How to Buy a Domain Name – 10 Tips to Follow Before Buying

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Joe Uddeme

Joe Uddeme

How to Buy a Domain Name – 10 Tips to Follow Before Buying

Among the most crucial decisions in establishing an internet presence is picking a domain name. Ignore the trends and fads of the day and pick a name that makes sense for your company or subject matter today and will still make sense a decade from now. Here are 10 suggestions that will assist you to make a fantastic domain name purchase.

1. Do your homework

Just a small amount of research can go a long way when purchasing a domain name. Find similar websites and check out your competitors’ domains with a website like Compete.com.

Use dnpric to determine when a domain name was last sold, for how much, and the web hosting agent. A favorite domain may have more people resales. You can search by keyword, which will help provide the popularity of particular words in domain name.

2. Buy Domain Name People Can Remember

Even if you’re planning on optimizing the website for search engines, you still need a domain name that individuals can remember and type. Anyone hearing your name needs to know how to sort it without you having to say things like”the number 4″ and”dash-dash.”

It’s also wise to avoid words that have more than 1 spelling if your customers are most likely to be confused and mistype the name. Alternately, you can purchase both versions of the name and guide visitors in the one you prefer less into the name. As you do want a brief name (see below), do not go for something so mysterious that people have difficulty remembering it.

3. Avoid slang terms

Stay away from slang terms and instead select a name that will continue to be meaningful in ten years. This may also help your title be known and remembered by non-native speakers. Whether you intend to conduct business globally, this can help to your neighborhood audience also.

4. Purchase a domain that is shorter rather than longer

The more your domain name is, the harder it is for people to remember it and the greater chance you have of someone misspelling among the words. Most good single word domains are long gone, but it’s still possible to prevent long domains by getting a little creative. For those who have one word you really enjoy that’s not available, consider adding an adjective or verb in front of it and seeing if those variations are available. Think of your domain name as part of your brand, and be sure it matches how you want visitors to consider you.

5. Stick with. Com if you’re able to

Most individuals assume that a domain name ends in. Com so in case you purchase a domain name with one of the additional extensions (.Net, .info, .org, etc.), you will have some additional work to get people to keep in mind your site has another extension. Do not automatically assume you should just buy domains with. Many websites have done very well with different extensions.

6. Do not buy trademarked domains

Even if you’re not trying to create confusion, then you are most likely to face some legal challenges by purchasing trademarked terms in your domain name. To be safe, you can look for U.S. trademarks at www.uspto.gov and be sure no one owns a trademark on the name you’re contemplating.

7. Do not buy a domain name that is too similar to an existing website

Even if the expression is not trademarked, do not buy domains that are only a variation of some other domain name. This implies preventing plurals if the singular is taken (mediatemple.net vs. mediatemples.net), hyphenating a term (media-temple. Alternately, you may consider purchasing these variants yourself and set them up so that if a person types in among those variants, they are redirected to your main website.

8. Avoid Buying Hyphen Domain Names

However, we often forget about the hyphens when they type domains. Should you use hyphens in your title, do not buy a domain with over three hyphens. It is just too messy.

9. Avoid numbers

People may get confused about whether the amounts is a digit (3) or a phrase (three). If you would like a number on your domain name because there’s a number in your organization name, purchase both versions (word and digit ) and redirect you to the other.

10. Check availability on Social Networking sites

When you’ve got a name picked out, see if this word or phrase can be found on social networking sites like YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, and Tumblr. Even if you don’t intend on using social media straight away, you will want the option when you are ready, and it is easiest if you can use the identical phrase on each website.

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Startup Domain Names : Buying the Right Domain Name

