This section aim to keep all DomainNamesGB.com customers up to date with what's going on in the fast changing world of the Internet, as well as news and developments concerning DomainNamesGB.com itself.

If you have anything you would like to add, please email the team on newsdesk@DomainNamesGB.com.

INDUSTRY NEWS:

8-12 October is national e-business week. For news and events listings see www.ukonlineforbusiness.co.uk/ebw

LATEST PRESS RELEASES:
In the Name of Success
The Journal e-commerce supplement Friday 17 August 2001

The problems and costs of achieving first class web design are all too familiar to most of us - but many businesses fail to realise that there are some pretty major considerations before this stage is even reached.

Before the design of your web site is even a concern, you must first decide what is the most appropriate domain name with which to launch your brand extension on the Internet.

Essentially, a domain name, e.g. DomainNamesGB.com, is an Internet address that enables other Internet users to access your web site. It contains two parts - a name and an extension (.co.uk, org.uk, .net, .com etc.) - and the correct combination of these is essential in bringing effective traffic to your site.

The importance of choosing the correct domain name, in terms of a company's on and off line branding activities, is becoming increasingly apparent. The gadget shop, for example, now brands all its literature and carrier bags gadgetshop.com, to direct potential customers straight to their web site. This idea is also important for companies that do not necessarily have on-line retail facilities. Web sites are now recognised as major marketing tools through which companies can reinforce and enhance their brand and corporate image, and thereby strengthen customer loyalty.

In terms of choosing a domain name for your company, Rich Smith, Managing Director of Newcastle based domain name registration site, www.DomainNamesGB.com, has the following top two tips:

1. choosing the right name
If you have a long company name, consider if there are any widely recognised abbreviations that could be used instead. In general, unless they are part of your known brand name, try to avoid hyphens, as these allow scope for mistakes or mis-entry. Don't forget, you can register more than one domain name and still have traffic directed to a single web site.

2. the right extension
Again, you can always register more than one extension. Even if your company is not dealing internationally at present, it is still a good idea to buy yourname.com, to prevent anyone else buying it and dragging potential customers away from your site.

Domain names can be purchased on-line instantly, from as little as £12.99, from domain name registration sites. This basically gives the buyer sole rights to the name for a set period (usually one or two years), after which time there is an option to re-register or release the name. Many sites will also offer email forwarding and web design services.

The ease with which domain names can now be purchased also means that they can be used as cost effective means to enhance any specific brand extension exercise. If, for example, a particular promotional slant is being taken by your company, relevant phrases or strap lines can be registered as domain names, and all traffic directed to your site.

Essentially, when you are considering extending your corporate image through the Internet - don't just think about the look and feel of your web site - think about the best names to get people there in the first place. Choose a domain name that suits the look and feel of your business, and then consider how this can be promoted both on and off line, for the long-term benefit of your company.