Visitors will type your domain name into a browser or lick on it a search engine results page before you have a chance to wow them with your Web site. It's your first impression, so make it good. Your domain name should fit the style and tone of your Web site and clue visitors in to what they're about to see.
Your Internet Address
When someone types your domain name into a browser, the servers that their computers are hooked up to translate your name into a string of network digits called an IP address. A domain name is the text translation of this IP address, which is easier for people to remember than a string of numerical digits.
Domain names distinguish your company from the competition. Selecting a unique name enables you to successfully promote your brand online and avoid confusion with your competition. Your domain name is essentially your address on the Internet, so make it clear, concise and memorable.
How to Register
You can register a domain name through a registrar or directly through a Web hosting company. Even if you're not ready to launch your site, register the domain name that you think you'll need for the future before a similar business beats you to it.
It's also a good idea to register many similar domain names and set them as domain aliases for your Web site. With domain aliases in place, potential customers will be pointed to your main Web site whether they type www.angiesantiques.com or www.angiesantiqueshop.com.
The Best Domain Name
Typically, businesses use their company name as their domain name to make it easy for customers to remember. Sometimes, your product or brand name is more prominent than your business name so you'll want to use the brand name instead. Or you could register all of them and have the different domains redirect to your Web site. This gives you maximum exposure and coverage, making it easy for your market to locate you online with the name they associate with your business.
This article was provided by Hostway Corporation.
Hostway Corporation helps small- and medium-sized businesses grow with innovative Web services that make advanced technology accessible and easy to use. Founded in 1998, the company currently serves more than 600,000 customers across the globe with domain name services and Web hosting packages that include an easy-to-use Web site builder and a built-in mechanism for driving traffic. One of the world's largest Web hosting companies, it operates over 250,000 square feet of state-of-the-art data centers with a direct presence in 13 countries, 17 worldwide operation centers and more than 700 employees. Visit Hostway online at www.hostway.com.