Choose the perfect domain is the first step in bringing your business or your idea to the web. Depending on your industry or line of work, it can make or break your start-up. So it’s important to think about your domain name. It’s even a good idea to ask your friends and colleagues for their opinion. If your domain is for a web only business it’s a good idea to use some words that describe what you do. Here are a few other tips to consider before locking in your domain registration.

1. Look for the .com.
   Yes many of the good ones are taken, but there are still plenty of good domains if your just take some time and thing and be creative. Choosing a .com is always better then opting for the .net or .biz. If your .com is not available research and find out if it’s for sale or come up with something else. Try Bust A Name, its a free online tool to help you come up with cool new domain names based on your desired keywords. www.bustaname.com
2. Keep It Short and Sweet
   The shorter the better. If you can come up with a two word domain that’s pretty good. But avoid long sentences are using big descriptive words in your domain name. Try to target no more than 14 characters unless absolutely necessary.
3. Just letters and numbers
   Although you can use dashes or hyphens in your domain name, try not to. In many cases this just causes confusion. You want your domain name to be simple to type in if possible. Avoid the possibility of someone forgetting to include the dash.

As I wrap this up I want to share one other tip. Avoid registering your domain with your hosting company. Many hosting companies will offer you a free domain when you host your website with them. This sounds good, and in most cases it is if the hosting company is also a reputable domain registrar. If not you many have a problem getting control over your domain if you choose to host your domain elsewhere.

So to avoid the headache that I and some of my clients have experienced; register your domain on your own and find your hosting separate as well.

Here are a list of  safe companies that offer both domains and hosting:

1. Go Daddy
2. Netfirms
3. 1and1