You will need to get a ‘domain’ name, if you do not have one already. This is the name of your web site and the ‘address’ your customers will type into their web browser when they want to visit your site. You should be prepared with several options and spin-offs of the name you think you want, since your first choice may not be available. If the name is already registered to another business, you will not be able to use it for your web site. Of course if you have an existing consulting practice the process of finding a domain name is fairly easy, though you may have to use a derivative of the name. For a new business you have much more flexibility.
Here are some things to look for when choosing a domain:
Keep the name short
A short name -- if you can get it -- is important for several reasons. It is easy to fit into logos, makes a better brand, is more easily recognizable, and is harder to misspell.
Make it memorable
You remember generic names, such as consultant.com and advisor.com. But you also remember more unique names such as Amazon.com, Google.com, and FogDog.com. Putting together strange combinations of words is fun and can be very productive. But as a consulting firm marketing to businesses, you should make sure the name conveys the sense of professionalism that you want to bring to your business. Say your prospective domain name out loud to listen to how it sounds. See if your tongue gets twisted around any syllables. Whatever your domain name, it should stick in the mind.
Make sure it is not easily misspelled
If people can misspell something, they will. The longer and more complex your domain name, the harder it is for your customers to type it in correctly. Many of them can't type well to start with, so to type in a long name may lose you lots of business. At the low price of domain names, it may pay you to purchase the misspellings of a domain name, too. This way you'll get the traffic intended for your consulting site.
A good domain name relates to your consulting practice name or core business
It's best if your domain name can be guessed from your consulting practice name. But in your search for a domain name, don't give up if you can't find the domain for your exact business name. Find functional names, names that describe your uniqueness, names that express a consulting process or product.
A good domain name sounds solid to your target audience
If possible, get a .com domain or the domain that has the most respect in your country. You can get a .biz or .info, or .cc, .ws, .tv, and .to. The problem is that the general public, in the U.S. anyway, is accustomed to .com, or maybe .net (though .net and .org aren't nearly as well regarded). Moreover, people may want to go to your site but as a default type in .com instead of your extension which may be .net.
Consider an alternative to a principles name
All of us are proud of the businesses we build and like to have our name associated with its success. However, having the name of the owner of the consulting practice business has some limitations. When trying to sell the business, a consulting practice that has a good domain name adds to the value of the business. Consider how the business.com domain went for $8 million. Often if it is in the name of an individual, the new buyer will want to change the name and you have the potential of losing the brand equity and search rankings on the site with a domain named after an individual.
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