A domain name is the address for your website (ex. www.BetsysKetchup.com). If you do not already own a domain name, and you are looking for a web designer, I recommend that you consult with them first before buying one. Here are some basic tips to keep in mind.
1. A domain name should be short and unique.
Imagine saying your website address in a radio interview. People must be able to remember it and type it into their browser, so it should be short and unique.
Generic domain names don’t work. Pets.com, Mortgage.com, and eToys.com are just a few examples of businesses that raised from 50 to 150 million dollars in funding, and miserably failed. Only proper names work. The biggest bookseller on the internet is Amazon.com, not Books.com. The biggest auction website is eBay.com, not Auctions.com.
2. It should always end with “.com,” unless you are a nonprofit, in which case you can use “.org.”
People expect that most website addresses will end with “.com.” They will automatically type that ending, so if you choose an obscure ending like “.net” or “.biz,” etc., they might not even find your website. The only time that you should choose another ending is if you are a nonprofit. Then “.org” is also acceptable.
To summarize, you should choose a domain name that is short and unique and ends with “.com” or “.org.”