Geographic Domain Name

A Web Hosting Article Contributed by Frances Rhea

Think Global, Act Local Domain Name

Don't be upset if your business has a simple name that someone else took before you even knew there was an Internet. You can include a geographic reference in your domain name. Say your name is "Mary" and your business, "Mary's Crafts, " is located in Colorado. The domain name maryscrafts.com is taken, but "coloradocrafts.com" is not. Geographic information can also be easier to remember than the name of your business.

Go for .Net and .Org Domain Names

An alternative domain name such as ".net" or ".org" ia a good alternative. A common misconception is that ".net" is only for networks, and ".org" only for nonprofits. Originally they were identified as such, you can register your business with them. Just remember that your users might look for you at a ".com" by default and not find you.

Keep in mind that seven new domain name registrations are available for use. They are: .info, .biz, .name, .aero, .museum, .coop, and .pro. Of these, .info and .name are open to the general public. The other domain name extensions are limited to professionals and professional organizations.

Other Domain Name Options

Other options include domain names in a specific country. These provide an address that ends with a two-level code such as ".uk" for Great Britain, ".to" for Tonga, or ".pr" for Puerto Rico. Some countries require you to have a connection to the country, but some smaller countries with cool country codes are open for all business. The Norwegian domain registry maintains a complete list.

Register a Longer Domain Name

A domain name is allowed up to 67 characters. Smart entrepreneurs can register catchy words and phrases that relate to their business. For example, JustLikeMomUsedToMake.com is a site that allows swapping of recipes. Another, RainingCatsandDogs.com, is the address of a Florida-based pet store.

To avoid a really long domain name confusing users, use dashes. For example, "coloradocrafts.com" may be registered, but "colorado-crafts.com" is not. If you do hyphenate your domain name, also register the unhyphenated version as well if possible.

Numbered Domain Name

Don't forget that you can use numbers in your address. For example, if the domain name "onegreatcraftstore.com" is taken, register 1greatcraftstore.com. This is advantageous since many Web directories list sites alphabetically. By having the number "1" in your address, your site is listed first in your category.

Domain Name for Sale

You have tried everything we suggested but a catchy domain name remains elusive because someone else owns it. Everything has a price attached. Try to locate the owner by looking at the contact information of the person who owns the domain name to see if you can buy it. You will have a better chance at buying it if you are trying for an uncommon domain name, but if you have lots of cash to spend you can get almost any name. As an example, "Business.com" sold for $7.5 million in November of 1999.