How do I choose a domain name for my e-commerce shop?

If you are considering starting a new e-commerce web-site, or starting from scratch, one of the first, and most important things to consider is a domain name (Web Address). There are several key factors that should be considered, when choosing the right domain name for an e-commerce shop:

1. You need to choose a domain that is short, memorable and appropriate.
2. If you are primarily selling in the UK, you should always use a .co.uk domain name.
3. If you are mainly selling internationally then you should consider using a .com domain name.
4. You should consider buying a domai name with your main keyword(s).
5. You should seperate words in your domain name with hyphens. For example you should consider buying both www.golfequipment.co.uk and www.golf-equipment.co.uk.
6. You should buy as many variations of your domain name as possible, like above, to prevent competitors following in your footsteps.

If all of the above steps are considered when purchasing a domain name, then you will cover all bases in terms of marketing and Search Engine Optimisation.

If you already have an established e-commerce web-site, you should avoid buying a fresh domain name, as you will be at a better advantage with an established domain name.

If you choose to use our e-commerce services, will we research your current situation, and advise you on the best domain name to purchase for your new shop.  Below are some examples of good domain names that could be used when starting an online shop:

A shop that sells Wood Flooring, and specialises in solid wood flooring:
www.wood-flooring-online.co.uk or www.solid-wood-floors.co.uk or www.wood-flooring-uk.co.uk

A shop that sells Footwear, specialising in sports trainers:
www.smiths-sports-footwear.co.uk  or  www.sports-trainers-direct.co.uk  or www.smith-sports.co.uk

The above are simply examples to give you an idea of suitable domain names. In some cases, it can even be coming up with a new company name for your online shop, simply so that you can have a suitable, keyword rich and memorable domain name. As an example, if you had a retail business selling toys and you were called ‘Ann’s Toy Shop’, there is nothing stopping you from setting up a domain name like ‘www.buy-toys-online.co.uk’ and brand the web-site up as ‘Buy Toys Online’, as you can always have a logo that says it is part of ‘Ann’s Toy Shop’.

For more advice about choosing domain names, please contact us today.