A domain name is the text that someone types into their web browser’s address bar in order to get to a website. For example:
Every site on the internet has their own unique domain name, no two sites can share a domain.
Domain names are generally recognizable by their extensions. These can be global extensions, where the domains end in:
- .com
- .org
- .net
- .co
or they can be country specific domain extensions, like:
- .co.za (for South African websites)
- .org.za (likewise for South African websites)
- .com.au (for Australian websites)
- .co.uk (for websites in the United Kingdom)
- etc.
When someone registers a domain name they acquire the exclusive right to use that domain for a specific period of time. A single body (ICANN) is responsible for overseeing all the organizations that are authorized to register, manage and administer domain names.
Your domain name is the foundation of everything that you want to build on the internet and as such it is important to choose it wisely. Domain names are an important factor for search engine optimization, as well as re-assuring users that your site matches their query.
When considering a domain name you should consider whether searchers are likely to be:
- looking for your company by name, or
- looking for the goods or services that you provide.
Here are four tips to help you choose a domain name:
- Consider including an important keyword in your domain name
- Keep your domain as short as possible.
- Choose an appropriate domain extension.
- Avoid using numbers in your domain name.
Choosing a domain name can be daunting but if you keep our four tips in mind you won’t go wrong.