Choosing a Domain Name

Your domain name is the center of your Internet identity. So what type of things should you take into consideration when choosing the name that will represent you on the Web?

1. Choose a short name if you can

Just because you are allowed to use up to 63 characters in your domain name, that doesn't mean you actually should. Shorter names are easier for your clients to remember, and quicker to type into browsers. A good idea is to keep it under 10 characters.

2. What extension should you register? .CA, .COM, .NET, etc

Different domain extensions are intended for different purposes and should be used accordingly. We recommend that you register a .COM or .CA for your business. It's likely the first extension that your client will type into your browser when they're trying your address. There are many different extensions available right now. For businesses, we recommend a .com suffix. A .COM extension is slightly less expensive than a .CA, but .CA domains have more availability. Keep in mind that you must have Canadian residency to register a .CA.

3. Search your name first and avoid others' Trademarks

Avoid infringing on trademarks so you don't run the risk of receiving nasty legal notices from the trademark owners and also so you don't confuse your customers.

4. Register Your Domain NOW

Your domain name of choice may be available today, but gone tomorrow. If you have a name you really like, and it's available, grab it now. You don't need a website right away and can hold onto your domaiin name until you're ready. At under $20/yr for a .COM, you may thank yourself later. For the low price, you may also want to consider registering a .COM and a .CA if they are both available.

5. Don't pay too much for your domain name

It used to cost over $70 to register domain names. With all the registrar competition out there, it pays to shop around where you can find a .COM for less than $10 a year.

Contact Us for a free no-obligation quote.