I have recently started a free video tutorial that explains all the practical steps for an absolute beginner to publish their first web site.

I am now pleased to make lesson 3 available, which covers how to choose a domain name.  In this lesson you will learn:

• The different types of domain name (suffix)
• 5 simple rules to choosing a domain

httpv://youtu.be/Oay4BkRCuG8

Different Types of Domain

Every domain name / URL ends with a form of suffix like .com, .org, .net, .biz, .co.uk, .org.uk.  This free video resource will provide you with the information you need to guide your choice of suffix.

Quick and dirty rules for domain type:

• Choose .co.uk if you are based in the UK and will conduct your business predominately in the UK (same applies for individuals for blogs, personal web sites, etc)
• Choose .org.uk if you are a non profit organisation or individual based in the UK and will conduct your activity predominately in the UK.

Not only does this clearly indicate you are UK based, it is also cheaper when it comes to domain name registration and ongoing domain name renewal fees.

• Choose .com if you business is focused on the US or truely International.
• Choose .org if you are a non-profit organisation focusing Internationally.

Remember the registration fees for these type of domains are usually more expensive than the .uk equivalent.

If you can not register the domain name you are after i.e .co.uk is not available.  You probably should then consider .com (where you have no flexibility to change the domain name).  If this is not available then you may need to consider .co, .net, .biz, etc but these are less common at the moment, can confuse potential visitors and are more expensive.

5 Simple Rules to Choosing a Domain Name

The free video resource will explain the following 5 simple rules that you can use when choosing your domain.

1. Business name / brand
2. Location
3. Keep it short / easy to remember
4. Think how it sounds when spoken out loud
5. Don’t break copyright

The free video resource goes into more detail on how to apply these rules.

If you have any questions about choosing a domain name, please don not hesitate to contact me simon@digitalark.co.uk, I would be glad to help.