Having the right domain name for your startup sounds like common sense. However, it can be a challenging endeavor. Your organization name might not translate into a good domain name. Regardless of the challenges, it is absolutely essential that you have a fantastic domain name so that customers can find you, as well as help increase brand awareness. So how can you actually buy a good domain? Below are some suggestions that you’ll need to take into account while searching for that perfect name. Brainstorm Your Startup Domain Name When acquiring a domain, you need to start by doing some brainstorming.   What’s the name of your business? What services or products are you selling? What industry are you involved in? Develop five terms or phrases which can best answer those questions and can describe the domain name that you’d wish to acquire. For instance, if you wanted a domain name that involved “advertising,” you could use related terms like “online marketing,” “digital marketing,” “advertising,” or “sales marketing” as a starting point. While this may sound obvious, you also need to remember that your domain name ought to be related to your organization. For example, if your company name is Joe’s Electronics then you would want a domain name to reflect that name. If the website was called joesawesomewebsite.com, clients would not know that it was really an electronics site, which means you’re losing out on business because customers can’t find you. Keep Your Domain Name Brief, Unique and Easy to Remember While brainstorming domains you also wish to bear in mind that the shorter the better. Shorter domain names aren’t just easy to type, but also easier to remember. If you heard the domain from a friend or on the radio, would you be able to spell it correctly? In the end, settle on a domain that’s unique. The last thing that you need is for your domain to get confused with another site. This will also be certain that you won’t encounter any ownership issues. Research your Startup Domain Name Now that you’ve found a domain that fits your brand, you need to be 100 percent sure that it is available. One possible option would be to explore checkdomain.com, Domjax or copyright.gov. But that does not mean that you can’t find a domain name which is not similar. Just about all short. Com domain names are accepted. This means that they are likely to get premium cost to them if you are looking to purchase them. Check the whois information on the domain you are trying to buy. Add Modest Words Before or After Your Domain While you should keep away from pluralizing or hyphenating words since that will create confusion–and phrases such as “best” or “top,” there could be some minor alterations to make your domain stand out. Let’s say you have a car rental business located in Phoenix. You could search for a domain name that was on the line of phoenixrentals.com. Use Other Domain Extensions/Endings Ideally, you would like to secure a. com domain. It’s the best option for branding and type-in-traffic, also being ideal for any site. However, there are other endings or extensions that could benefit your brand as well. Take the .info extension for example. It could be an alternative if you are running an informational site. Another choice is to localize your own domain. If your site is based out of the United Kingdom, you would want to utilize the .uk extension. Not only does this open the door to additional possibilities, in addition, it differentiates you from an international website. A website like name.com is an excellent resource for searching for possible domains and extensions. View Auctions for Domain Names You can also hit auctions to purchase a domain name which was/is previously owned. There are numerous sites that have been acquired by investors as a means to monetize a site. They will purchase a domain and fill the website with lists and links to other sites simply for lead generation. Contact A Domain Broker There are other instances when somebody had a domain and did not do anything to it or the business didn’t work out and the domain name has expired. In cases like this, the domain name is now available for purchase. If your preferred domain is not up on an auction, then you could attempt to work with a domain name expert or broker to contact the current owner. If you decide to go it alone, make sure you contact the owner and gather the information that can assist you in ultimately determining if this is the right asset for your brand. If the owner is considering selling the domain, you want to do a little investigating to learn how much it’s worth. Our domain broker services can complete a professional domain name appraisal to determine how much traffic is visiting the website. It may not be the only element in determining the site’s value, but it’s a powerful indicator.

A busy office desk seen from above to illustrate a blog article about top level domains
Domain Levels: A Comprehensive Guide to Top-Level Domains (TLDs) and Domain Names

