Things to avoid when picking a domain name

Picking a domain name is an integral step in securing your brand identity in an increasingly digital world. Here are some things you should avoid when picking a domain name:

1. Long domain names
   Just because each section of your domain name can be upto 63 characters long long does not mean you should fill all of them. The shorter the better. (abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzabcdefghijk.com is an exception)

2. Hyphens
   This is less of an issue than the rest of the list. You should still avoid hyphens if you can.

3. Accidental alternate meanings
   There is a reason why experts-exchange.com has a hyphen.

4. Merging characters at word boundaries
   Is it examplenterprises.rw or exampleenterprises.rw? This is one case where hyphens would help. Just make sure to steer clear of:

5. Inconsistency when using hyphens
   is-thisadomain-name.co.ke or isthis-a-domainname.co.ke?

6. Long unpronouncable acronyms
   e.g lxgtrcq.com.gh Some words are less important and can be skipped.

7. Words that are difficult to spell
   Is it i before e? ch or c?

8. Misspelling existing words
   In a battle with autocorrect, enteprise.co.ug will lose.

9. The .org or .net version of a common or popular existing domain
   Just because bank.net.rw is available does not mean you should go for it.

10. Skipping out on the more popular domain extension
    You already have example.ne.ke but example.co.ke is available? Take it.

In summary, Keep It Simple.

Plug: Webspace Limited is a domain registrar for all domains extensions mentioned in this post.