10 Things Every Small Business Owner Should Know About Domain Names

As a small business owner, I’ll explain the significance of having a domain name for your online presence. Since you’re just starting, you’ll have to think about how to boost your online presence here and then. If you need help figuring out where to start, here are ten things you should know. 

#1: Your Online Presence Cannot Exist Without a Domain Name

A domain is the text you type to reach a specific website. It could be adidas.com, facebook.com, or twitter.com. A website’s actual address is a complex numerical IP address, but thanks to DNS, users can quickly enter the easy ones and be directed to the websites they want to visit. This process is called a DNS lookup. I am sure you’ll find “1301:7db8:86a3:3010:7104” a little bothersome to type, right? 

Are domains important? Yes. Domains are part of the online world and won’t be leaving anytime soon. Those texts define a brand and help visitors to find you. 

#2: Domain Extensions Come in a Variety of Forms

Domain names come in various forms. Interesting fact: there are 1500 of them. I am sure you’re most familiar with .com, but there’s more to consider if you want something different. 

Use of.com – the most favored and recognizable domain extension globally 

Mailchimp says that .com is the most used suffix in domains because it’s the most generic and can be used in any country. If you aim to go wide, use this to hook a large audience. Know that some generic URL extensions are restricted, though. For example, U.S. government institutions and entities are the only ones allowed to use the .gov extension.

If you need help deciding on a domain name, pick the.com extension! Your future customers will thank you for choosing a suffix that is easy to remember and well-known.   

Use of .biz 

.biz sounds like a phonetic for business. If you’re aiming for an occupational platform, consider using this one, as it is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) on the Internet. No rules are attached to using this one as long as it is for bona fide business or commercial uses. Along with .com, this one is also well-known for e-commerce. 

Use of.info 

Like .biz, .info is a generic top-level domain (gTLD). This option is more commonly used if the website mainly focuses on information. Transportation services, museums, news, and other institutions that convey too much relevant data to the public are suited for these domains.

Other niche extensions to ponder 

If you’re online most of the time, I am sure you’ve encountered thousands of other domain name extensions. Each has a significant purpose appropriate to the website’s content. The others are .net, .edu, .sale, .org, .co, .us, and more.  

If you need help with domains, One.com has the perfect one. You can activate your domain with no technical experience. They offer four domain hosting services for as little as $20.99. 

#3: A Marketing Perspective on Domain Names

Choosing a relevant domain is challenging as it can bring or lose traffic. No matter how unique you want to be, there are factors to consider when adjusting. Here are some tips you can look back on occasionally: 

• • Think of a connection between you and your brand. You can combine your name with your business to make it enjoyable. Jumble words and unleash your creative side. Just be careful to make something good but not excessive and hurtful to the eyes. Take advantage of keywords for SEO purposes as well. 
  • Choose a well-known extension. I suggest using .com, as it is the most used online. The only problem is if your desired name has already been taken. There are thousands of TLDs (top-level domains) to choose from, but pick what’s in line with your business.  
  • Avoid using unnecessary letters, numbers, or hyphens. Your visitors will only drop you if your domain name can remember and type. However, some people usually prefer something flashy. It depends on your target audience, but stick with something memorable. 
  • Do some research. Visit the most famous websites and learn from what you’ve observed, including the domain name, design, way of presenting content, etc. It’s nice to depend on yourself to facilitate your small business, but taking some notes and comparing what you can gain from others is beneficial. 
  • Act now. Too many websites are created daily. If you do not move fast, what you’ve thought considerably can be taken by others. I said to take your time but ensure progress each day.

#4: The SEO Consequences of Your Domain Names

A domain name can influence SEO, but only a little. Still, if your name is easy to remember, you can give visitors a pleasant experience. If satisfied, they are most likely to return and provide you with traffic. Remember to think of the audience, too, from their perspective. 

Moreover, picking an awful domain name can confuse Google about your brand. Consider thinking of a name that’s in line with what you do. Refrain from relying on too much aesthetic. 

#5: You Can Protect Your Brand with Multiple Domains

If you buy multiple domain variations, you can prevent competitors from using similar ones. All traffic can be yours, and nothing will be redirected. Furthermore, you can shield your brand by avoiding trademark infringement, cybersquatting, domain disputes, and more. The benefits are endless, so consider this strategy to increase your search engine traffic and, ultimately, your sales. 

#6: How Your Domain’s History Affects SEO 

Before buying an existing domain, ensure it’s available and has a good history. History is essential as it can indicate whether the domain has been used for good reasons. Was it used for harmful practices? What kind of website was it associated with before? You should know. It’s easy to register, but be careful beforehand. 

#7: Overseeing the Security of Your Domain

WHOIS Privacy is a helpful tool for learning a lot about a domain. Upon searching, you can find out “who is” responsible for the domain, its IP address, creation date, and more. With One.com, you can enter any domain at the provided search bar, and the results will be displayed below in less than 2 seconds.  

#8: Keeping Your Domain Name Alive 

A domain can also expire like a subscription. Do not hesitate to contact the registrar (or reseller) who handled the registration if you require assistance with the renewal process. If you still need to remember, you may conduct a WHOIS search to determine your current registrar of record.

Choose a reputable registrar to prevent your domain from losing value, renew your domain regularly, and enable WHOIS  privacy. 

#9: You Can Transfer Your Domain to Another Registrar

Transferring your domain to another registrar is easy, and you have the right to do so. If you wish to proceed, ensure your domain is allowed for a transfer as ICANN requires. Then, follow these five steps considerably. 

• • • Step 1: Your contact information must be updated.  
    • Step 2: Unlock your domain. Providers typically lock domains to prevent accidental deletions. Once the domain is unlocked, you can transfer it to your preferred registrar.
    • Step 3: To prevent being wrongfully transferred, you must have an authorization code, which must be supplied five days after your request. 
    • Step 4: Create an account with your new registrar and enter the code. 
    • Step 5: Pay and finalize your domain transfer. You can decide whether you want it public or private. Some providers allow you to conceal your details, but it costs more than displaying them publicly. 

#10: Future-proofing Your Domain Strategy

As a small business owner, you should consider future business changes and domain needs. If you decide to transfer your domain, your previous and new registrars will contact you. It might be overwhelming at first, but you’ll be okay. If you are unaware of your current registrar, you can ascertain this information by searching for your domain name at https://lookup.icann.org/. The “Registrar” field indicates your registrar’s identity.

Conclusion

There’s a lot to know about domain names, but it’d be best to know every single one. As a small business owner, having a proper and protected domain can help your overall performance. With a domain name, your online presence is unrestricted to third-party services that limit flexibility and control.