What should I choose as my domain name?
Here are some guidelines to consider when choosing a domain name:
- Keep it as simple and short as possible (graceumc.org instead of graceunitedmethodistchurch.org)
- Make sure it is easy to spell, say, and remember
- Only letters, numbers, and hyphens are allowed (it should be noted that hyphens are discouraged because they are difficult to say and almost always require you to spell the name out, something you will tire of very quickly)
- Try to avoid odd spellings of the name unless they are actually part of your organization's name (because you'll constantly have to spell it out)
- Consider purchasing the most common alternate spelling(s) of your domain name if it is spelled unusually or non-phonetically
- Consider purchasing non-standard extensions to get the name you want (i.e. ".us" or ".net" instead of ".com") since many of the short, simple names are already in use in the ".com" and ".org" extensions
- Consider stringing together a domain name that includes your organization name, any denominations or affiliations you may have, and the organization's location (city or state) so that if you are Grace United Methodist Church in Chicago your domain name would be something like graceumcchicago.com or gracemethodistchicago.com
- If you want to use a catchy domain name as a "nickname" or for a seasonal or periodic event, register it in addition to your main domain name
Think carefully about what you want your domain name to be. After you have chosen a name and it has been registered, most registrars will not issue a refund of the registration fee even if you cancel the registration before the end of the year. Plus, once you've begun to use a particular name in public, it may not easily be replaced or forgotten in people's minds.
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