We’ve all seen them, those URL’s (web addresses) that we notice, remember then plug into our web browser only to find a completely different site? Why is this? Because the company in question has a .net.nz, .biz, or .net address. Or worse, they have a .org website because it was available not realising a .org is for an organisation, not a company!
What seems like a harmless, ‘close enough’ solution to a domain name (and email!) could be doing you more harm than good. Why:
It’s just one more thing to remember
If you’re advertising is so compelling that you manage to actually get someone to go and look your company up on the ‘net, they have to remember your name in order to land on your website. But with a .net they also have to remember the suffix, smacking of ‘too hardness’.
You’ve settled for second best
Let’s face it .net-ers. Someone beat you to the punch and got your domain name first. Try creating either a local address such as .co.nz and if that’s gone reconsider the way you could write your name, or tie a clever domain name into your marketing plan. www.freestuff.co.nz is a compelling web address to market, for example. (some one’s getting a free plug – just to prove my point!)
These names can only be topped as settling for second by those that use a commercial hosting plan as their email address. You know who you are, bob.smith@xtra.co.nz or joe.bloggs@paradise.net.nz and of course jane.jones@gmail.com
Domain names cost next to nothing to register, and emails using domain names (the ‘@xxxx.com’ part of your address) is also free with the arrival of Google Apps and the like, so to settle for a second tiered domain or email name if you’re in business either highlights your lack of knowledge of the Internet or shows you’re happy to settle.
