Setting up a domain name

Choosing the right domain name is an important step in establishing your brand’s online presence. A well-chosen domain name can contribute significantly to the growth of your business. In this guide, we’ll cover the key principles for selecting a domain name, how to purchase one, and how to set it up for your Shoplazza store.

Advantages of buying a domain name

A domain name is like an ID card for your website. Here’s why purchasing your own domain name is beneficial:

1. Build your brand identity: Having your own custom domain name, instead of using the free default one from Shoplazza, gives your store a more professional and recognizable brand. A custom domain helps to set your business apart from competitors and ensures your customers take your brand seriously.

2. Improve search engine visibility: A custom domain name can help your website rank better on search engines, making it easier for potential customers to find you online. Search engines tend to give priority to websites with unique domain names, improving your chances of showing up in relevant search results and increasing organic traffic.

3. Build customer trust and security: Customers are more likely to trust websites with their own domain names, which can lead to more purchases. A custom domain shows that you are serious about your business and offers better security features than free domains, making your site more reliable for customers.

4. Keep control of your website: If you ever change your website platform or service provider, having your own domain name means you can keep the same website address. This helps you avoid losing your traffic and search engine rankings, protecting the effort you've put into building your site’s visibility and customer base.

Tips for choosing a domain name

A domain name is typically made up of three parts: the prefix (www), the custom name (your company or product name), and the suffix (.com, .cn, etc.). Here’s how to choose a good domain name:

1. Keep it short and easy to remember: Choose a domain name that’s short and simple. Long domain names can be harder for people to remember and may not show up well in search results. A concise name helps visitors easily recall and return to your site, which can lead to increased repeat business.

2. Go for a ".com" domain: Domain names ending in “.com” are generally the most recognizable and trusted. If ".com" is unavailable, you can try options like ".co," ".shop," or ".store." Although other suffixes are becoming more popular, ".com" still carries the most credibility and is often the first choice for most businesses.

3. Use your brand or product name: If your store focuses on a specific industry, use your brand name as the domain. If you sell different products, consider adding keywords related to your products. Including your brand or product name not only helps with recognition but also makes your domain relevant for search engines, which can boost your rankings.

4. Avoid numbers and special characters: Domain names with numbers or special symbols can be hard to search for and may seem less trustworthy. Special characters can also confuse users, and they may have difficulty typing your domain correctly. It's important to note that Shoplazza cannot link domain names with the suffix ".fun" or special characters. This includes characters from minority languages that may not be widely supported by domain systems, such as non-Latin alphabets.

5. Stay away from trademarks: Avoid using names that belong to well-known brands. Using a trademarked name can lead to your domain being flagged or frozen, and you’ll lose all your work. Always check if the name is already trademarked in the market you are targeting. For example, if you're targeting the US market, you can visit the US Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS)   to check if the domain name is already registered as a trademark. Taking these steps ensures your brand won’t face legal challenges in the future.

Avoiding "malicious domain names"

In some cases, a domain may have been flagged as “malicious” by security vendors like Google or Cloudflare. Here are some things to watch out for when buying a domain name:

1. Domain history issues: If the domain was used for illegal or harmful activities in the past, it might have a bad reputation. This can hurt your website's credibility, even if you’re using it for a legitimate purpose now. A bad history can also lower your site’s trust score with search engines.

2. Suspicious registration details: Domains with incomplete or suspicious information can be flagged by security companies. Make sure that your domain’s registration information is clear and correct, as vague or false details might raise red flags during security checks.

3. Source of the domain: Buying from unreliable sources can result in lower security for your domain. Always check the domain’s background before purchasing. Trusted domain providers offer more secure domains with proper verification processes, helping you avoid issues with the domain’s past.

4. Website content issues: Domains connected to websites with misleading or false information might be flagged. Make sure that the content linked to your domain is accurate and not associated with fraudulent activities, as this could affect your domain’s reputation.

5. Similar domain names: If your new domain name is too similar to previously flagged malicious domains, it may also cause concerns. For example, if a previously flagged domain was "bestdeals.com" and your new domain is "bestdeal.com," the similarity could raise concerns. Ensure your domain is distinct enough to avoid confusion or association with problematic sites.

To avoid buying a problematic domain, check with your provider to make sure the domain is in good standing. You can also use tools like Virustotal   to see if the domain has been marked as malicious. A simple check can save you from future headaches.

Purchasing a domain name

We recommend buying your domain name from well-known providers like Ali Cloud, GoDaddy, or Cloudflare. These companies offer a wide selection of domains, reliable infrastructure, and strong customer support. For step-by-step instructions, follow these links below:

• Ali Cloud domain name registration process  
• GoDaddy domain name registration process  
• Cloudflare domain name registration process  

Choosing the right domain name is an important step for the success of your online store. Following the tips in this guide and buying from trusted providers will help you build a strong foundation for your business. Always keep an eye out for malicious domains to protect your website’s reputation. With the right domain, your brand will be well-positioned for growth.