Why is a good domain name important? A good domain name helps you in numerous ways.

For Businesses
Add your domain name to your business card, email signature, and other advertisements.

• Build credibility: Show your customers that you have an established business.
• Improve your marketing: Provide customers an easy way to remember and contact you.
• Protect your brand: Secure the domain name that best represents your business name - and keep it out of the hands of your competitors.

For Consumers
Describe your site as best you can with your domain name. For example, a pair of amateur magicians might use their stage names, some combination of words including magic, or the name of their most famous trick.

How do I choose a domain name?

Keep these tips in mind as you select your domain name:

• Keep It Short - The shorter the better. It's best to keep your domain less than 15 characters. A shorter name is easier to remember and it also reduces the likelihood that your visitor mistype or misspell the url. It should be a unique and concise name that is easy to say, remember, and spell.
• Reflect Your Business - Your domain name should reflect your business name or the topic your site will cover.
• Choose a .com - If you are debating between several top-level domains, go with the .com. It is what most people think of when they are typing in a domain name. You can still find a good domain if you look.

If your first choice isn't available, try rearranging the word order, adding hyphens, or using abbreviations or locations to come up with a unique alternative.

Some web sites help you come up with alternative names for your web site, if the name you want is already taken. Try Right Way Internet's web site and search for a domain. They give you a list of alternative names that are available.

Check out these other articles: Tips on Choosing a Good Domain Name and Ten Tips for Choosing a Good Domain Name.