Domain name registrations across the globe hit 105 million in the second quarter of 2010, a new record. If you don't already have a great domain name, you need one... and fast.

A domain is the home of your website. Even if you have no plans for a website a domain name is worth securing. Owning a domain name will automatically give you access to appropriate email addresses for that domain. This is especially important if you want to create a professional perception of your business. Using your own domain name email addresses will contribute to building a solid impression of you and your products or services. With the current low cost of domain names, there is no excuse for not having one.

What's in a name?
It's important to choose the right domain name. Try to choose a name that people will remember. After all, the right domain name will increase visibility, inspire trust and attract customers.

Keep it short and memorable.
Short memorable brand names are effective, especially if relevant to the personality of a business brand. Short and snappy domain names are also less likely to be misspelt and more likely to be remembered and passed on via word of mouth.

Your domain name should be chosen to best represent your company's interests. When choosing a name bear in mind the brand, the products/services you offer, your USP and consider the implications of being listed alphabetically.

Use different domain names/websites to target specific niche audiences.
Operating multiple niche sites does tend to work better than having a broad range in one store. Remember it is possible that your business may grow into different areas of interest, therefore it may be an idea not to make your domain name too specific to one area of your expertise.

Use your company name, a relevant solution-related name, or even your own name.
Try domain names that solve a problem, or opt for a name that describes the products or services your company provides e.g. 'Marketing Solutions'. Either way, your name will help drive targeted traffic to your website if you take this approach.

Finally, to ensure plain sailing:

1. Check the availability of your domain name before committing to it, this sounds obvious but do check the various suffixes and variations to ensure that they are all free too. We can search availability of domain names for you - free of charge.

2. Register various suffixes (.co.uk, .net, .org) This will ensure that no-one else can come in at a later stage and capitalise on your brand name using another major domain name suffux.

3. Ensure that your domain name is not a commonly known brand name or trademark. Domain names can only contain letters, numbers, and dashes. Spaces and symbols are not allowed. Domain names are not case sensitive.

4. If you intend to buy a number of domains we can 'park' them for you. We will also automatically inform you when your domain registration is due for renewal so that you can renew it in good time.