A distinguishable online presence helps you shine like a leader and leave a powerful footprint of your own. To achieve that, you need a website name. A website acts like your digital identity. It stands at the forefront of building a memorable identity that introduces your brand values, grabs your customer’s attention, and makes them stick to it. However, before you step into the world of domains and websites, remember that there is more to it.
This article will help you navigate through the errors you can avoid while naming your website.
Why do you need a website?
A website name plays the role of the first point of contact between you and your potential customers. It helps you convey the core values and vision of your brand. It gives better access to your potential customers and gives a memorable impression. A memorable website actively resonates with customers and helps them find their way into you, resulting in better engagement and a better conversion rate.
The importance of a website in business
A website is not just a brand’s online address or presence; there is much more to it. It is, essentially, your brand’s identity. It is the primary or the initial point of interaction of your users and sets the tone for future experience. A well-thought-out website name should convey and put the limelight on your business’s mission, core values, and vision. All of which are necessary to leave a mark on the first-time users or potential customers.
Common mistakes to avoid while naming your website
A website name is crucial for establishing a strong online presence and gives a strong push to your business in the initial phase, giving it an edge over others. With the present cutthroat competition constantly rising, a memorable business name becomes the need of the hour.
Every business has a different need. For instance, a technology-based business might require a more tech-savvy name, and a restaurant or a cafe would aim for a more personalised and appearance-based or beauty based names. Therefore, a website name is the window to your brand’s aspirations, goals, and values.
Avoid long or complicated names
A long or complicated name can never be a good option when choosing your website name. Keeping a long or complicated name makes it hard for your customers to connect with your brand, recall, or revisit the website.
Therefore, an easy-to-spell name naturally makes it more memorable.
- A long and complex name is tricky to memorise, affecting your brand’s value.
- A concise name has a recall value, making it memorable and relatable.
- A short and easy name spreads through word of mouth.
- Fewer chances of typos and spelling mistakes
- Gives the website a cleaner and more presentable appearance.
Read Also:- How Small Businesses Should Choose a Domain Name
Avoid unrelated or confusing website names
A website name that fails to depict your business’s core services and products is good for nothing. The website name should efficiently describe the services and products of your brand.
A misleading or confusing website name results in damaging your brand’s values and identity. Therefore, a website name that is relevant to your brand’s core idea should be on the checklist.
Let us assume a cafe brand with a website name that proposes themes of fashion or style; this would interfere with your brand’s online presence and overall impression. This may put customers in a dilemma, doubting the credibility of your brand. A name with an ambiguous meaning does not make for a good website brand name. Always watch out for a name that is straightforward and meaningful.
Do not use hyphens or numbers
The use of hyphens and numbers in the website name is clearly not a clever idea, as it leads to greater confusion, affecting the reach of your website. Using ‘2’ instead of ‘to’ or 3 instead of ‘three’ can perplex your customers.
Therefore, it is typically recommended to avoid incorporating numerals and hyphens in the website name.
- Creates confusion and typos: A website name that has too many numbers and typos creates confusion and makes it less memorable
- Complex structure: a complex name can make it harder for your customers to search for your brand on the website, as complex website names are difficult to type.
Search for domain availability
A name that is easy to spell and remember is of no use if the domain is not available. A domain gives your brand online protection that helps build a credible and reliable online presence. Hence, a website name with an available domain name is the correct way to establish a prominent brand’s identity.
Be wary of legal violations and trademark
Always opt for a website name that doesn’t have an online presence. A website name that has high possibilities of trademark approval is always the safest bet. Conduct thorough research to find out whether a website name is already taken or registered by someone else in a similar industry.
- Conduct thorough research for availability
- Steer clear of names that involve keywords already used by other brands
- Perform a comprehensive research on the availability of the names
- Check for copyright, and search for similar names for the website’s availability
- Cross with social media handle names to ensure consistency throughout all platforms
Final takeaways
A website name is not just your brand’s online web address; it is your brand’s identity. It acts as a bridge that connects your brand to your customers, sharing your brand’s values, goals, and vision with them. Therefore, a perfect website name is not just about the aesthetics; it is about originality and, foremost, a legally protected, memorable, and unique presence.
Written By
Barkha Rawat
Barkha Rawat is a content writer and copywriter from Uttarakhand, currently based in New Delhi with her family. She specialises in writing brand-centred blogs and transforming ideas and passion into clear, compelling content. An avid reader of fiction and non-fiction, she also enjoys writing poetry.