Is your internet portfolio sticky?
Does your domain name stick in the mind of your clients, or even better, your future clients?
Researching the available names for your product or service can be tiresome and confusing because of the different views expressed all over the internet. My advice (to add to the confusion) would be to make sure that whatever domain name you choose – it sticks!!
In fact, in my opinion, nothing else matters with a domain name.
In the area of domain names only two factors need to be considered to make the name stick – Simplicity and Consistancy
Simplicity should be the king of it’s domain
A simple domain will stick in the mind of a consumer better than a fancy, creative, obscure name. The following process has always helped me to find great domain names:
- Start with focusing on the purpose of the website – make sure that the purpose of the website is a part of the doman name.
- Research your target market – do the neccessary research to find out what keywords your target market are searching
- Look at creative way to combine your website purpose with the targeted keywords – make sure that in your creativity you remain simplistic!
Consistancy makes you easy to follow
When considering your domain name it is important to look at the social media channels you intend using as well. Social media URL’s can create a confusing environment for your client if they do not follow the same ‘simple stickieness’ as your chosen domain. In this case the aim is consistancy. When all your domain names (website, blog and social networks) follow the same simplicity you will find that your online profile will start to stick in the mind of the consumer.
Real-life example
An example I can use here is my latest online project Glamour Bride. The current primary focus of these domains was to create a simple and sticky portfolio of domain names that can be easliy remembered by people talking about it.
Simplicity: The domain name: www.glamourbride.co.za is simple and short, it includes a targeted keyword and makes a statement about the brand of the magazine.
Consistancy: The twitter profile and Facebook page echo the brand with @glamourbride and www.facebook.com/glamourbride.
Finally, once you have your chosen domain name ask a few trusted friends for their opinions on the name. It is best to ask people that fit into your target market. Once you have their positive feedback buy the names immediately and secure the social media channels as soon as possible. A good idea disappears fast. I know this from experience.
