What’s in a name? Quite a lot, if you are selecting a domain name for your vacation rental website!
The domain name is the name of your website that guests will type into their browser to reach your rental property website.
To stand out, you will need a name that is pertinent, memorable and succinct – as well as being unique.
You will need to choose the name of your property eg: gingercatcottage and an extension that comes at the end of the address, for instance, .com, giving a full address of www.gingercatcottage.com. Or you could opt for an ending using your country code. In the Bahamas, this is .bs.
To see a range of available options, log onto the domain name authority in your country or search on popular domain registrars, including The BS Network Information Centre and or internet.bs. You need to search, as your chosen domain name may be already taken. Prices range, depending on the options chosen, and domain names are usually renewed annually.
Here are five pointers on how to find the perfect domain name for your vacation rental website
1) Make it short and simple
Rather than stringing a line of names together that is difficult to find and remember, use a shorter option that perhaps includes a unique selling point of your property and a name or location such as RedgateLodge, Bigbluecondo, ExumaBeachouse. It is best to use 15 characters or fewer and to avoid numbers, hyphens and special characters, as they are tricky to type.
2) Stuck for ideas?
With around 1.3 billion websites, you may find that your initial choice of domain name is taken. If you are short on ideas, many domain registrars will provide a list of options, so you can tweak the main name or change your domain ending – but make sure the name is easy to type!
3) Double trouble
If possible, avoid domain names that repeat the same letter twice – Islanddream.com Users could easily instead type islandream.com and be directed to a different website. Also, when joining two words in a domain name, look out for inappropriate links. For instance, websites using children’s wear as one word may convey a different message!
4) The long haul
Although you can buy and reserve as many domain options as you like, it is best to stick and use one name, if possible, as guests will get used to your address and if you change your URL – your web address - you will need to update your sales and marketing material.
5) Inclusive branding
When thinking of your domain name, check out popular social media sites to see if your chosen name, or acceptable derivations, are available for you to use. If they are taken, you may need to look at adding prefixes or suffixes.
If you need expert help with any aspect of marketing your Caribbean luxury rental property, talk to Shore Concierge. We offer a full range of communications and banding services to help you attract guests and maximize your return on investment.
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