The finer details of domain name architecture can be pretty overwhelming to the uninitiated. In this post, domain name expert Joe Uddeme unravels the secrets behind TLDs, second level domains and more.   In today’s digital landscape, domain names serve as the cornerstone of online identity. They are not just web addresses; they encapsulate your brand, convey professionalism, and influence user trust. Understanding the actual domain is crucial, as it helps in structuring sub-domains effectively without confusing web visitors. One of the most critical aspects of domain names is their structure within the domain name system and their organization in the dns hierarchy, including top-level domains (TLDs) and second level domain names as well as third level domain names. This guide will explore the various types of TLDs, their implications for your online presence, and how to choose the right URL for your business when you want to buy a premium domain name.   Key takeaways .com TLDs remain a prized asset Up-and-coming coming TLDs such as .ai  have a place in the market A strong second level domain is crucial for the success of your business Discover some tips for registering a domain name that works for you   What Are Top-Level Domains? Understanding TLDs A top-level domain (TLD) is the last segment of a domain name, appearing after the dot. Domain extensions, such as generic top-level domains (gTLDs) and country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs), play a crucial role in website visibility and branding. For example, in the domain name example.com, the TLD is .com. The second-level domain (SLD) is the component of a domain name located directly to the left of the TLD. This becomes essential for creating memorable and relevant domain names that enhance SEO by better describing website content. Third-level domains, or subdomains, exist to the left of second-level domains in a domain hierarchy and help in structuring website content, indicating different sections or language versions of a site. TLDs categorize domain levels and can significantly influence a website’s branding and marketing efforts. The Role of TLDs in the Domain Name System TLDs provide crucial information about the nature of the entity associated with a domain. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) regulate and allocate domain names, ensuring that assigned names adhere to specific regulations and maintain uniqueness within the domain name system for internet infrastructure purposes. They help users understand the purpose of a website, whether it’s commercial, organizational, or country-specific. Choosing the right domain extensions can enhance brand recognition and trust. Types of Top-Level Domains (TLDs) Second level domain names referred to the target before the dot. Test.com is the second level domain with the keyword match–“test” in this example. Second level domain names can help consumers and individuals remember your brand. Top level domain names are generally categorized into several groups: .com: Originally designed for commercial entities, it is now the most widely used TLD and is often the first choice for businesses and private agencies. .org: Primarily used by non-profit organizations, this TLD conveys trust and community focus. .net: Initially intended for network providers, it has become a versatile option for various types of websites. .info: Designed for informational sites, this TLD is often used by resource-based websites. 2. Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs) Country-code top-level domain names are a specific type of domain extension designated for particular countries or regions, emphasizing their implications for search engine optimization and regional, country specific targeting. Country code tlds are the only top-level domain not governed by ICANN internet corporation for assigned names, differentiating them from other domain types and underscoring potential legal and usage restrictions based on geographic location. ccTLDs represent specific countries or territories. Examples include: .uk: United Kingdom .ca: Canada .de: Germany .au: Australia .ai: Anguilla .co: Columbia .io: Indian Ocean (british indian ocean territory) .ai: Anguilla – though it has been appropriated by tech and AI companies and is rapidly growing in popularity. It is treated as a generic TLD for search ranking purposes. The .gov domain is a specific top-level domain (TLD) exclusively reserved for the American government and government agencies. There are similar restrictions applying to other domains like .EDU, which is limited to educational institutions in the U.S. Using a ccTLD can enhance local SEO, making your website more appealing to audiences in specific regions. SEO Consideration: If your business serves a local market, opting for a ccTLD can improve your search rankings and visibility within that area.   3. New Generic Top-Level Domains (New gTLDs) New generic top level domain names (generic tlds) have emerged to provide more specific options for niche markets. Some examples include: .tech: Ideal for technology companies and startups. .shop: Great for e-commerce businesses. .blog: Perfect for bloggers and content creators. .design: Suitable for design-focused websites. Additional examples of GTLD’s include: .LAW, .GO, .XYZ, .ART, .CLUB are some of the most recognized. These new generic top level domain names can provide unique branding opportunities but should align closely with your business’s mission and audience and be target generic top level domains. Ensure they reflect the content and purpose of your site, as this can influence user engage specific for your generic top level domain. SEO Consideration: While .com domains are the most popular, various gTLDs can also rank well if the site’s content is relevant and high-quality 4. Domains not controlled by DNS System Web3 domains are a new class of domain names designed for the decentralized web, often built on blockchain technology. Unlike traditional domains, which rely on centralized registrars and the DNS (Domain Name System). These are typically tied to the Blockchain system and not associated with standard ip addresses. Web3 domains offer unique features and benefits including, Decentralization, NFT Integration and Smart Contracts. Popular Web3 Domain Providers Ethereum Name Service (ENS) A decentralized naming system built on the Ethereum blockchain, allowing users to register human-readable domain names (e.g., example.eth). Unstoppable Domains Offers blockchain-based domains that can be used for websites, cryptocurrency payments, and decentralized identities. Handshake A decentralized, permission-less naming protocol that enables users to own their top-level domains. The Importance of Choosing the Right TLD Brand Identity and Trust The top level domain you choose can significantly impact your brand identity. Having your own domain is crucial as it allows you to create subdomains for various purposes and highlights the domain name as a vital element for website navigation and URL formation. A recognizable and trusted top level domain can boost your credibility among users. For example, a second level domain keyword-match URL ending in .com is often perceived as more legitimate than lesser-known extensions. SEO Impact While a top level domain is not a direct ranking factor, they can influence click-through rates and user engagement. Familiar top level domain names ending in .com or .org can improve trust, leading to higher conversion rates with these domain extensions. Local vs. Global Reach If your business targets a specific country or region, a ccTLD can enhance local SEO and attract a more relevant audience. Conversely, global businesses might opt for a top level domain to appeal to a broader market for widespread use. Best Practices for Selecting a TLD 1. Know Your Audience Understanding your target audience is crucial in selecting the right top level domain. If your primary customers are local, a ccTLD may be the best choice. If you aim for an international market, consider a popular gTLD or only top level domains. 