How to Choose a Name for Your Website

If you have decided that you want to build a website for your business then the naming of website is very important. A website name is also known as a domain name and it's what people use to find your website.

There can be hundreds of companies, and people, all over the world with the same name but there is only one website name available. Try to think of a name that is memorable and describes your business.

The first thing you will need when deciding a name is a pen and paper. Write down various names that you would like to use for your website. You should use only letters if at all possible.

Remember that whichever name you go for, it is going to be for good because even though you can change it every page, link and promotion will no longer work. You will have to rebuild your whole website costing both a great deal of time and money.

So you have the paper in front of you with some clever, funny, fantastic and not so fantastic website names, now what? How do I know if these names are available?

We can check if the names are available on various websites. Enter a website name e.g. myownwebsite.com to see if the name is available. The results page will tell you if the website name is available or not. If it is available you may be given the option of buying the name but do not do so right away.

If a domain name is not available you will get a results page which will tell you who owns the name, when is was registered and when it will expire. If a name you have your eye on expires soon then it may be worth holding on until it becomes available. It is also important to remember that expired domains are often renewed automatically or the owner is given first preference on renewing the name.

To check for yourself what names are available or take you enter the name on this website whois.domaintools.com

Many names are purchased by internet companies that also provide hosting services. These companies will either just use the names and have adverts on the page or they will have the names for sale at a high price.

Now if for instance myownwebsite.com is unavailable you could go for another extension instead. An extension is the part that comes at end of the website name e.g. .com, .ie, .us.

If at all possible you should try to get a.com for your website name. This extension is by far the most popular in the world and is the default name that browsers use. If for instance a user types myownsite into the address bar, then the browser will straight away go look for myownsite.com. If you own the.com version then great but if you own the.biz version then you will lose that visitor and of course that all important sale.

My name is Paul O Brien. I have set up my own websites about various subjects and now I am sharing the knowledge and resources I have gained with others like me. If you want to design and build your own small simple website then visit my website http://www.websitedesignhub.com/ for tips and information.