10 Things to Ponder when Picking Your .com

1. Proper names VS Common Names. First of all there are two different kinds of names, proper names (unique words, person, place), or common names (things like cars or cheese.) The types of names that will have good lasting effect on the internet are proper names. Think of some of the biggest sites on the internet, such as yahoo or google, why are they the most popular search engines in the world and not searchengine.com? Simple, the average consumer will group names of things with there .com names. If the names are too similar they get lost in the mix. That is why no one names there car dealership cars. Sure cars are what they sell, but image the conversation, Frank asks "what dealership did you buy your car from?" Jim replies "cars" as you can image it would get really confusing. A lot of dealerships use proper names such as XYZ Motors. That is why a lot of sites such as cars.com aren't doing as well as say vehix.com.

2. Real world Brands. The most successful brands on the internet are not "real world" brands. That is why amazon.com does over three times as much business as Waldenbooks.com or Borders.com combined. Internet branding is something completely new. In my opinion, the sites that are going to last on the internet are the ones with proper names. Proper names can be anything, names, and unique words. Use your imagination just as long as it is catchy and unique. It was a good idea to put www.what you are selling here.com back when the internet was young. People used the URL as a directory tool. This is a dying fad.

3. KISS Method. Keep It Simple Stupid. The best sites out there have simple easy to remember names. Alexa.com Excite.com you don't see many popular names like incrdiblesearchingpower.com

4. Shorter means better. If there is a shorter way to use your name do it. There is a reason cnet.com isn't computernet.com and schawb.com isn't charlesschwab.com. The less I have to type in the search box the happier I am.

5. Spelling 101. Make your .com easy to spell. Back when your product was mailed by the postal service spelling wasn't as important. You could get away with misspelled words and it would still be delivered. But now you have to enter your .com name exactly right for it to work.

6. What is in a name? Words that are better for search engine names and brand names all together have less total letters. That is why Datsun which has 6 letters to make there name changed to Nissan which has 4. As general rule brand names do better with the lower this number is. Such as Yahoo it takes 4. Google, it takes 4.

7. Abbreviate. Take a look at America Online. They didn't make there site www.americanonline.com they made it AOL. Other abbreviated names include, MSN and Cnet. This goes with the keeping it shorter rule but it is another possible helper.

8. Name it after a person. In 1987, PC's Limited changed its name to Dell Computer Corporation. In 2003, the company became Dell, Inc. Dell, Inc. became the most profitable PC manufacturer in the world. Dell sounds a lot better than PC's Limited.

9. Hidden meanings. Most names have hidden meanings such as Amazon which is the largest River on earth, is the largest book store on earth. I recommend you take a look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_company_name_etymologies

10. Run names by friends and relatives. They can be your best source for ideas, and best of all they will tell you if something sounds good to them or not. Ultimately what ever .com you choose it has to sound good to you!

I decided to pursue my passion, internet marketing. I have spent countless hours reading books, and listening to lectures. I finally decided to take the plunge. I created http://www.awesome-possum.com June of 2005. I hope in time to be a webmaster and internet marketer full time. I hope this article was helpful and informative. Email me webmaster@awesome-possum.com anytime. I am always happy to help.

Thanks Ryan Churchill

---

Domain Names Explained

If you are totally new to the internet then you... Read More

Domain Name Goldmines: Expired Traffic Investing In The 21st Century

I get pretty frustrated when thinking back to the days... Read More

How Do I Buy a Domain Name?

Q: I'd like to buy a domain, but I discovered... Read More

Domain Squatting Explained

The one thing that annoys me most about the topic... Read More

Information on Domain Names

It's been two years since John started his online business.... Read More

Domain Names - How to Choose, and Register One

What is a domain name?A domain name is the address... Read More

ICANN Registrar: jp-Domains for Anybody

Cologne, October 10 2004. ICANN Registrar Secura announces today, that... Read More

Choosing A Domain Name

--About Domain Names--Choosing a domain name for your web site... Read More

Know How DNS Works

Domain name Servers (DNS) are an important but invisible part... Read More

Selecting Your Domain Name - Things to consider

Selecting your domain name Selecting a domain name can be... Read More

1-800-Get-Rich Can Toll Free 800 Number Domains Pay Off?

The toll free number 1-800-Get-Rich belongs to the Resorts Casino... Read More

Detagged Domains

What is a DETAGGED domain name? We get asked this... Read More

Domain Name Strategies Maximize Profits

Whether you want to come up with your own original... Read More

Liberalization of in-Domains?

Communications and IT Minister Dayanidhi Maran has -as Hindustan Times... Read More

A Guide to Sell Your Domain Name Quickly

Everyday I read this question on different forums "how I... Read More

Domain Names and Longevity

It begins as an idea -- a company name, a... Read More

What?s In A Domain Name?

Choosing a domain name is a very important first step... Read More

ICANN Registrar: za-Domains for Anybody

Cologne, 12.10. 2004. ICANN accredited registrar Secura announces today,that the... Read More

What You Need to Know About Choosing A Domain Name

Aside from the nuts and bolts of where to register... Read More

Domain Name Trademarks

As your Internet business grows, the value of your domain... Read More

5 Tips For the Perfect Domain Name

What is a domain name? A domain name is the... Read More

How To Make Great Money Part Time Buying And Selling Domain Names - Part One

This truly is the business to get into in 2005.... Read More

Protect Your Domain Name or Risk Losing It

Your domain name is an important part of your brand... Read More

Whats In A (TLD) Name?

They're pushing for a top level domain (TLD) exclusively for... Read More

How to Sell your Website

There are hundreds and thousands of websites on the internet... Read More

Internet Domain Registration ? Top 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions on Domain Name Registration

Here are the top ten most frequently asked questions regarding... Read More

How to Conduct a Domain Name Search and Why Your Domain Name Matters for Long Term Branding

Creating a website is not just about designing your pages... Read More

Get Your Own Domain Name Or Die Online

Would you buy from someone with an "@yahoo.com" e-mail address?... Read More

Whats in a Domain Name?

You've decided to start up your own website. You've weighed... Read More

A Winning Domain Name

The domain name is one of the most important decisions... Read More

.info Freedom Frenzy

Whether you're someone that registers domain names on a regular... Read More

Choosing Your Domain Name ? Internet Marketing

This is actually an important key to your business and... Read More

Is Your Domain Name On Someones Wanted List?

A good domain name is, and will always be, essential... Read More