Richard Munter and Jessica Westermann lead the unique partnership of Munter Westermann Arts & Media.  A cross-functional team, Munter Westermann has developed communication materials for leading environmental, arts, and service organizations.  We have expertise and extensive experience across multiple disciplines allowing us to design for and deliver optimally across different media.

Richard works on all stages of production including concept development, execution, and delivery on web, video, design, and performance projects. Learn more about Richard.

Jessica’s background lies in performing arts and administration.  She has a particular focus on instruction, design, and planning. Learn more about Jessica.

Richard Munter

Richard Munter

Jessica Westermann

Jessica Westermann

 

How many domain names do you need for your business?

13 Sep, 2024
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In the past, I would have just said one for simplicity and ease of management. I still say that but there’s more nuance. There are so many domain extensions out there and it may be tempting to get something like ‘mybusiness.com’, ‘mybusiness.org’, and ‘mybusiness.ca.’ It gets messy quickly and where do you stop?

Here’s what I suggest:

  • use a common domain extension. For example .COM is still the most popular domain extension for businesses and .ORG for organizations, particularly non-profits. If you can get a common domain extension for your business name, then do that. (And stop there)
  • if you can’t get one of those common ones, then you might look at a domain extension that indicates your location (such as .CA for here in Canada) or your field (such as .TV or .CLUB)
  • if you are in a crowded field and it’s hard to stand out, then it might make sense to use multiple domains. In that way, people trying to remember your web address, might have a better chance of hitting you. Typically, I’d still have all domains redirect to one address and I would only promote that one address.
  • if your domain name is long and unwieldy, then you might consider getting a second shorter domain name that redirects to your main website. It will be easier for promotional material and it will be easier for people to remember it. This is exactly the approach used by one of my clients. Of course, you might also consider making that shorter domain name your principal domain and then redirecting the longer domain to it.

Of course, these are general suggestions. Your particular situation might be different. It might make sense to actually break your products into separate websites at which point, of course, they would need different domains. It really depends. But most of my clients need only a single domain.

You also want to pay attention to what your domain name may be saying unintentionally. You might think your domain name is perfectly harmless but take a look at this collection of cautionary tales. It’s a good idea to take a second (and third) look at your chosen web address to make sure there isn’t a hidden meaning. Don’t make these mistakes!

I’ve written previously about the meaning of ‘domain names’ and how to protect yours.

Still have questions about domain names? Hit ‘reply’ to discuss them.

Photo credit: Jon Tyson

 

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