tips for choosing a domain name
Selecting the perfect domain name for your website is the most important, and oftentimes hardest, step in establishing a web presence.

Your domain name is central to your online concept, business, or organization. It is the identification of your website. So here are some things you should take into consideration when choosing your domain name.

Keep It Short
People need to be able to...
1) Remember it
2) Easily type it into their browser
3) Easily repeat it

Don't Use Confusing Spelling
If your domain is targeted to a worldwide audience avoid words that are spelled differently throughout the world such as words ending in ize(USA) and ise (UK). Also beware of words that have different meanings throughout the world. In a nutshell, research before you register.

What Comes After Dot?
For the universal appeal use a .com, .info, .biz, .org, or .net domain. For local appeal use an appropriate domain in your country.

Avoid Trademarked Names
Companies spend a lot of time and money creating their brand. The days are gone when companies willingly pay to get their names back. Instead, they call their lawyers.

Character Types
Domains can only use letters, numbers, and dashes. Spaces and symbols are not allowed.

Ask Your Friends
When you've settled on the short list, run it by friends, family, and customers. Stop strangers in the street. This is important. You'd be surprised what people see and hear that you don't. What sounds good to you might have some serious drawbacks that could even have the potential to embarrass you.

Keep Your Long Term Goals In Mind
If the scope of your website is going to expand to include other services, products, or messages that are less related to one another, choose a domain that is less specific and can apply to a broader concept. However, current internet trends indicate websites are most successful in advancing organically in search engine rankings when they are specific in their focus.

Robin Roberts
Rob Roberts Productions