2. Keep it Short and Memorable A shorter domain name is easier to remember and type. Avoid overly complex names and choose a TLD that complements your brand. Find the perfect domain name for your organization. 3. Avoid Hyphens and Numbers While it may be tempting to add hyphens or numbers to secure a domain, these can confuse users and reduce memorability. Stick to simple, clear names. The second level domain is critical for customer recall. 4. Check Availability Before settling on a domain name and TLD, check its availability. Many popular domain names may already be taken, so be prepared to explore variations. If you need help negotiating a name that appears to be off-market, it’s a good idea to partner up with an experienced domain broker. The Impact of TLDs on SEO User Perception Research indicates that users are more likely to trust and click on websites with a familiar top level domain. A well-known second level domain can enhance perceived credibility, leading to increased traffic for your companies success in their respective country. Local SEO Advantages For businesses focused on local markets, ccTLDs can improve local search rankings. The root domain, represented by a dot (.), is at the top of the DNS hierarchy and contains all the top-level domains (TLDs), organizing domain names into different levels. Search engines often prioritize local relevance, making ccTLDs a valuable asset for local businesses. Content Alignment While TLDs themselves don’t directly impact SEO rankings, aligning your TLD with your content can improve user experience. A TLD that reflects your content’s focus can lead to better engagement. Common Misconceptions About TLDs Misconception 1: TLDs Are the Primary Factor for SEO Success While TLDs play a role in user trust and engagement, they are not the main determinant of SEO success. High-quality content, backlinks, and technical SEO are far more critical. Misconception 2: All TLDs Have Equal Value Not all TLDs are created equal. The second level domain, which sits immediately to the left of the top-level domain, plays a critical role in defining the domain’s identity and is significant for branding and SEO purposes. An experienced domain name appraisal expert can help you find the true value of a name you’re interested in. Misconception 3: New gTLD’s are cheaper alternatives Familiar TLDs like .com and .org often carry more weight in terms of trust and user recognition than obscure or new gTLDs. While new gTLD’s are typically cheaper, they do tend to hold a larger renewal cost and lack credibility and equity that .com domain names add to any brand. How to Register a Domain Name with Your Chosen TLD Step 1: Choose a Domain Name Brainstorm a potential web address that align with your brand and audience. Ideally, it should match your brand name – which should be strong brand name that is representative of your business.  The second level domain and dns hierarchy are good examples of properly choosing a domain name. A well-chosen web address can significantly impact user perception and SEO, making it crucial to select one that is effective and resonates with your target audience. Make sure to keep it short, memorable, and relevant, especially the second level domain. Step 2: Select Your TLD Decide on the most appropriate TLD based on your target audience and business goals. Second level domains are critical to top of mind awareness for your customer when finding the perfect domain. A third-level domain, also known as a sub-domain, can be used to organize different topics or language versions within your website while keeping the core domain name intact. Historically, third-level domains were significant for structuring website content, though they are less common in modern usage. Consider whether a gTLD or ccTLD best serves your needs. Fourth level domain levels involve rerouting the sub domains with a more specific field. Example: create.sub.agent.com. Step 3: Check Availability Use a domain registrar to check the availability of your chosen domain name with the desired TLD. Many registrars offer search tools to assist with this. Internet corporation for assigned names and numbers also offers a search tool to check Whois information. Second level domains also become synonymous with your brand image and perception. Step 4: Register Your Domain Once you’ve found an available domain name, proceed with registration through a reputable domain registrar. Be prepared to provide necessary contact information and payment details. Step 5: Set Up Domain Privacy Consider enabling domain privacy protection to safeguard your personal information from public databases. Top Registrars for Domain Names and TLDs Choosing a reliable domain registrar is crucial for managing your domain name effectively. Here are some top registrars to consider: GoDaddy: One of the largest and most popular registrars, offering a wide variety of TLDs and excellent customer service. Namecheap: Known for its affordability and user-friendly interface, making it an excellent choice for new domain owners. Bluehost: Offers free domain registration with hosting plans, ideal for beginners. Google Domains: A straightforward option that integrates seamlessly with Google services. Conclusion Understanding top-level domains (TLDs) and their significance in domain names is vital for establishing a strong online presence. By selecting the right TLD that aligns with your brand and audience, you can enhance your credibility, improve SEO, and attract more visitors to your site. Whether you choose a traditional TLD, a country code TLD, or a new tlds, ensure it reflects your business’s identity and goals. By following the guidelines outlined in this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to make informed decisions about your domain names and TLDs, setting the stage for online success in search results.   About the author Joe Uddeme is Director and Principal of Name Experts, one of the world’s leading domain name brokerage services. He has overseen domain name sales and acquisitions totaling more than $150 million and is renowned worldwide as a go-to expert in buying and selling premium domains. Contact us at: [email protected]

