Using industry-related keywords and catchy words creates a name that sticks with the audience.
Take, for example, Google, LEGO, or even Microsoft.
Many marketers and studies suggest that a company’s name should align with its industry for greater success.
The same goes for website domain names. In that case, using domain extensions that fit the industry is also helpful.
For instance, you may use the .media domain extension if you’re a media company. Or, if you’re a tech company, you could opt for the .tech domain.
For eCommerce, the priorities remain the same, and if you’re an aspiring eCommerce store owner or looking to become one, this article is for you. It’ll teach you how to choose a domain name for your eCommerce store and will have some best practices to follow.
- What Is an eCommerce Store?
- Finding the Right eCommerce Store Domain Name
- How to Buy an eCommerce Domain Name
What Is an eCommerce Store?
We’re all familiar with an eCommerce store. eCommerce stands for electronic commerce, and it’s a digital platform to buy products and services online.
It serves as a virtual storefront, allowing businesses and individuals to showcase their offerings to a global audience.
Unlike physical retail stores, eCommerce stores operate exclusively in the digital space, enabling customers to browse, choose, and purchase items from the comfort of their homes or virtually anywhere with an internet connection.
Some eCommerce stores might have physical locations too. If you own a brick-and-mortar shop downtown, no one will prevent you from launching your eCommerce store. It’s exploring a whole new territory, ready to help you expand your business.
At its core, though, an eCommerce store is still a website that needs the most well-thought-out domain name to stand out in the crowd.
Finding the Right eCommerce Store Domain Name
Your online store’s front has to have a catchy and memorable name.
It’s not just an address; it’s your brand’s online identity. That’s why focusing on finding the right domain name is a necessity for the competitive landscape of online shopping.
Some exciting domain names start with a random idea you had when you were browsing Facebook. Others just come out of the blue, but here we have some general tips to keep in mind when you unleash your creativity.
- Keep it short, snappy and not a tongue twister: You don’t want your first-time visitors to be confused by your domain. Short and sharp names are the celebrities of domain names. They’re easy to remember, easy to type, and less likely to trip up potential shoppers.
- Sneak in those keywords: Slip relevant keywords into your domain if you can. It’s like adding a secret ingredient to your brand’s recipe, helping search engines find you while still sounding deliciously brandable.
- Make it memorable: Look for a name that’s as unique as a fingerprint. You want it to stand out in a crowd, not blend into the background.
- Check the availability: Before you fall head over heels for a name, ensure it’s not already taken. There are tools and domain registrars out there to help you stake your claim.
- Consider the right extension: “.com” might be the A-lister, but don’t forget the supporting cast – extensions like “.net” or “.org” can also be show-stoppers. Pick the one that suits your brand’s persona.
Understand Your Brand and Niche
Your brand’s fingerprint should be all over the place if you want to make those online sales. This applied to both physical and online stores.
Just as your physical store reflects your values and style, your domain name should mirror your brand’s identity and values online.
Why does this matter? Because consistency breeds trust. When a potential customer visits your eCommerce site, they should feel like they’re entering a familiar space that aligns with your brand’s image.
Keep It Short and Memorable
Brevity on domain names is a powerful tool for success.
Short and memorable domain names are like the snappy catchphrases of advertising. They grab your attention and stay with you.
Why? Because they:
- Are easy to remember
- Reduce typing errors
- Stick to the mind
- Are easy for branding purposes
- Show a professional image
Avoid Hyphens and Numbers
Symbols and numbers might be difficult to read unless used smartly.
Generally speaking, hyphens and numbers may seem like creative options, but they can often be more trouble than they’re worth.
This is translated into noise in customers’ minds, so your domain name automatically becomes something not everyone will remember. Plus, typos are lurking in the corner from people who confused a “9” with a “6”!
Check Domain Availability
Most domain search tools on web hosts will suggest an alternate domain name if your idea isn’t present. Checking domain availability is the essential first step in your eCommerce journey.
You can use any search engine for that purpose to find relevant websites that might be using your idea.
In the open and competitive online world, you have to be fast to secure a place in it. Registering a domain name already trademarked or owned by someone else can lead to legal troubles. It’s essential to steer clear of potential trademark infringements. A thorough availability check can help you sidestep legal hassles and protect your brand’s reputation.
Use Keywords Wisely
Keywords are, in a way, the secret ingredients that will make your eCommerce company rank online.
They can elevate your domain name and help your eCommerce business stand out. Here’s how to tastefully incorporate relevant keywords into your domain name.
Start by using relevant keywords that are popular or trending in the industry. Additionally, use words that are associated with your business’s services, products, and industry. For example, if you make and sell jewellery, you could include words like ‘jewellery,’ ‘rings,’ ‘earrings,’ or ‘bracelets.’
Another way to use keywords in your domain name is to combine two or more meaningful words. This creates a unique and memorable term that reflects your business. For example, ‘SilverFashion’ is an excellent combination of keywords if you sell silver jewellery items.
Be Careful with Trademarks
Whether you are expanding your online store or exploring this exciting world, navigating trademarks can be complex.
Ignoring this aspect can lead to legal troubles that are both costly and damaging to your business. Apart from the confusion that comes with a domain name that looks similar to something else, here are some other troubles some eCommerce businesses get into:
- Legal risks: Trademark laws protect brand identities, and infringing on trademarks can lead to legal battles.
- Costly disputes: Trademark disputes can be expensive, diverting resources and causing negative publicity.
- Reputation damage: Legal tiffs can tarnish your business reputation and deter potential customers.
- Loss of domain: Infringing on trademarks can result in losing your domain and online identity.
- Brand confusion: Similar domain names may confuse consumers, leading to lost eCommerce sales and trust.
- Due diligence: Thorough research and legal consultation are essential to avoid trademark issues.
- Legal advice: Seek guidance from an intellectual property attorney if you have concerns about trademarks.
Think About the Future
Thinking ahead is a great tactic for staying relevant and being able to adapt to the changes in your industry and niche. To ensure its lasting relevance and effectiveness, consider the following:
- Long-term vision: Imagine the future of your business. What new products or services might you offer? How might your brand evolve? Your domain name should align with your long-term vision, accommodating potential changes.
- Versatility matters: Choose a domain name that possesses the versatility to grow with your business. A name that’s too specific or narrowly focused might hinder your ability to diversify your offerings down the road.
- Avoid narrow niches: While specificity can be beneficial, be cautious about going too niche with your domain name. What serves as a perfect fit today may become limiting as your business expands. Opt for a name that reflects your core identity without painting you into a corner.
- Flexibility is key: A future-proof domain name is like a well-worn path that can adapt to new journeys. It should remain relevant even as your business pivots and explores new horizons. A flexible name won’t become obsolete if your product line or target audience evolves.
- Room to grow: Keep the door open for new opportunities and innovations by selecting a domain name that doesn’t confine you to a single identity or niche. It should accommodate your ambitions and changes in the industry, ensuring your eCommerce venture remains dynamic and agile.
Secure Your Social Media Handles
Social media today is more than just a page with information about companies. They’re actually complete communication channels between users and businesses. That’s why it’s important to secure your social media handles while it’s early.
Once you have a handle, start populating it with your logo and company information.
How to Buy an eCommerce Domain Name
Purchasing the perfect domain name for your eCommerce venture is an exciting step toward establishing your online presence.
Buying a domain name is a straightforward process. After you check the domain’s availability, it’s time to head over to your registrar and select your domain extension.
Having your domain and web hosting services under the same roof can streamline your online presence and offer a range of advantages for your eCommerce venture. Some obvious benefits are the following:
- One-stop management: It’s like having one store for all your online stuff. Managing your eCommerce website and domain is simpler when they’re in the same place.
- Faster help: When you need assistance, you only have to call one support team, which can save time and avoid confusion.
- Easy integration: Connecting your website to your domain is smoother when they’re from the same provider. Less chance of tech hiccups.
- One bill: You get just one bill for both services, making tracking your expenses easier.
- Smooth setup: Some providers offer tools to set up your domain while configuring your website, making the whole process easier.
Conclusion
When you’re thinking of starting your own eCommerce store, your domain name is what guides online shoppers to your store’s doorstep. It’s not just a web address; it’s your digital identity etched into the online world.
Choosing the right domain name for your eCommerce venture is much like selecting the perfect location for a brick-and-mortar store. This decision can significantly impact your business’s success.
We’ve explored the significance of aligning your domain name with your brand’s identity, the value of brevity and memorability, the pitfalls of hyphens and numbers, and the importance of conducting availability checks to secure your digital real estate.
Remember that your domain name is your digital storefront sign, the beacon of your brand’s identity, and the very first impression you make on potential customers. So, choose wisely and let your domain name be the hallmark of your eCommerce success story.
As you set your foot off for this journey, remember to keep a few things in mind from this article. Make sure your domain name is memorable, your brand is authentic, and your eCommerce venture remains relevant in the future.
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