Your domain name defines your Internet identity. It is the way that people remember you and hopefully return to your site. Here are several criteria to use in helping you choose a great domain name.

1. Keep your domain name short

You want a name that is easy to remember and for those whose typing skills are not the greatest you want them to be able to type it easily. Try to think of a name that describes your site and allows visitors to associate it with your site in the shortest name possible. Although some places allow you to register a name with up to 63 characters, the general rule of thumb is, keep it under seven characters if possible. (Not including the suffix.)

2. Don't Register Someone Elses Trademarked Name

You may be tempted to buy a few trademarked names of other companies and try to resell them. After all, ther have been stories about the internet gurus who thought ahead and bought "some-great-company.com" and sold it back to the company for enough money to retire on. Companies are smart enough now, however to bring in the lawyers and take that great domain name from you using the existing trademark laws. Besides, ethically it is just not the right thing to do. It's kind of like copying content - just don't do it.

3. Register Your Domain Today!!!

When you find the domain you want - do not hesitate. Several years ago, I thought it would be neat to have my own name deanmartin.com. I found the name was free but back then domains cost $150 and I hesitated. A week later I decided to go for it only to find the domain already snatched up so I settled for one that was close. Domains go even faster these days and with the lower costs involved you can't afford to wait.

4. Dot com, Dot net, Dot tv????

Dot com names are definitely the most popular and your favorite choice may not be available. If it is you may want to go ahead and register the same domain in .com, .net, and .org suffixes just to make sure that you have them all covered. You don't need to have a separate site for each, you can redirect any name you wish back to your main site.

5. Don’t spend a lot of money.

As I said previously domain names used to be quite expensive. With more and more providers able to sell them the costs have continued to decrease. We have names available for as low as $15 per year.

Are you in a creative slump? If so, why not try Matt's Domain Name Wizard and let it give you some choices. Choose a few you like from the list, have some of your friends rate them and your choice is made. Have fun...