I was just curious how important you think the domain name is when it comes to a hosting business.

Does a domain such as ours, http://jakowenko.net hurt our possible clients? It really is more or less what you offer and your services rather than the domain I believe. But it's just harder to brand a product name like this.

Just wanted your opinions on this.

Thanks.

I think the problem with a complicated name is getting returning visitors. If they signup there first visit you might be ok. But if they come to the site and like what they see but leave and try to remember it in a week it might be tough if they haven't written it down. Where as something simple, for example hostgator or site5 is far easier to remember.

It also depends on your clientele and niche market whether it matters. I think it matters less if you are focusing on the local market.

I think the domain name IS somewhat important. A name that stands out and that is easily remembered has the potential for better success. I say potential, because it depends how much is put towards advertising as well.

But think of this: If Godaddy had an AD on tv, you would probably remember that better than if Foircanetwt had an AD. Or maybe you would remember the second AD more, because of the weird name.. but forget completely how to spell it.

I think a name/domain name is an important feature of a company. True, there are exceptions, but it's generally an important part of a business.

A name is the biggest part (usally) of a brand, and it's something a brand is usually centered around and what it relates to. If the best brand relates to something bad, it may be a waste of time.

How did you choose your domain? What relevance does it have to your product your trying to sell/market?

Im not saying a domain does have to have relevance, indeed sometimes relevance is boring... but how and why did you choose the domain you have now?

Also why .net and not .com ?

How did you choose your domain? What relevance does it have to your product your trying to sell/market?

Im not saying a domain does have to have relevance, indeed sometimes relevance is boring... but how and why did you choose the domain you have now?

Also why .net and not .com ?
Jakowenko is my last name, when I started the hosting a few years ago I started it by myself. It then got bigger etc and I just kept the name.

I have jakowenko.com as well. At the time when I just started the .net, the .com was for my webdesign company. I later stopped web design to focus more on hosting.

http://jakowenko.com redirects to the current .net

Thread moved to Running a Web Hosting Business.

Thread moved to Running a Web Hosting Business.Thanks, I was wondering where this thread went :)

Ok, so it's contrary to what every other poster in this thread has said, but I think it's a kind of cool name. Unless you are having difficulties with clients remembering this, I would not change it. :)

Ok, so it's contrary to what every other poster in this thread has said, but I think it's a kind of cool name. Unless you are having difficulties with clients remembering this, I would not change it. :)
Thanks, a lot of people I know personally from where I live really like it.

If you aren't sure how it's pronounced, it would be something like this jack-o-wink-o ;)

Yeah, the name sounds cool.

Domain names really don't matter for me -- I forget them anyway (thank goodness for bookmarks and post-it-notes)!

I actually think it's really important. You'd want someone to be able to remember the name and easily type it out.

For the forgetful, I can imagine them typing jackowacko or jenkowenko.net.

It's very important. But also the quality of the site has a big impact on the POTENTIAL customer...

I actually think it's really important. You'd want someone to be able to remember the name and easily type it out.

For the forgetful, I can imagine them typing jackowacko or jenkowenko.net.But then, Neiman Marcus doesn't exactly roll off the pen (or keyboard! :P) either! :)

yeah you need a easy to remember name

Domain name is very important. I recommend that you register all of the normal TLDs (.com, .net, .biz, .info, .us, .org). Also, getting similiar domain names helps (for example, my company owns our name minus the "ing").

Your domain is your brand. It's what quickly defines you, in the eyes of your potential clients. It then carries you over, as you build your brand's awarness over time. Your domain should be easily remembered, and you should have multiple spelling and extension variations. It's crucial, and so many hosts totally stuff it up, or just don't put in the time and energy that's required.

Jako, I would strongly advise against branding the .net, if you don't also own the .com. You can brand the .net, but also point the .com up to the .net.

I didn't know you had your own company Dave. Interesting.

I think that the shorter a domain you have, the easier it will be for the visitor to remember the URL.

But then, Neiman Marcus doesn't exactly roll off the pen (or keyboard! :P) either! :)

NM was founded in 1907. That's 98 years worth of advertising. I can spell their name/site/etc correctly just from all the times I've seen their ads and all the times I've gone to their stores.

NM was founded in 1907. That's 98 years worth of advertising. I can spell their name/site/etc correctly just from all the times I've seen their ads and all the times I've gone to their stores.


Difference with NM is they have millions in ad dollars which is why everyone has heard of them..

The biggest thing I see wrong with that domain name is it's not easy to spell. I see this alot looking at some of the signatures around WHT.

Personally I think you should stay away from names that are spelled differently then they sound. Otherwise people get confused and you find yourself spelling the name for them everytime.. Our company originally started out as x-tremegaming which had the same problems I just said.. Not to mention there are a ton of 'extreme' type hosting domains already.. Funny thing is when we changed our name we pretty much immediatly saw better sales.. Coincidence?


Now just for a point of reference it took me maybe 3 minutes to type this post and even though we have been discussing the OP's domain name I cannot remember it at all.. Let alone spell it..

Point taken?

Just make sure you look at all the angles of the domain name. (http://webhostingtalk.com/showthread.php?t=455428)

I think domain names should be descriptive of your products or services as it tends to give your website an aura of recognition of your service as a host providers and respectability.

Just make sure you look at all the angles of the domain name. (http://webhostingtalk.com/showthread.php?t=455428)

hahaha....

Some things to consider before purchasing a domain;

1. length of domain name
2. probability that the domain name will be remembered and properly spelled by customers
3. potential of the domain name to be associated to site content
4. extensiveness of the domains applicability

your domain is your brand... it is very important to have a brand that is easy to remember and easy/fun to market. Most great domains have been taken but many can still be bought from sellers. I think a good investment towards your domain is a great business investment and the ROI will likely be there if your company offers a strong product with great customer service.

our domainname/company name --> have 2 common term inside -> 'domain ' and 'hosting' which describe basically what we do

Sometimes the name of the business may be a factor for success, which states in the mind of consumers so that sales and publicity can be generated. When it comes to web hosting business, I have seen some domains that really do not suggest the service or expected service that the company will deliver. In the other hand, we have some companies that the domains is not appealing to visit, but the service delivered by the company is EXCELENT, thus, satisfied customers go into these companies relying from the trust from others or for what they expect the hosting company will provide them.

I believe that a new hosting company should start by defining a good domain. Then, the service should be planned and executed. Thereafter take of your business’ reputation.

Some books:

Marketing Your Services : A Step-by-Step Guide for Small Businesses and Professionals
by Anthony O. Putman

Services Marketing: People, Technology, Strategy (Hardcover)
by Christopher H. Lovelock, Jochen Wirtz
Good luck!