Last updated on December 20th, 2023 at 07:56 am
One of the first steps in setting up a website is choosing and getting a domain name. In this article, we give you an ultimate guide on getting a domain name in Nigeria. At the end of this article, you will be able to get a domain name in Nigeria for your website or business.
What is a domain name?
Domain name is the address of your website that people type in the browser URL bar to visit your website. A domain name is your website name. It is the address where Internet users can access your website. A domain name is used for finding and identifying computers on the Internet.
Computers use IP addresses, which are a series of number. However, it is difficult for humans to remember strings of numbers. Because of this, domain names were developed and used to identify entities on the Internet rather than using IP addresses.
A domain name can be any combination of letters and numbers, and it can be used in combination of the various domain name extensions, such as .com, .net and more.
Why Are Domain Names So Important
Domain names may appear trivial, however they are very important to your website and brand as a whole. Here are some of the reasons why you should be intentional about getting a domain name.
Boost Credibility
Using a high-value domain for your website and your company’s email address helps establish authority, credibility and professionalism, both online and offline. Owning a memorable domain ensures your customers will notice that you are an established, legitimate business and as a result trust you more easily.
Increase your search engine ranking
The more keyword-rich your domain name the more likely it is that you’ll rank high in the search results. Premium domains are often stuffed with high-quality keywords.
Builds your brand
If your domain name matches your company name, it reinforces your brand, making it easier for customers to remember and return. It will also be easier to win business via word of mouth because customers will remember your name and pass it along to friends.
How To Choose A Good Domain Name
Now that we have learnt the importance of having a good domain name, it is time we learn how to choose a good domain name. The following guidelines will help you choose the best domain name for your website:
Make it short and easy to type
Businesses have always been advised to avoid long and complicated domain names, the reason to do so is now more important than ever. As we have shifted our searching habits towards mobile devices with ever smaller keyboards, it’s easier than ever to make mistakes. So to help your customers out, make the domain short and easy.
Pick a memorable domain name
You need a name that’s going to stick in people’s minds. Picking a catchy name that makes your business stand out from the crowd can be a great way to kick-start your website and make it become a fashionable one to visit.
Use keywords in the name
SEO experts will also tell you that it can be a good idea to use keywords in your domain name too. Using them will help search engines discover your website’s relevance to a query at the highest (domain) level and will instantly help readers realise they have the address for the right type of business.
Use your domain name to grab local business
Keywords are useful for helping people understand what type of business you are, using the name of the area in which you operate can also help both search engines and customers find you when people are looking for a local business.
So, if Ade Welding Company is based in Lagos, then using the domain name adeweldinglagos.com.ng might be more helpful than just adewelding.com
Don’t choose domain names with hyphens or numbers
Generally speaking, you should try to avoid both numbers and hyphens. For a start, they can be more of a burden to type – especially hyphens on a mobile phone, and this can put people off. Secondly, people presume there will be no hyphens, so if someone tells someone your domain name they are likely to search for it without. If they do put hyphens in, they may put them in the wrong places.
Use an appropriate domain name extension
A domain extension is that group of letters that follow the dot at the end of a web address, e.g. .com, .net or .com.ng. It is vitally important that you choose the right one for your business as they can have a massive impact on how well your site ranks.
Avoid conflicts with other companies
Although it’s rare, there are occasions where people have got into hot water because the domain name they have chosen infringes another company’s registered name, trademark or copyright.
Check carefully and do your research before you start – just as you would when choosing a name for your registered company.
How to check whether a website name is available?
After you have gone through the steps above to choose the right domain name for your website, you must make sure it is not already in use. To do this, take the following steps:
- Browse through the web page of your preferred domain registry.
- Look for the domain search box.
- Type the name of your website in the domain search box.
- The domain registrar will send some indication to confirm whether the domain name is available or not.
- If the domain is available, purchase it by completing the payment terms provided by your domain registrar.
Choosing the right domain registrar
When you’ve chosen the perfect one for your business, you then need a domain registrar to secure your domain on the web. Choosing the right domain registrar is just as important as choosing a domain name.
You will need a domain name registrar that has your best interests at heart. This is because domain names have to be renewed periodically or you could lose it. Your domain registrar must remind you at the right time to make sure you do not lose your domain name.
The domain registrar must also be reliable and it is advisable you work with an experienced agency to get your own domain name in Nigeria.
Another thing to consider as a person or business is that a domain registrar that is focused on your area. For, example, it is better to choose a registrar that offers domain name registration in Lagos and the rest of Nigeria if you are in Lagos.
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