Dream Web Designs

Should you pay a lot for a domain?

The need for a short, memorable domain was discussed in a previous post. Finding that perfect domain name for your company, however, can prove to be a challenge. Single-word .COMs have long been taken as well as many two-word combinations. Most good .NETs and .ORGs are also unavailable. Some of these names are in use but a good number are currently in the possession of domain speculators who are willing to sell it for a price as a “premium” domain. Should you pay to buy a good domain name or look to register an unused domain? What are some ways to get a good name?

Domain name prices are arbitrary

When looking to buy a “premium” domain from a seller, the first thing you should know is that the price set by the seller is almost entirely arbitrary. The seller determines the price, be it reasonable or outrageous. Do not think that a high-priced domain is worth the price it is listed. Some domain speculators buy what they think is a good domain and set an exorbitant price, hoping someone will pay, and a few actually do.

Is it worth paying a lot of money for one of these so-called “premium” domains? It depends on your needs, your budget, and the domain itself. A good number or domain names for sale are worth the price and some are being sold for less than they are worth. Again, the price is set only by the seller. If you determine the price is reasonable, it is within your budget, and fits the needs of your business, it may well be worth paying a premium price for a good domain.

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Did you get the website?

Now more than ever, every successful business that advertises needs an easy-to-read, memorable name. The reason is simple: People are bombarded by myriad ads from all sources and the only way to get customers is if your ad stands out, or is easily memorable. Something unique may make the potential customer notice your business, but if they forget the domain how will they find your website? Where does this apply? Everywhere. Your domain is displayed on billboards, television, car and truck graphics, newspaper and magazine ads, business cards, and anywhere else you write your contact information, as well as heard through various media. The last thing you want is for a potential client to forget your website and go to a competitor. What can help with this?

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World Wide Web

Everyone who uses the Internet is familiar with the letters “www”, which prefix most websites. An increasing number of sites, however, have chosen to go without the prefix, along with the extra dot. Whether to use this or not is purely a matter of choice, although because of a longstanding tradition, many still include it in their domain. It comes from when the World Wide Web was just starting and the “www” prefix was used to differentiate it from other Internet protocols, like mail and file transfer protocol (ftp). As it turns out, the World Wide Web (www) and websites became the most popular use of the Internet, and the “www” stuck. But what are the pros and cons of using “www” before your domain?

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