5 Domain Name Myths Busted Along with Foolproof Remedies

There are many myths surrounding domain names. And debunking some of those myths are extremely important for making an informed decision. If you are planning to buy a domain name for your business, then this blog is for you.

In this blog, we bust 5 myths abuzz about domain names.
Additionally, we also suggest some tactics, that, web designers use to successfully find needed domain names.

Myth No. 1: Choosing the Right Domain Name is Easy Peasy

First and foremost domain names have to be;

● Available for use
● Compete well in the market
● Relevant to the audience
● Keyword centric
● Easy to type
● Unforgettable
● Unmissable
● Short & Crisp
● Uses appropriate extension
● Most importantly, it must coincide with the brand name.

Too many parameters. Isn’t it?

It isn’t as easy as it appears because there are more hurdles to cross before you get hold of the right domain name. Read more to know.

Myth No. 2: You Own The Domain Name FOREVER )

You Don’t Own Your Domain Name.

Shocking, but true.

Even when you pay, manage and do everything around your domain name, it is more or less like a rental/ leasing service.

Even if one uses it for years, you truly never own it. Which is why, you must never take renewals lightly.

Let us understand this using an example
.In choosing between “express.com” and “xpress.com” as a domain name, the term “express” is a better choice.
Do you know why?

This is because, people (new users, new customers, etc.) usually remember the correct spelling “express” for searching the business. Due to this, by default users will mostly type the term “express” more than the shortened term “xpress”.

There is no guarantee that a user will remember a domain name as easily as you expect. Even if it is easier.

Let’s see where things go wrong.

Customers do make typo errors or misspell the domain name. Due to this, losing web traffic is quite common.

What is the difference between

● domainname.com

● domainname.org

● domainname.net

Look at each of the TLDs (Top Level Domain extensions). Each of the TLD is different. Now, if it’s the same company that has registered with multiple domains ,then, it’s great. This tactic prevents losing web traffic. But what if, these three are separate entities. Imagine the confusing mess users go through to reach their preferred site.

Today, with 200 million active websites, people mostly type “.com”. Rarely anyone takes notice of the domain extension. They just type the domain name on a search engine search bar and intend to reach the site.

Hence, even if you choose to use a different TLD, the chances are high of losing customers, as some other businesses might already be using the same domain name with a different extension.

What if your domain name is similar-sounding?

Bear, beer, and bare almost sound the same.
Moreover, their spellings too are pretty similar.

This makes it confusing.

One slight mistake and leads don’t reach you. Thereby, leading to lesser web traffic and consequently fewer leads. Also, domain typosquatting too, unfortunately, diverts traffic.

It is quite common to find that your desired domain name is unavailable. Either someone who is not even using it owns it or some other business already has the same domain name.

This problem is complex as it includes either domain reselling, trademark rights transfer or altogether considering a different domain name.

Domain reselling or Domain Flipping is a practice, where someone buys numerous domains from ICANN at a discounted rate. In short, they exploit the “first come first serve” practice of ICANN for undue profits.
And then resell or auction those domain names at a high profit to buyers.

Domains are controlled by ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names). But, they don’t sell directly. Rather, they authorize domain registrars to sell, maintain as well as protect the domain names.

Buy and register your domain name through an authorized domain registrar.
Because;

● Firstly, you save yourself from trademark infringement.
● Secondly, find great alternatives, if a desired domain name is unavailable.
● Thirdly, you successfully stay away from expensive domain name resellers.

You may also check out several hosting platforms that offer user-friendly plans for buying a domain name.

Generic TLDs (gTLDs) like .com, .edu, .net, .org, or country-code TLDs (ccTLDs) such as .uk, .in, .au, etc. are TLDs that have a huge say on an online business’s success. Apart from that, using niche-specific extensions like .tech, .art, .design, .travel, etc. work extremely well as domain extensions.

Choosing the right domain extensions help because;

● Firstly, visitors gauge your business’ credibility and trustworthiness by looking at the extension.
● Secondly, past records show that TLDs affect SEO.
● Thirdly, TLDs greatly influence your audience’s perception of a brand – thereby, increasing your website’s Click-Through-Rate.

Our top web development & design agency experts go for buying different TLDs with the same domain name to avoid chances of brand dilution and confusion in clients.

Correspondingly implementing 301 redirects to the other domain extensions drives traffic to the main site. This easily prevents any confusion, frustration and web traffic losses.

Hiring expert Shopify website development services in Toronto is a great choice as they extend web design and development services using CMS as well as web builders like Shopify, etc. Additionally, they also come in with a deep learning about web development to create websites from scratch.

Though the availability of .com domain extensions is a dealbreaker, many times, they are unavailable. Until and unless you have trademark rights on the business name and have been operating it for a long time, fighting the domain name battle is difficult.
As in life, one should choose one’s battles wisely, fighting for domain names may become costly affairs. That’s why, instead of fighting for a domain name, one can try alternatives.

● Try buying with alternative TLDs like .net, .org, .edu, etc.
● Add or modify the domain name a bit by adding a word or two to make it sound captivating. For instance, add a verb, or an adjective for the right brand vibes.

Over and above, if you feel strongly about a domain name, try to contact the owner of that particular .com domain name to purchase the rights to use the domain name.
P.S. Contact details of the domain name
owner are available in the WHOIS database. In fact, some domain registrars also help contact the domain name owner in exchange for a fee.

A different business name and brand name is difficult for customers to connect with. Moreover, it is a fatal blow to branding.

Benefits of Same Domain Name And Branding

● Makes it easier for users to remember.
● Moreover, clients remember how to navigate to reach the website.
● Additionally, helps to keep branding consistent for search engines as well as social media.

Web design experts advise not to use a similar / familiar-sounding domain name that is already in use by someone else. This is cybersquatting and trademark infringement.

Add words/phrases to make the similar appearing or sounding domain name unique.
Or, consider using a different name.

Otherwise, buy similar-sounding domain names and redirect them to the core website.

Typo errors are quite common. Which is why, use a domain name that is easy to remember and type.

E-commerce Amazon handles this typo error in a brilliant style. Whether you type Amzn, Amazn or Amzon, all are redirected to the Amazon site.

Why?

Because, the e-commerce giant has purchased all these typos as their domain names.
Due to this, any slight typing error prevents them from losing any web traffic.

As mentioned earlier, any miss on domain name renewal, and it can go away from you. Yes, your registrar will send reminders. Don’t miss it. Put reminders for domain renewal, or else, you have to go through a website redesign process.

Our expert web designers at Cube InfoTech offer ecommerce marketplace management services that solve every issue revolving around websites and online presence. Refine and define your digital presence, be successful and make your business dreams come true.