The Crucial Role of Domain Availability in Your Branding Strategy
When launching a new business or undergoing a rebrand, one of the most critical steps in your branding discovery is checking for the availability of website domains. This step is often overlooked in the excitement of logo creation and marketing strategies, but securing a suitable domain is vital for your brand’s digital identity and future success.
Why Checking Domain Availability Matters:
Establishing Brand Identity: Your domain is often the first point of contact between your brand and potential customers. It should align closely with your brand name to maintain consistency and reinforce your brand identity across all platforms.
Enhancing Online Presence: A memorable and relevant domain increases your visibility and makes it easier for customers to find you. Domains that closely match standard search terms related to your business can significantly boost your SEO efforts, driving more organic traffic to your site.
Preventing Brand Dilution: If a domain that matches or closely resembles your brand name is owned by someone else, you risk diluting your brand identity. Competitors or unrelated entities might capitalise on a similar domain, confusing your customers and potentially diverting traffic away from your site.
Securing Your Digital Real Estate: Like physical real estate, digital real estate (i.e., domains) can increase in value over time. Securing the right domain early prevents you from negotiating with domain squatters who may charge exorbitant prices later.
How to Check Domain Availability:
Use Domain Registration Websites: Tools like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains allow you to search for the availability of your desired domain name quickly.
Consider Various Domain Extensions: While .com is the most sought-after domain extension, consider others like .net, .org, or location-based extensions like .au, .com or .com.au that might suit your business.
Think About Variations and Abbreviations: If your first choice isn't available, consider logical abbreviations, acronyms, or other variations that still communicate your brand effectively.
What to Do When Your Preferred Domain Isn’t Available:
Negotiate a Purchase: If the domain has already been taken but is not in active use, you might be able to purchase it from the current owner.
Choose an Alternative Extension: If .com isn't available, consider another extension that fits your business model.
Modify Your Domain Name: Add slight variations or keywords that align with your brand and improve SEO.
Checking domain availability should be a priority in your branding discovery process. The right domain name enhances your marketing and online presence, protecting and defining your brand identity. Early efforts to secure an appropriate domain can save you time, money, and frustration in the future, setting the foundation for a strong, recognisable online presence.
Ready to secure your perfect domain and need a little help? Contact us today to press go. Begin your search today and take the first step towards establishing a robust online identity for your brand.
