Domain Extensions That Don’t Make You Look Like a Tech Dinosaur
The Era of the .Com T-Rex
Once upon a time in the ancient era of dial-up, .com was the king of the domain jungle, the T-Rex that roared above all others. You weren’t considered a legit business if you didn’t have a .com domain. But let me let you in on a little secret: we’re no longer in the Jurassic period, folks. So if you’re still clinging to your .com like a comfort blanket, it’s time to shake things up.
The Domain Extension Evolution
In the vast, ever-expanding universe of domain extensions, it’s time to explore territories beyond .com. From .ai for tech startups to .shop for ecommerce to .io for anything remotely techy, there’s a wide world of domain extensions out there. Embracing these can give your brand a fresh, modern feel and help you stand out in the crowded marketplace. Plus, let’s be honest: it’ll make you look less like a tech dinosaur and more like the cool, forward-thinking business you are.
How Do I Pick the Best Domain Name for My Business?
Ah, the million-dollar question: “How do I pick the best domain name for my business?” Picking the right domain name is a lot like naming a baby. You want something memorable, easy to pronounce, and, ideally, something that won’t lead to years of playground teasing.
First, keep it short and sweet. The shorter your domain, the easier it is to remember and type. Think of it this way: No one wants to type out the equivalent of “War and Peace” to reach your website.
Second, make sure it’s aligned with your brand. If you’re a hip, disruptive startup, a fun and modern domain extension like .io or .xyz could be a perfect fit. If you’re a more traditional business, maybe stick to the more universally known .com, .net, or .org.
Third, think about SEO. Although domain names aren’t the be-all and end-all of SEO, they do play a role. So include keywords related to your business if you can.
Are There Domains I Should Avoid for My Business?
Now to tackle another critical question: “Are there domains I should avoid for my business?” The short answer is yes. Here’s a quick rundown of the cardinal sins of domain naming:
- The dreaded hyphen: While hyphens can be helpful when your perfect domain name is taken, they can often lead to typos and confusion. “Was it ‘eat-dougnuts’ or ‘eatdougnuts’?” Enough said.
- The too trendy: While .ninja or .rocks might sound like a fun idea now, think about the future. Will it still fit your brand in five years? Ten years?
- The unpronounceable: If your domain name sounds like a sneeze or a curse in an alien language, it’s probably best to go back to the drawing board.
- The potential copyright infringement: This should go without saying, but steer clear of anything that even remotely infringes on someone else’s trademark. The last thing you need is a lawsuit on your hands.
So there you have it, fellow netizens. Picking the right domain extension is more art than science, more intuition than algorithm. But with these tips in your back pocket, you’re well on your way to avoiding .com-dom and making your brand stand out in the digital crowd. You’re not a tech dinosaur, so don’t let your domain name make you look like one. Embrace the future, embrace the new, and let your domain name roar.