Domain names 'must be memorable'

New domain names must be memorable and easy for web users to type, according to one expert.

Chris Lake of Econsultancy said that the process of choosing the perfect domain name can be a complex one as there are a number of different factors to consider.

Other issues businesses and individuals should look at when looking to purchase a new domain name include length and whether it is available with a range of suffixes rather than just .com, he said.

It should also be unique and match the brand name of the company in question, while being easy for others to pronounce.

"What you're looking for is a long list of names, which you would then whittle down to a short list of maybe half a dozen possible choices," Mr Lake remarked.

Rand Fishkin of SEOmoz also advises those looking for a new domain name to try to avoid copyrighted terms, numbers and hyphens.

Written by Debra Hastings-Henry