Navigating the World Wide Web
Stepping into the World Wide Web can be overwhelming, especially with unfamiliar jargon and experienced users around you. At Bowhosts, our goal is to provide you with top-notch hosting services every step of the way.
Choosing a Domain Name
Selecting a domain name is the first crucial step in establishing your online presence. It's essential to choose a name that reflects your business effectively. Here are some guidelines to consider:
Company Name
Your business name is often the best domain to register, as it reinforces your identity and is easily recognizable to existing clients. Ensure it's memorable, short, and catchy. For instance, if your business is named "Air Fresh Car Air Conditioners," consider a shorter version like "airfresh.co.za" or "afc.co.za," as longer names can be cumbersome.
Note: Premium domain names are typically short, common words or acronyms and can be more expensive, often already registered by someone else.
Creating Choices
If your budget allows, consider registering multiple relevant domain names. Compile a list of options to check their availability. This strategy helps potential customers find you even if they aren't familiar with your business. For example, in addition to your main domain, you might register variations like "caraircon," "carfresh," "aircon4cars," or "airconforcars."
Using TLDs, 2nd TLDs & gTLDs
Consider registering variations of your chosen domain with different Top Level Domains (TLDs), such as .com, .net, .org, or generic TLDs like .info, especially if your preferred domain is already taken.
Note: The .com TLD is the most recognized, followed by .net, .org, and the generic .info. All these can be redirected to your primary website, giving you an edge over competitors.
Using Characters
If your desired domain is taken, you might consider a hyphenated version, such as "air-fresh.co.za." If you choose this option, ensure that your audience knows about the hyphen to avoid losing potential visitors. Similarly, when using numbers as substitutes for words (e.g., "2" and "4"), keep in mind that cleverness can sometimes backfire.
Your domain should become a key part of your branding, making it recognizable. If you register "thecaraircon.co.za," be sure to prominently include “The” in your website design and promotional materials. For "aircon4cars.co.za," the "4" should also be clearly communicated in all advertising.
Note: Domains can only contain letters, numbers, and hyphens; other characters are not allowed.
If you’re looking to transfer an existing domain to us, please click here.