Here are some useful tips for choosing a domain name for your website;

1) Your brand or company name may not be the best domain name to select. Carry out some keyword research before making a decision and consider incorporating a keyword alongside the brand name.

2) Short is better if you can do it, but simple phrases can be fine. Too long and you might get more mistypes.

3) Keywords (which people actually use) in a domain are useful in making it clear what the site is about.

4) Show a preference for .com top level domains (TLDs), but don't get too concerned if you have to use other TLDs. Any TLD can be brandable - it's just a bit easier with .com.

5) Most people should avoid tradename and tradename typos. These kinds of names can lead to costly legal battles.

6) Register the mistypes of your own domain. Not for Search Engine Optimisation, but to get traffic that might have not otherwise reached you.

7) Finally, here’s what to do if your domain is gone:

(i) Contact the existing owner directly and make them an offer.
(ii) Use a domain broker like Sedo.com to negotiate the price for the domain.
(iii) If your brand is strong, you could try out a different TLD (a .net instead of a .com), or if your brand is new or not well known, try a variant domain (mybrand.com instead of brand.com).

Choosing a domain name is one of the most important considerations when launching a new website. Contact QDOS Internet today, and we will help advise on the most suitable domain name or domain strategy for your business.

Michael Quinn
19th Dec 2007