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Text Box: Domain Names Online success begins with first step

Your domain name is very important, it literally becomes your online identity. After all, this is the address you’ll be marketing to your customers and prospects.

Here are a few pointers to keep in mind when deciding on domain name:

Short is always better

It can’t always be achieved, but try to keep a balance between a meaningful domain name
and the number of characters. Sometimes it’s preferable to use acronyms (for example, www.mcw.co.nz instead of www.mycompanywebiste.co.nz) However, this is largely based
on your industry and how many characters you use in the acronym.

Avoid hyphens

Again, it’s not always possible, but if it is, try to get a domain name that does not have hyphens. If you have to select one with hyphens, avoid going with more than one, at maximum, 2.

Make it easy to spell or pronounce

Domain names can be a hazard to their owners. If you own a business that is difficult to spell (and it’s too late to change) consider purchasing a second or third domain name that actually includes the incorrect spelling and then re-direct the visitor to your true website

.com, .co.nz, .org or .biz?

If you intend to offer or promote your website to an international audience, then it is safe to say that whenever possible, look at purchasing a .com. On an international scale, .com is obviously much more recognised than any other (.com representing “commercial” entities).

.co.nz is the best option if you intend to offer or promote your website to a primarily New Zealand audience. .co.nz domain names are well perceived by NZ Internet users as a New Zealand company or entity.

.net is an abbreviation for network administration and has generally been the next option when the .com is not available

.org is an abbreviation for non-profit organizations and institutions. It doesn’t make sense
to purchase a .org unless you fall into this category.

Many register both .com and .co.nz domain names for the reasons provided above as both may apply to them. Also, any domain name can be accessed from anywhere in the world, so this is not an issue in your selection.

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