Top 5 mistakes to avoid when buying a new domain
Registering a domain name might seem simple, but it’s a critical step that will significantly impact your online presence. A minor oversight during the registration process can lead to major challenges down the road. In this guide, we’ll highlight the top five common pitfalls people encounter when registering domains and how to avoid them. By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure a smooth and successful domain name registration process.
Choosing a long or a messy domain name
One of the biggest mistakes new website owners make is picking a domain name that’s too long or complicated. If your domain is hard to spell, packed with unnecessary numbers, or filled with obscure words, it can confuse visitors and make it tough for them to remember your site.
Example. Think about a travel blog called Adventur3rs-Journey4All.com. It might seem creative, but it’s a real challenge for users to type it in without making mistakes. A simpler option like AdventureForAll.com is way easier to remember and spell.
Solution. Keep your domain name short, simple, and memorable. Use common words, steer clear of numbers and special characters, and choose a name that rolls off the tongue easily. A shorter domain not only cuts down on typos but also makes it simpler for customers to find you online.
Ignoring domain renewals
Registering a domain name isn’t a one-and-done deal. One of the biggest traps you can fall into is forgetting to renew your domain. Remember, domains are rented, not owned. If you let it slip and don’t renew, you risk losing it – and it could end up in the hands of a competitor.
Example. A small business once forgot to renew their domain, and it was picked up by a competitor who redirected the traffic to their own site, resulting in lost customers and revenue.
Solution. Set up auto-renewal to avoid losing your domain name. Most registrars, including SpaceLama, offer an auto-renewal option to ensure your domain remains yours without interruption. Plus, it’s a good idea to set calendar reminders for your renewal dates just to be safe.
Choosing the wrong domain name extension (TLD)
Picking the wrong top-level domain (TLD) can really affect your brand’s credibility. Many new website owners instinctively go for a .com because it’s the most familiar, but sometimes a different TLD might actually suit your business better.
Example. A tech startup using .org or .biz may seem out of place, as these extensions are more commonly associated with non-profits or traditional businesses. Choosing .io or .tech could better reflect a modern and innovative image.
Solution. Think about the nature of your business and what your target audience expects. While .com is a solid and trusted choice, industry-specific TLDs like .store for e-commerce or .ai for artificial intelligence can help your brand stand out. Just make sure you understand what each TLD represents before you make your final decision.
Not checking the domain name’s history
While registering a previously owned domain can sometimes save you money, it can also come with baggage that might hurt your brand. If the domain has a shady history – like being linked to spam or scams – it can negatively impact your SEO and even lead to penalties from search engines.
Example. A business registered a domain without checking its history and later discovered that it had been used for a fraudulent website, leading to customer distrust and a poor search engine ranking.
Solution. Before you commit to a previously owned domain, do your homework. Check its history using tools like the Wayback Machine or domain history checkers to see what it was used for in the past. This way, you can avoid unpleasant surprises and ensure that your new domain starts off on the right foot.
Overlooking the importance of social media handles
If you’re only focusing on your domain name and ignoring social media, you might end up with an inconsistent online presence. Just because your domain is available doesn’t mean the matching social media handles are. This can create confusion and weaken your brand’s identity.
Example. A new e-commerce store registered the domain UrbanStyleShop.com but later found that @UrbanStyleShop was taken on Instagram and Twitter. This forced them to use different social media handles, causing brand inconsistency.
Solution. Before you finalize your domain, make sure to check the availability of matching social media handles. Tools like Namechk or KnowEm can help you see if your chosen domain name is available across popular platforms. This way, you can ensure your brand remains unified and recognizable across the web.
Remember, your domain is the cornerstone of your business’s digital identity. A smart choice can leave a lasting impression on your audience and pave the way for long-term success. So, take the time to research, plan, and choose wisely.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll streamline the registration process and set yourself up for online success. And when you’re ready to take the next step, SpaceLama’s user-friendly domain name registration interface makes finding and registering the perfect domain easy and stress-free.
Avoid these mistakes & register domains with confidence at SpaceLama!