While creating your website, the most exciting part is buying the first domain, as it helps in building your online presence. Even if you are starting out say a blog, launching your online business, your domain is what creates the very foundation of your digital presence. But here's the issue: most first-time buyers rush into the process without any knowledge, and this results in a costly or long-term mistake. It is very important to know that while creating the right domain, it is important to remember that it doesn't need to be only catchy but in fact it must be strategic, credibility and foresight.
So here we listed out some of the common mistakes to avoid when buying your first domain and also ensure your decision benefits your brand in the long run.
Opt for a Simple Name.
If you see to it, it is actually very simple. If people are not going to remember it, they can't find it. The first time, domain buyers usually make the mistake of buying a fancy, complex word. It is full of numbers, hyphens and difficult words. This is why you should opt for a domain name that is short, simple and memorable.
In fact, your domain name should be such that it easily rolls off the tongue. Consider popular websites like Google, Facebook and Amazon, they are short, memorable and easy to recall. This also ensures the user doesn't end up on any other website by mistake.
Domain Extensions
Most of the time, first-time buyers only focus on the .com extension as it is very common. But this may most time limit your options or even make you pay more than needed. Now there are quite a lot more domain extensions like “.in”, “.net”, “.co” and others. These are, in fact, better as they easily represent your niche or region.
Now, when you use “.in”, this means your business primarily serves India. Hence, the .in extension makes you appear more relevant and credible to your local audiences. Before finalizing your extension, it is important to confirm the purpose, audience and brand identity. More than availability, it is also about suitability.
Domain Offers
Now, while buying your first domain, without proper research, most users end up paying whatever price shows up. It is important to take a step back and understand that the prices for the domain vary. There are always multiple ways to save, like many hosting and domain platforms, such as GoDaddy India, regularly offer coupons and bundled deals, which can significantly lower the cost.
In case you are planning to buy multiple domains, hosting or email packages, these deals can make a huge difference. The Platform often has special first-time buyers, so using verified GoDaddy coupons can help you secure a domain at a fraction. The money saved here can be used in designing, marketing and growing your new website if that is the plan.
Branding and Design Alignment
Remember, your domain is not just a URL, but it is your whole brand identity. Before you even buy, imagine how it will look on your logo, email signature and business cards. A name that only sounds good may not look appealing when styled. So always visualize it in the design templates and mock-ups before you finalize.
There are often resources like templates that can help you preview how your brand name might appear across different digital pr printed layouts. This saves a lot of time as well doing this ensures your domain aligns with your overall design vision and brand’s tone. Hence, you are able to create a cohesive identity from day one.
Research Trademarks and Existing Brands
One mistake that comes back and haunts you for sure. So, before you purchase a domain, it is important to check if the name is already trademarked or if it is very similar to any existing brand.
Now on using someone else's trademarked name, even if it is unintentional, can lead to legal trouble, loss of domain, and even result in damaging your brand’s reputation.
So, it is important, and you must do quick research through India’s intellectual property database or through the global trademark directories in order to confirm your chosen name is unique. This will take just a few minutes, but it can save you from months of frustration later.
Domain History and Reputation
Now, if you are buying a pre-owned domain, it is important to do a background check. Most domains come with a history, and not necessarily a good one. They could be associated with spam or malware or even be a blocked website altogether.
There are always some free tools, like WHOIS lookup or Wayback Machine, which can help you with the background check of the domain, along with its history, before you plan to buy it. These are very simple and small steps, but they help you avoid the SEO penalties or trust issues that could affect your website's performance once you go live with it.
Long Term Scalability
Now, when you are buying your first domain, it is easy to think small and simple, like say you want a personal blog or a local shop site. But the smarter way is to plan for growth. If there is even a teeny tiny possibility that your project could expand and grow, think of it in these terms that allow flexibility.
For example, if you name your domain as mumbaihomebaker.com, this is possibly limiting you to one region, in case you plan to expand across India. So, choosing something broader, like a baker's home, with this, you are still able to keep your options open. The right domain always grows with your ambitions and not against them.
Secure Similar Domains
Another common mistake is stopping at just one version of your domain. So, once you are done with picking a strong name, the second option is to secure similar versions, like maybe different extensions or spellings, to protect your brand.
Another mistake is stopping at just one version of your domain. Once you’ve picked a strong name, secure similar versions (like different extensions or spellings) to protect your brand. Competitors or scammers often buy similar names to redirect traffic or confuse customers.
Like if you are considering brightleaf.in, you can also consider brightleaf.com. However, it is a very small investment, it provides huge brand protection and also helps you in maintaining consistent traffic in the long run.
Never Skip Privacy Protection
Most new buyers usually forget to enable the domain's privacy protection, which hides their personal details from public WHOIS databases. Without doing that, your name, phone number and all-important information is easily available to anyone and everyone, which makes you more vulnerable to spam.
Along with this, always have an auto-renewal date for your domain. If you miss the renewal date, you could lose your domain, and someone else may get lucky and grab it instantly. A small and simple step, like auto-renewal, can save you from unnecessary headaches.
Ending Thoughts
When you are buying your first domain, it marks the first step towards your online journey. But most of the time, we neglect the small details, and it could lead to chaotic results. So, in this blog, we have listed a few common mistakes that individuals make while buying their first domain. This will help you in making more informed decisions, and you can thorough make the most of your online presence.