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How To Safely Purchase Premium Domain Names

We are living in a time when there are more active domain names today than there were people alive in the 1920s. There are over 1.8 billion websites, and this doesn’t even include the ones that aren’t active. This doesn’t leave a lot of room for you to find an original domain name that will instantly connect with your market.   If you want your business to succeed in the online world, you will likely need to go for premium domain names that are already owned by someone else. Keep reading to learn everything there is to know about premium domains and how you can successfully purchase them.   What Are Premium Domain Names and Why Do You Need One?   You want your business to be successful right off the bat, and premium domain names might be the best first step. Here we discuss what premium domain names even are and a few tips to help you purchase them.   What Are Premium Domain Names?   Premium domain names are short, easy, and highly marketable names that are usually already bought by someone and are available for sale for a “premium” value. They are priced higher than normal domains due to a few factors:   They have high marketability, thanks to their unique and trendy names that are instantly recognizable by the target audience. Premium domain names tend to be shorter in length and are easier to remember. (example: Facebook bought “fb.com” as it was used almost as much as “facebook.com”) They have optimized keywords that are hard to find in new domain names. They usually end in the popular “.com” extension.   There are a few other things to consider and a few criteria that are used to qualify your domain name as premium. The first is if they are generic or single word domain and whether they have a .com or another globally driven brand.   They should also be pronounceable and meaningful and should have a desired commercial appeal. Similarly, does the name you want to have a clear path to developmental success or is it random and highly specific?   We’ll help you decide if your premium name has a significant search volume and brand equity. A premium domain might also already have a rich-SEO history and what we call a “white-hat” SEO past. Your domain should be catchy, brandable, and most importantly – scalable. Basically, you’re looking for a timeless domain that won’t go out of style or be easily forgotten.   When you’re looking to add a domain name to your business, it’s important to focus on some of these pointers above if you want to add value and long-term equity to your overall brand. Especially if you eventually sell your business, you want to choose a name that can be resold and give yourself a little digital curb appeal even if the business doesn’t pan out down the road.   Why Premium Domain Names Are Necessary For Your Business   While they’re more expensive, premium domain names offer a range of benefits that often match that price and provide a pay off in the long term.   The first benefit you can take advantage of is a higher reach and resonance with your audience. A memorable domain name will stick in consumers’ minds and create a more credible image around your brand. If they remember your domain name, they’re more likely to search directly for it.   Premium domains will typically contain relevant keywords that are used frequently by consumers of the business segment. This provides a potential pool of traffic already searching for your domain, available for you to access.   Premium domain names are not essential when you’re first starting out and do not have a lot of capital. They are often expensive and might be a risky investment at the beginning. Once your business starts growing, a premium domain name will help take your online presence to the next level and open you to a world of new opportunities. At Name Experts, we’ll be able to help you decide the best name to help you get started.   Our Tips For Purchasing Premium Domain Names   Buying domain names can be stressful if you do not have much experience with the process. Here are a few tips you can follow to successfully purchase a premium domain.   Hire a Domain Buyer Broker with a successful track record. They will help you perform a WHOIS search easily and aid you through the process of your purchase. Make sure you get your broker to sign an NDA to protect your information. Contact the owner professionally. Keep a list of alternatives. Be honest and flexible in your negotiations. No one wants to deal with dishonest and rigid buyers. Ask your broker any question that comes to your mind.   Let Name Experts Help You Today   Though this is a quick and general list, we highly suggest reaching out to an experienced broker to help you with the process.   Name Experts offers a full-service domain name brokerage experience for clients. With over eleven years of industry experience and a proven track record of success, we can help you buy a premium domain name your business needs to boost its online presence.   To know more about our services, get in touch with us by contacting us.

Why Work with Name Experts

Name Experts offers personalized domain brokerage services, assisting clients in buying or selling premium domain names with expert appraisal, negotiation, and complete transaction management while ensuring confidentiality.

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