Your website is often the first point of contact that consumers will have with your company; to create an effective one — one that grabs (and holds) the public’s attention — you need to consider a host of factors. Of course, a website should be functional and easy to use, with catchy graphics and meaningful content, but it should also be easy to find with text that optimizes its ranking in search engine results. A great first step in building the perfect site is picking the perfect domain name. With the right domain name, you can tell the public a lot about your business, as well as your branding, without having to say (or write) a word. Here are four tips for choosing a domain name that maximizes technology, as well as design, and summons visitors into your world:

Use .com

There’s a time for creativity. Choosing the extension for your website is not one of them. There are literally hundreds of domain name extensions, and while it might be tempting to pick a niche one that is distinct or quirky in some way so that your site stands out from the crowd, resist the urge. As one of the first domain names to be registered (way back in the 1980s), “.com” represents legitimacy and authority, signaling to web users that the site to which it directs is both reputable and trustworthy (much like a Hyde Park or 5th Avenue address in the physical world does). Using a .com extension immediately evokes confidence from web users; not to mention, many add it to the end of a web address by rote, making it more likely that they’ll find your site if you use it, too!

Add One or More Keywords to Your Domain Name If Possible, But Still Focus on Branding

Adding a word to your domain name that people might use to search for your type of business makes it easier for them to find you. Indeed, history shows that users frequently pick keyword domains over branded ones when both come up in a search query because they instantly denote the type of business being promoted. For instance, the domain name at http://www.otwsafety.com references “safety,” clearly suggesting to users that the site will have something to do with safety solutions and/or issues. The “otc” further defines a specific brand. If the domain was only otw.com, however, users might overlook it in a query results list since it doesn’t definitively point to any recognizable keyword or brand. 

Keep It Short and Simple

There will come a time when you’ll need to give out your web address over the phone or during a meeting. You will have to speak its name rather than write it. For this reason alone, you should keep your domain name short, simple and easy to pronounce; it’s just easier for people to remember names that are under 15 characters. It also helps to keep your domain unambiguous; forget tricky play-on-words and unconventional spellings. The world’s most visited sites span an average of 6-10 characters only, making it apparent that it’s easier to type out shorter, straightforward addresses, as well.

Do Your Research

Finally, it’s extremely important for you to properly research any potential domain names before you make one official. Building a brand is better achieved when it’s consistent; thus, you need to make sure that the domain name you choose (or one that is very similar) is available on a variety of platforms. Steer clear of names that are already taken or ones that are too similar to existing ones. A truly original name not only protects you against possible legal issues, it will reinforce your online presence, tying all your related social media accounts to your website and making it easier for consumers to remember and find you!