Picking A Domain Name
One of the first steps in getting your business on-line, is to pick your domain name. Here are some pointers:
Extension
For an Irish business a .ie domain will generally be required. A .ie domain is specific to the Irish market. If your target users are outside of the Ireland, you will need to purchase a domain with an extension such as .com, .net etc. It is very important to understand where your target market is located and pick the appropriate extension. Many businesses will purchase their domain name in as many extensions as possible. The aim of this is to protect your brand.
Length and spelling
A good domain name will be short, easy to remember and easy to spell. You want to be able to direct users to your website easily and avoid questions such as, "Can you spell that for me?". There is no magic number for the length of a domain name, ideally it should be under ten characters, unless absolutely necessary (e.g. a family name, a word).
Keywords
Keyword domains are often used to achieve good results in search engines, e.g. www.how-to-pick-a-domain-name.com. This type of domain will ensure a good(if not top) ranking when a user searches for "how to pick a domain name". However for many businesses a domain name such as this is unsuitable as it lacks any form of branding and even professionalism. Keywords can be worked into your domain in a subtle manner, e.g. many law firms will have "solicitors" in their domain name. It is not essential to work keywords into your domain name, ultimately the most important factor is that your brand is put across in your domain name.
Ive picked my domain, what now?
Site Crest can assist clients in picking your domain name, once this step is completed Site Crest also assists clients in the registration of their domain names. This assistance is particularly important when it comes to:
- .ie domains as there are strict regulations in registering .ie domains.
- international extensions, ensuring your brand is protected across Europe and the world.
If you would like further information or assistance on registering a domain name,
contact us.
Before picking your domain name, have a read of this 
The importance of