Each domain name has many possibilities. How you use this feature is up to you.
If you’ve registered a domain name only to ask, “Now what?” then this is the right blog post for you.
After reading this blog post, you will have a better understanding of everything that can be done with a domain. We’ll start by talking about domains, about naming, as examples of language design. From there, we’ll discuss how to best utilize your registered name according to your personal, business or branding needs.
Here’s more detailed information on what we’ll cover in this blog post:
- What does a domain name include?
- Practical next steps for every domain owner.
- Create a website or blog.
- Resale sectors and the aftermarket sector.
What is a name?
A quick internet search gives plenty of advice on choosing domain names, “Keep it short! Relevant! Exciting! Memorable!”
And while this is great advice… it doesn’t help you think about your domain in the larger context of your business.
Did you know that your domain name not only affects how people perceive your brand, but also how you should market it?
You see, domain names generally fall into one of two categories: Discoverable or Branded.
Discoverable domain names are “real world” names. They are descriptive and consist of dictionary terms, often including general keywords that someone would type in an online search. This means that someone unfamiliar with your brand could still land on your site if they are searching for relevant keywords or topics. this is called a “typing” motion.
Brand names are not made up of dictionary terms. Instead, they are often made up. These areas are designed to relate to the brand’s purpose in an interesting way, usually by tapping into people’s associations or experiences. Sometimes, the name is a metaphor or compound of other words. Since these names are not made up of keywords that could drive type traffic, brands based on them need more comprehensive (usually paid) marketing strategies. You have to work a little harder to make the connection between your name and the services you provide in the customer’s mind, but once you do that, your name has the potential to become iconic in your field (hello, Google!)
Consider the type of name you’ve entered: Does it fall into the category of Brandable or Discoverable? Do you have the resources to create a buzz with paid marketing campaigns, if it’s the first? Before starting a business in your field, make sure you have a plan for marketing it.
Practical next steps for every domain owner
Now that we’ve talked about the types of domain names, let’s discuss the practical steps you can take to secure your name and build a strong online presence.
Privacy and protection
First and foremost, make sure your personal information is protected! Certain personal information, such as the registrant’s name and email, is collected each time a domain is registered. This information is publicly available through ICANN’s WHOIS database. This database allows anyone to look up a domain and find out who owns it. Unfortunately, many bad actors have figured out how to exploit the WHOIS database and scrape it to collect personal information.
If you want to protect your personal information from spammers, telemarketers and bots, buy Domain Privacy + Protection. It hides your personal information while still giving you full control over your domain.
Simplify domain management
Give yourself one less thing to worry about by enabling auto-renew on your domains. If not, you run the risk of losing your domain name when it expires.
Claim your name
No matter what you do with your domain now, you should lay the groundwork for the future. Do this by creating social media profiles under your name and getting a custom, professional email address. Thinking about brand protection now helps avoid headaches in the future. Also, consider listing misspellings and alternate versions of your domain.
Create a website or blog with your domain
Ready to do more with your domain? It’s nice to see your idea take off and succeed.
As a starting point, determine the purpose and goals of your website.
Defining the purpose of your website helps clarify your requirements. For example, if you plan to start a personal blog, you probably won’t need a website equipped with e-commerce capabilities. If you’re starting an online retail business, you’ll need eCommerce functionality, Terms of Service, and more.
Once you’ve listed your requirements, you can think about how they affect your website design. Will a simple Website Builder meet your needs? How about an eCommerce website builder? Or should you hire a professional to create a website that meets all your requirements?
Resale sectors and the aftermarket sector
Did you buy your domain with the intention of reselling it?
Well, you have entered the world of domaining. Domaining is the industry term for domain speculation.
Domain profiteering refers to the practice of identifying, registering and investing in domain names with the intention of reselling them for profit.
Is it profitable?
It sure can be! As with all investments, be aware of the risk and carefully consider your opportunities.
How do you choose which sectors to subscribe to as investments?
Think about what your budget is and the cost of the domains you want. Different domain extensions renew at different price points, so make sure you have the money to cover domain registrations and renewals until you sell them.
Is domaining the same as cybersquatting?
No! At the heart of the matter is intention.
Legitimate domain managers do their research to make sure the domains they acquire are not trademarked. They don’t care about cyber-occupations. They register, trade and use domains in bad faith so that they can profit from the trademarks of others.
How do I advertise my domains for sale?
Good question! You can create simple landing pages for these domains that include your contact information. If you have other conditions for the sale, note them where they are easily seen on the page. You can also register your domains on sites like Namejet.com, a dedicated domain aftermarket service.
Ready to do more with your domain?
We are excited to see what you do with your domain name and wish you the best of luck with your business! If you need a hand building a website, designing and implementing SEO strategies, or have other questions, don’t be a stranger. Our teams are here to help.
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