Every domain name comprises two main elements: a top-level domain (TLD) such as .com or .co.uk, and a second level domain (2LD), such as the "DomainMonster" part of "DomainMonster.com".

Choosing the best Domain Name for your website will take some time and thought. Consider the following:

- Do you wish to choose a descriptive domain name, or one that will be easy for you to develop a brand around? Most of the best-known domain names, like Google.com and Yahoo.com, are non-descriptive: Google and Yahoo! have built strong brands around their domain names. But building a brand is time-consuming and can be expensive. A descriptive domain name may be your best bet, particularly if you are a small or niche-market business. It's possible to combine descriptive and brand-orientated elements in a domain name: DomainMonster.com is a great example of this!

- If you choose a descriptive domain name, consider which keywords you'll want to target when optimising your website for search engines. More specific keywords are generally less competitive and will draw more "targeted traffic" (people who are more likely to be interested in whatever your website offers).

- Short domain names are usually better because they're easier to remember. However, make sure that your domain name is a real word; iluvu.com is less easy for people to remember than iloveyou.com, even though it's shorter.

- Shop around for good prices. Domain name registration at DomainMonster.com offers extremely competitive prices, particularly on bulk domain purchases.

- If you're an established business, ask your customers, colleagues and family what they'd expect your company domain name to be. You can also ask in web forums for suggestions.

- Be careful not to register any domain names which might infringe trademark laws. You can check online whether names are trademarked.

- Try to register all the different versions of your domain name to capture as much traffic as possible, deter cybersquatters, and avoid losing traffic to rivals. Secure all the popular top-level domain versions (.com, .net, .co.uk, .info etc.) and both hyphenated and non-hyphenated versions.

There are many domain name articles on DomainMonster.com.

By Natalie Catchpole