What's in a Name?
Choosing and reserving the right domain names may be one of the most important marketing decisions you make.
When choosing domain names think about how your current and potential clients view your company; are you most recognized as a corporate entity, a brand or a product? Do you want to portray a global presence? Do you want to be included in industry related directories?
Lastly and most importantly when selecting a new domain make it easy, short is sweet and watch for inconsistent spellings and symbols.
This:
Not this:
- www.netbyteinternetltd.co.nz
- www.netbyteinternetltd.com
- www.netbyte-internet-ltd.co.nz
Undoubtedly .COM is the most valuable domain when developing a global online presence but with over 28 million .COM names already registered selecting a Top Level Domain (TLD) has become rather difficult.
2001 saw ICANN (The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) introduce seven new global TLDs the first new global domains introduced since .ORG, .NET and .COM were set up in 1985. The new domains have been designed to create “virtual zoning” of the Internet by allowing domains to be classified by specific entities.
.INFO - An open, unrestricted domain available to anyone on a first-come, first-served basis, just like the .com domain. Its unrestricted status and wide applicability make it the most attractive and useful new domain.
.BIZ - An open, unrestricted domain available to any business on a first-come, first-served basis.
.NAME - Limited to individuals.
.PRO - Limited to accredited lawyers, doctors, and accountants.
.AERO - Limited to accredited aerospace and transport service organizations.
.MUSEUM - Limited to accredited museums.
.COOP -Limited to accredited business cooperative service organizations.
Registering names in multiple registries maximizes Web traffic to your site and helps to protect and reinforce your brand. Some registries may result in a higher ranking in Search Engine directory services and industry related portals.
Registering numerous domains relative to your company and brand identity is preferable but be wary that there is a myriad available and the future will bring even more alternatives. Cost may be another concern as every time you register a new domain name you incur additional domain registration and maintenance costs.
By not registering domain names associated with your company you run the danger of others purchasing your domain names . This could lead to loss of misdirected e-mail, damage to your companies brand identity, the loss of customers to your competitors or under the worst case scenario to sites that contain derogatory remarks about your company or products.
There is some defence if someone has bet you to the mark and registered your company’s brand, if you can prove your domain is a relevant trademark, you can try registering an IP claim with the Uniform Dispute Resolution Policy.
As always with the Internet beware of those trying to make a quick buck. Many registrars have been guilty in 2001 of trying to push individuals into purchasing or reserving .biz and .info names by using scare tactics.
Netbyte provides domain name registration and maintenance services. Contact us to discuss your domain name options.
Related Links:
ICANN* - Top Level Domains
ICANN* - Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy
CNET News.com - The Big Picture - .info land grab overwhelms registry
CNET News.com - VeriSign, RealNames push keyword browsing
*The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers
