It is estimated that £91bn was spent online in 2013 and the UK's online retail market is expected to grow by around 16% this year. So having a good website is a vital part of starting your business and gaining a competitive advantage
A common starting point to getting a business online is often to register a domain name.
Think of it as the sign above the shop window of your website. It helps if it's something that people will remember, and it should also reflect what you intend to do with the site, whether you're selling products or explaining your services.
Here are 10 top tips for securing a great domain name:
1. Don't delay
Every 20 seconds a .uk domain name is registered. They're registered on a first-served basis, so waiting could mean someone else gets your first choice name.
2. Make sure it shows off your business
Your domain name should represent what you're trying to do with your website. So make sure it's memorable and reflects what you want to do — whether you're selling sweets or want to show off your portfolio.
3. Keep it short and sweet
A domain name with a maximum of two or three words makes it more likely that people will spell it correctly, remember it and, most importantly, pass it on.
4. Get a second opinion
When you've got your ideal available domain name (or have a few suitable options) see what your friends have to say – a name that makes perfect sense to you may be difficult for others to remember. Ask yourself:
• Is it easy to say?
• Is it easy to spell?
• Do you have to explain why you chose it?
5. Characters are important
When putting together your domain name, remember: you can only use letters, numbers and hyphens. You can't use spaces and symbols
6. Protect your name
If you can, register several similar domain names. For example, if you have 'yourname.me.uk' you could register 'yourname.co.uk' and 'yourname.org.uk' so no one else can come in later and capitalise on your success.
7. To hyphen or not to hyphen?
If your first choice of name isn't available, you could consider using a hyphenated version. Hyphens can sometimes identify keywords to search engines more clearly, but they can also make your domain name harder to remember and communicate.
8. Watch your spelling
Try not to use words that are difficult to spell; it could mean people are unable to find your site. You could also consider registering other domain names with likely misspellings of your name and link these to your actual site.
9. Make it a long term relationship
One of the easiest ways to protect your online brand is to ensure that you keep your domain name registrations up to date. If you're sure you want to keep it, registering your domain name for a longer period will save you money. You can now register a .uk domain name for up to 10 years. Also make sure your internet service provider or hosting company will remind you when it's time to renew.
10. If your first choice is already taken
You can use a search tool called Whois to check the availability of domain names. If someone has already registered the name you want, they might be willing to sell it to you.
A Whois tool for .uk domain names is available on the Nominet website.
Find more advice about getting your business online at agreatplacetobe.co.uk
Content on this page is produced and controlled by Nominet, the supporter of the Digital Entrepreneurs hub.
