Bloggers or businesses that are thinking of putting up their own website have most likely run into the concept of purchasing domain names. A domain name is like a physical address in the sense that it’s what people need to type into a web browser to get to your website. For example, Google’s domain name is https://www.google.com.
If you’ve decided to create a personal blog or bring your business to the Internet, you’ll need a domain name that stands out. Right now, there’s probably millions of available domains on the World Wide Web, yet many of them aren’t being used to their full potential. Some have even been abandoned.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Domain Name
For some established businesses and individuals, their namesakes can already be their domain name. However, there’ll be instances when their preferred domain has already been bought by someone else. Thus, it’s important to create a list of possible domain names just in case your first choice isn’t available. That way, you’ll be able to settle with a cheap domain name that you’d be happy to use for a very long time.
But is the name really that important? The truth is, the right domain name can improve your chances of becoming popular with your target audience, while the wrong one can increase your bounce rate. Simply put, bounce rate refers to the number of people who land on your website and then leave immediately after looking at just one page. Of course, many more factors affect bounce rate, but a generic or less-than-trustworthy looking domain name can be among them.
The following are the advantages of choosing a cheap domain name, and considerations that you must think through to ensure you decide on a domain name that is memorable enough to last:
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First impression: A good name will make all sorts of visitors, even your non-customers, run to you. A bad name, on the other hand, will make them run away from you.
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SEO: Keywords that are present in your domain name can improve your SEO rankings.
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Branding: Choosing the right name will further establish your brand among your target clients.
Domain Name Extensions
When it comes to choosing domain extensions, the .com extension still proves to be the best option. After all, it’s the one with the easiest recall and is the most familiar to everyone who has an Internet connection. Although some websites have found success with the .org or .net extensions, you’re better off choosing the .com one.
Buying a Domain Name
You may have put off getting your own domain name because it isn’t free, but if you really want to penetrate your niche or target market, it’s an investment that is worth going for. Besides, it’s not exactly as expensive as you would expect. Most domains only cost between $5 to $15 per year.
The only caveat, perhaps, is that the cheap price is mostly applicable for long-term conditions. The common set-up is generally you get a domain for a year, and then renew it for the following years. In any case, it’s definitely a cheap price to pay for the web traffic and sales conversion that you’ll get in return.
If you eventually decide to change directions with your brand, you can just stop paying for your current domain and leave it until it expires. Once it expires, it will go back to the domain market where others can buy it.
Is the Cost Really Worth It?
With all things considered, is a cheap domain name really advantageous for a blog or a business?
The truth is, the right domain name can improve your chances of becoming popular with your target audience, while the wrong one can increase your bounce rate. Simply put, bounce rate refers to the number of people who land on your website and then leave immediately after looking at just one page. Of course, many more factors affect bounce rate, but a generic or less-than-trustworthy looking domain name can be among them.
Aside from making a good first impression and establishing a brand that sticks, here are some other reasons why buying a domain name is a good move:
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Credibility: Getting a domain name makes you look more serious to your website visitors. This is especially helpful for online businesses who are starting out. Yes, you can save money by hosting your website for free on some blogging platform, but that doesn’t really help you seem legit.
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Name monopoly: Buying your top choice and all the names related to it can ensure that no one else is going to benefit from the name you chose, or from the idea you came up with. When someone else gets to purchase your preferred name first, you may not have the chance to own and buy them ever again.
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Forwarding: In addition to monopolizing certain names, you can also use those domains to forward your visitors to your existing website. As a result, your website will have a wider reach and get more traffic.
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Personalized e-mail: Having a domain name will also allow you to host domain-specific e-mail addresses. Thus, people can now contact you at [email protected], or get in touch with your support team at [email protected]. These e-mails have a more professional look so people are more likely to take them seriously.
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Investment: Hoarding cheap domain names can also be a worthwhile investment. You can hold on to them and put them to good use while waiting for someone who is willing to pay big for it.
A good domain name can bring forth the stats you want in no time. Remember, having a domain name doesn’t have to be expensive. All it takes is a cheap, multi-year bargain to get you started.