View Full Version : Importance of internet domain names
Spiritus
2nd May 2006, 10:48
Is it really that important to have a "relevant" domain name for your business ? I got caught up in the landrush for the .eu domain tags last month and bagged myself a few decent names but then started wondering if I would actually use them.
It then got me thinking that in most cases we are never going to get the perfect domain name suited for our business so perhaps it isn't all that important after all. The crucial thing to focus on is marketing your "internet brand".
Google, Ebay et al are manufactured names that had no impact until they were marketed.
You're right, some of the most well know Web sites have domain names totally unrelated to their business. Google, eBay, Amazon etc.
However, for the smaller business I think a domain name that is easy to remember, describes what you do and/or contains your company name is important.
As for .eu, I don't really get the fuss to be honest. If you have an established business then you will already have a Web site and have spent time promoting that site both on and offline.
Thats why (IMO) webit.net has more value than theShoppersbible.com. With webit we could hang any type of site we wanted to off the URL but with theShoppersbible thats always going to be about one thing - Shopping.
Absolutely - limiting yourself, either by being too specific with a product, or by being geographically specific is one of the worse things you can do with a domain.
darren atkinson
2nd May 2006, 13:12
I agree that many companies have domains that are not related to their field such as eBay and Amazon, however, I do think an existing company with an established name would want their corresponding domain name, i.e. microsoft, bbc, dell, etc...
I think it is important for there corporate image. Thats my opinion anyway.
Darren
The point is that the name should not describe the business activity (the name of the company is fine). thats why amazon.com is better known then books.com and ebay better than auctions.com. Also it means that Amazon can move into auctions and eBay can move into book retailing.
Business.com anyone?