Domain Registration: 4 Quick Rules to Grab a Traffic-pulling Domain Name

A friend emailed me, "I've found many tips regarding domain registration from the Internet. But too many of them and I simply cannot remember them all. I don't have that much time to spend on those. I wonder if you can provide me a quick summary of the major things I should look out for when registering a domain name so it makes life easier for me?"

If you're like that friend of mine looking for short cuts, here's my advice...

Honestly, some domain tips don’t help you much. But in regards to those that do prove helpful, I've further narrowed them down into these 4 major rules. Stick closely to safeguard the quality of your domain name and prevent your gold-digging domain name from getting "hi-jacked" by others.

Rule 1: Short

Why short?

Firstly, most people cannot remember long domain name. Secondly, people tend to make typo when typing long domain name into their browser.

Some experts say that you should brainstorm for a descriptively long domain name, which at a glance, people can tell what you're selling. I do agree with that. But still, if you can come up with a short one which works the purpose well, why use long domain name?

"But it's hard to get a short domain name". That's what many people gripe about these days.

Not true. If you think hard enough and stretch your creativity, you'll find one. Really.

Look at iNotFat.com. That’s a domain name owned by a friend. She created only few months ago. Short, roll of the tongue, memorable and to the point. You should think of something like that.

To jumpstart the muse and get your creative juices flowing, try this - search for "expired domain name" in search engines.

Doing so may help you find the right domain name for your website from the list of expired domain names, if not, you can get some inspiration out of them and come up on your own with a very unique name for your website.

Rule 2: Logical

Two ways here - Either you register a domain name that logically matches what you're selling or you simply use your company name as your domain name.

For example, if you sell ebooks online, you should register ebooks dot whatever extension you like (best is dot com since it's always the first extension that most people try when searching for a website).

Or if your company name is called Example Pte Ltd, go with "example.com". Period.

Rule 3: Spell Check

Always check your domain name for any spelling error before you hit the purchase button.

Good news for you - even if you registered a misspelled domain name (for instance, you intend to register "example.com" but you missed out an ‘a’ and wound up registering "exmple.com"), you're still able to get a refund as long as you do not exceed the 5-day refund period for domain registration.

Generally, accredited domain registrars promise a 5-day refund, but some may run a different refund policy. So, it's safer for you to check with your domain registrar before you register.

What if you only realize the typo after 5 days? Then too bad, you'll have to stick with that misspelled domain name for at least a year (the minimum registered period is one year), whether you like it or not.

You can't edit the name even in your domain control panel, it's fixed once registered.

See? You waste money on a domain name you can't use due to its wrong spelling. So, don't take chances. Spending just another 20 seconds to ensure an error-free domain name is really a good bargain.

Rule 4: Register NOW!

Statistics show more than 65 domain names get snapped up worldwide in every second.

Hence, once you've come up with a good domain name for your website, don't wait. Quickly register it to secure your position in case someone else “steal away” from you.

So, keep these 4 rules in mind whenever you register domain name. They'll help you save time and money, and make life easier for you.