Every computer on the Internet has a unique address to distinguish it from others. A numerical figure called IP (Internet Protocol) address is your unique identification once connected to the worldwide web. Examples of IP addresses are 202.232.545.44 or 500.33.34.432. Using these numbers to reach your website is obviously a very bad idea. Registering your own domain name for a period of time guarantees that you a reserved spot and nobody can use it for as long it is under your listing. Also, exposing your IP address publicly can pose security threats to your servers.

A domain name undoubtedly helps build a company branding and reputation as an online entity. A good domain name can boost not only sales growth but your company’s image and professionalism as well. When clients visit your site using this URL – www.yourcompany.com, it tells them that you are organized, well-established and taking every transaction seriously thus earning their trust. Instead of using sales@freewebhostingsite.com or marketing@freewebhostingsite.com as email addresses for your employees, wouldn’t it be more professional if your Webmaster provided you with sales@yourcompany.com instead. So if you haven’t registered your own domain name you are missing a lot of opportunities. 

Now that you have an idea of the importance of a domain name, it is time to shop for one. Deciding your domain name can be a cumbersome task. Registering a domain name and paying a 2-year contract for its usage only to realize later on that it is not helping you boost traffic is a not a very smart decision. To avoid such troubles, below are simple yet very effective ways to follow before choosing your domain:

* Associate it with your company
For corporations and other private entities, company names as domain names are better options and very effective not only in making it easier to remember but most importantly building the image of your organization. You can also use your products and services that easily associate it with your company.

* Keep it short and simple
Imagine your client or member typing this domain – www.yourcompanyname-products&services.com or www.mypersonalwebsite-2341-itrocks.com just to reach your site. I am sure if you experience the same thing the next thing you do is forget about it and go to another site. Shorter and simpler domain names require less effort, time and have higher retention probability.

* Get the .com
Apparently the .com still remains the most widely used. Getting other not so famous extension can result to error when visitors accidentally forget the domain. But you can also opt for .net, .org and other popular domain extensions. If your budget permits, why not get the .com, .net, .biz, or .org as well, this will ensure that whatever they type it will instantly redirect to your domain name.

* Verify domain history
You may have saved a lot of cash after purchasing a domain but the real deal might cost you more. Be careful not to buy domains that were previously reported as scam sites. It may also have been known for sending spam, viruses and other malicious programs.