and see if you can find a name that is an ideal complement to your company. Remember to keep it short, simple and catchy.
Brandable name
A brandable name will give you an identity, which in turn will help generate credibility for your company. Although choosing a brandable name won’t generate a significant amount of traffic amongst search engines, if it is unique enough, there is a high possibility that any mention of your website name will rank high in search results.
When choosing a brandable domain name, think of your company in visual terms. Try to come up with a metaphor that will paint a clear visual picture of what your company is all about. What makes your company interesting and special? Can you think of a word or short phrase that evokes an image or a feeling that best describes your company?
For example, ‘tank’ might describe a financial company who promote themselves as being ‘safe, indestructible and determined’. This visual image will give clients a sense of security when choosing where to invest their money. The name is short, catchy and easy to remember.
If you want to check the availability of domain names, go to any one of the websites below:
www.easyspace.com
www.domjax.com
www.instantdomainsearch.com
The links below will help you on your way with checking for registered limited companies and trademarks:
