Realty Times - Choosing a Domain Name Is Just the Start

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Choosing a Domain Name Is Just the Start

by Allen F. Hainge

There are basic "rules" for choosing a domain name, as I see 'em:

A "successful" domain name can include either your name or something about what you do for a living and where you do it. (wynnea.com, denverrelocation.com, patwattam.com, dallashomes.com, etc.)
A good domain name is short and easily remembered.
You shouldn't have to spell your domain name when giving it to another person.
You need a domain name....now!

Above all, it pays to remember that your domain name is only one factor in a successful Web marketing strategy. What counts is the sum of all your Web marketing efforts. If you have a great domain name but you're not getting business from your Web site, for example, it's time to look at your site or at the efforts you make to promote it.

Choosing the "right" domain name is easy; developing an overall Web marketing strategy is more difficult and more important. In that regard, ask yourself a few questions:

Do you have a Web site that you commissioned from a good designer (one who understands the Web and real estate marketing) or from one of the few "template" sites that work, such as PersonalBrand.com? (If you have a "good" site, you're getting business from it every month; if you're not getting business, you've got a bad site.)

Do you publicize your site and your email address on everything you send out?

Have you got a digital camera and some vehicle such as Bamboo.com on your site so that you can "instantly" create new materials on your site?

Do you have your site captured to your notebook computer so that you can show it during presentaions, at open houses, etc.

Do you have hard copy material showing your site that you can pass out to buyers and sellers? (An excellent source for this is "Web Cards" from Printing.com.

Do you include something such as "Visit my Web site at..." on your voice mail messages?

Do you network with other top sales associates nationwide who are taking over our industry through their Web marketing?

Do you spend a bit of time each day looking at sites by sales associates nationwide in order to gather ideas on Web marketing?

Do you have a good technical assistant, either someone already on your staff or someone you use on a part-time basis, to help you with your current and future technology needs? (Hint: call your local high school, ask for the computer science teacher and get recommendations from him or her.)

Finally, are you attending seminars designed to show you what works and what doesn't with regards to today's technology? (Hint: Seminars given by those whose main objective isn't to sell their particular product give you more accurate information than those given by a product manufacturer. Remember Hainge's Rule Of Seminars #1: Don't bring in a Chevy dealer to tell you what kind of car to buy for real estate!)

So...choosing the right domain name is a start, but it's just part of your overall Web marketing strategy for 2000.

Also See:

Is Your Domain Name Safe?

Where Did You Promote Your Web Site Today?

Internet Crusade Offers Lowest Domain Name Prices Ever

Published: January 5, 2000

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