How Not to Choose a Domain Name

So the rulebook on how to choose a solid domain name is getting bigger by the day, but at the same time so too is the list of mistakes being made by those who think they know better. Some are undoubtedly more painfully obvious than others, but in all cases it’s pretty amazing how making just a couple of rookie errors can send you and your website completely down the wrong garden path.       Here’s a quick overview of some real doozies:Underestimating Domain Name Importance – If you, for one second, think that the domain name you choose is something of a secondary issue of importance to your site, you’re already on a downward spiral. You’ll regret it in a big way later on, so don’t ever take it too lightly.Not Thinking Ahead – You may only be able to serve a small locality for the time being, but what about in the months and years to come? If you’re thinking of including a town, city or region in your domain name, try to make it one that will remain valid for quite a while at least.Compromising – If when looking for a domain name you go for one that ‘will do’ as opposed to one that’s ideal, you’re selling yourself short in a big way. The best name might be harder to find and costs more, but could also be worth its weight in gold.Ignoring Taken Names – So you’ve found that the perfect domain name for your business is already taken, so what? Most of the time, domain name owners are more than willing to sell on their assets for the right price, which might not be as much as you’d think.Forgetting Trademarks – If you end up buying a domain name that infringes on some other trademark or copyright, you’re heading for a rather large legal headache. Before buying, have a look around to make sure you won’t be treading on any toes.Small Focus – Sure, you have a primary and secondary domain name choice in mind, but what if the first five you liked the idea of are all unavailable? Unless you think ahead and map out a whole bunch of potential domain names, you’ll end up going for pretty much anything when you find your first choices are already taken.Weird Spellings – If the domain “Carsforyou.com” is taken, don’t think you’ll do just as well with “Carz4Yoo.com”. It might technically sound the same when read out loud, but these kinds of weird spellings are nothing but trouble when it comes to getting folk to remember them and not go straight to your rivals.Not Looking Abroad – And finally, it’s never a bad idea to take a quick look at the domain name you’re interested in to find out whether or not it might have a double-meaning. From slang expressions to foreign languages, it’s all well and good coming up with a catchy brand name but not if when read by international customers it’s something vulgar, insulting or in any way contrary to your brand’s purpose and nature.