6 Steps to Finding the Perfect Domain Name

Why do you need a domain name?

A domain name (better known as a web address) can set you apart from competitors online. If you want to promote yourself, your brand, or your business, a specialized domain name is a must. The most successful businesses use the same set of words and images to engage customers – on their website, emails, voice message, social media pages and more! This is branding at its best. In addition, the digital footprint of your business grows stronger with domain names.

A domain that is consistent with your brand looks professional and can boost your online visibility. If you’re starting a business, a domain name can build your authority and help consumers find you. We’ve got 6 steps to help you choose the perfect domain name!

Here’s 6 steps to finding the perfect domain name:

1. Make it easy to remember. A best practice is to choose domains that include your business name. Doing so, will keep you top of mind with customers. Especially, if a customer forgets the complete web address, they should be able to find your business name listed in the search results. 

1. Avoid duplication. Buying domain names that already exist or are being used by another company may cause legal problems. This is because some brand names are trademarked or copyrighted. If your name is already taken, consider including a phrase or call-to-action in front of the brand name to give it some originality. For example: “mealsonwheels.com” is already taken so some other options are “fastmealsonwheels.com” or “speedymealsonwheels.com” or yummymealsonwheels.com?

1. Shorter is usually better because it leaves less room for error. Shorter web addresses make it easier for people to enter the correct spelling online. It’s more likely for someone to skip a character or type it wrong using longer domain names. While shorter domain names are easier to match with usernames on niche websites and social media pages.

1. Promote your location. Are you a local business? If so, use this to your advantage by including the name of your neighborhood, city or country in your domain to catch the attention of customers in your local area! This strategy is great for SEO and it helps identify where your business is located. 

1. Keep it simple. There is a saying in sales… “A confused mind never buys.” Using a domain name that’s easy to spell increases the likelihood of customers entering it correctly. Web addresses that have  long names, numbers or hyphens may appear spammy. Criminals often use complex domains so avoiding this would look more professional and trustworthy.

1. Maintain Ownership. Depending on where you are on your business journey, you can buy domains from one year or up to 10 years! After spending hours searching for the perfect domain name you deserve to have it for a while. We recommend registering your domain for at least 2 years. Doing so will prevent you from losing it after twelve months. The popularity of the internet has increased the demand for more domain names and extensions. Which means there’s alot more competition. 

If you need help choosing a web address, our domain name search tool offers suggestions and alternatives to any domain you search. By the way, if you’d rather speak to a real person, call our customer support team anytime.

Social Media Communication

Branding Your Business

-By: Kayla McDonald

Branding is one of the most important aspects of any type of business, regardless of size or location. An effective brand strategy gives you a competitive edge within a crowded marketplace. But what exactly is a “brand”? Can it be developed online? How does it affect a small business like yours? 

A “BRAND” defines the core values of your organization. It expresses what YOU do and how YOU do it – both from within the company and in dealings with customers, business partners, society and the environment. In other words, a brand is an identity developed from within the company And it is expressed by how you conduct business. Your brand identity follows you online and offline. It is not based solely on what is said but how others perceive the business.

For instance, are you an early adopter of the newest technology in your industry? Or the experienced, reliable one? Is your product known to be the expensive and rare option or the low-cost, easy to find option? Contrary to popular belief… you can’t be both and everyone is not your customer! Your brand identity should be based to some extent on fulfilling the wants and needs of your target market.

Branding is the action taken to build upon the promise you’ve made to your audience. Your branding creates lasting impressions and tells consumers what they can expect from your products & services and How to distinguish it from your competitors. As a result, small businesses can build credibility, increase recognition and gain appreciation with their customer base. 

If you are new to branding, this process can be intimidating. But if you relate it to your everyday life, do some research and be authentic, you can find the resources and support to launch a reputable brand. Whether you’re starting from scratch or reinventing a brand, I’ve outlined the steps below to help you get started.  

Defining Your Brand

“Defining your brand is like a journey of business self-discovery.” John Williams, LogoYes 

 

The first step to developing a brand in the digital age is defining your brand. Reflect on your business or idea and ask yourself the following questions:

 

• Do I have a mission statement?

• What are the features and benefits of my products or services?

• How is the company perceived by customers or prospects?

• Which qualities do I want consumers to associate with my business?

Some research and development may be required to effectively answer those questions. Do some research on similar products/services. Survey people who already buy. Keep an open mind by learning their wants, needs and buying habits. Don’t be afraid to seek the guidance of an expert!

 

Once you’ve defined your brand, then it’s time to spread your message! 

 

• Identify brand standards for your marketing materials. Select fonts,  text sizes and colors to be used consistently on business cards, logos, flyers etc. Try not to complicate things, just keep it simple.

• Get a logo designed. Add it to your apparel, website, social media accounts and everywhere your brand is represented.

• Develop a tagline. Write a memorable, meaningful and concise statement that captures the essence of your brand.

• Keep your promise. Customer loyalty develops overtime and requires businesses to deliver on its brand promise.

• Be consistent. Last but not least, this point involves doing all of the above on a regular basis. Reputable brands develop habits that customers trust.

One of my favorite tools to create marketing materials is Canva! It’s a user-friendly design program full of pre-built templates and images. Follow this link to create a Free account. I’m excited about your Brand development journey. This process will highlight your uniqueness and attract supporters.

 

Feel free to leave a comment and tell me where you are in developing a brand for your business. What challenges are you having? If you’re tired of doing this alone, visit my website to book a Free discovery call.  

Digital Literacy