When deciding to launch an editorial project on the web (like a corporate blog or an online magazine), the first thing to do is choose the domain name, that is the Internet address, which is the word between the “www” and the extension (.com, .it, .de, etc.). A well-chosen name can make a difference and yield good results in terms of visibility, but it should be catchy, original, and easy to remember and read.
Indeed, the domain name is one of the most important parts of any promotional strategy. A good domain name should be representative of the brand so that users immediately have a clear idea of what they can find on the site, and it should be brief. Long or complex strings are likely to be forgotten, as well as wordplay that, although fun, does not help in terms of searchability.
In addition, domain names must also be good for search engines. If you choose a name which is already used by other sites, your website could be penalized on the SERPs and you also may fall into potential copyright issues. So, try to choose a unique name that includes the right keywords and is not copyrighted.
A good idea is to conduct thorough research on existing domain names to ensure no one else is already registered the one you are thinking about. There are different websites that allows you to check for registered urls, trademarks and patents. Two examples are wipo.int, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), which manages all registered domains in Europe, and the website of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
10 tips for choosing the perfect domain name
Everyone wants to be among the top search engine results. Why? Because more people see you, if you are on the top results! Since the domain name is one of the main ranking factors and helps climb the SERPs results, here are some tips for choosing the right one:
- Choose a name which is easy to remember and that immediately and brings your brand to users’ mind.
- Include keywords that best summarize the activity but but without going overboard.
- Prefer a short name without hyphens, wordplay, punctuation, or abbreviations. The name must be easy to pronounce, type, and share on social networks.
- Choose the domain extension—for example, .com, .net, .it—also known as the top-level domain, which influences not only the online presence but the activity in general.
- When choosing your domain think about your target market. Keep an eye on competitors and avoid overlapping with their names.
- Do not make hasty decisions – the domain name is a long-term investment that affects the brand image.
- Verify the actual availability of the name you want to use to avoid unpleasant surprises in the future (you can use tools like Instant Domain Search).
- Have a backup option ready in case the chosen name is already taken.
- Learn about the registration procedures of the reference country if you want to purchase an international domain name.
- Choose a reliable hosting provider that offers secure and efficient services.
By following these tips, you will have laid the foundation for the success of your content marketing project.
How to register a domain name
Once you have found the right name, you need to register it before someone else does. To do so, you need to access a registrar, which is an entity authorized to sell domain names online.
There are several providers that also offer a range of advanced tools and additional services.
Once you are on the registrar’s website, type the name into the search field to check its actual availability. Many providers offer the possibility to try different combinations until you find the right one or to vary the domain extension. Then, complete the registration by purchasing the domain.
Remember that the domain name has a significant impact on the success of your content project. If you don’t know how to choose the right one or where to start, you can rely on a content marketing agency like Publicoos that can help you achieve your goals and ensure your brand’s visibility.
