How to choose your domain — Domain name tips

Your identity in cyberspace is defined by your domain name, so it's important to choose carefully. Here's a few tips we've put together on choosing the right domain name.

Brand Name Domains

If you are going to use the domain name as a 'brand' the current convention is to use a term such as "GoldEuro.com", short, memorable and easily advertised. Having bought 'GoldEuro.com' you might also want to buy 'Gold-Euro.com' to save confusion if someone else decides they want the name.

Functional domains are also worth considering as they allow for very powerful capabilities. Functional Generic Domain are domain names that say what you do:

eg. e-Sharebroker.com

Or where you are and what you do:

eg. GoldCoast-Boats.com

They can also include types of services:

eg. Skin-Specialist.com

Or products:

eg. AIDS-Vaccine.com

Functional Geographic Domains

Domain names such as GoldCoastAustralia.com are ideal for e-mail addressess as they allow you to say who you are and where you are:

eg. MarilynStrauss@GoldCoastAustralia.com

Geographic domains are also very useful for sub-domaining and allow for powerful portal opportunities:

eg. OfficeSupplies.GoldCoastAustralia.com

Dot Com or Dot com.au?

If you want your website to be seen only in Australia choose an Australian .com.au domain as  some Australian search engines will only list sites that end in .au.

For world-wide exposure choose a dot com domain

Safety First

When buying a domain name:

1. Check that your desired .com domain name does not infringe an American Federal trademark. To do this go to the US Patent and Trademark Search page

2. Australian Residents: Check Australian Trade Mark Status using the Australian TM Database

3. Then register your domain with e-CBD — for some of the cheapest prices in the world!