Defining the ideal domain name for your new Prestashop store is one of the first things you’ll have to do when creating your website. Today, it’s easy to reserve a domain name, and the number of domain name extensions is steadily increasing (.ovh, .tv, .immo, .paris, etc.), but it’s still a strategic decision. You need to take some time to think about it and ask yourself the right questions. Here are a few tips to help you find the right domain name for your Prestashop store.
Should I use keywords in my domain name?
If you do some research, you’ll find that there are two schools of thought in SEO. Those who advocate the use of keywords in the URL, and those who recommend against it at the risk of being penalized by Google. So where does the truth lie? Before 2010 and the advent of Penguin, it was advisable to use keywords in your domain name, but since 2010, Google has changed its algorithm and SEO has changed a lot. As you probably know, Google no longer tolerates “SEO tricks” that put websites in the spotlight outside their subject area. In other words, if you use keywords in your domain name that have nothing to do with what you sell in your Prestashop store, you risk being penalized. Does this mean you should avoid using keywords in your Prestashop store’s ideal domain name? Well, no, not exactly. The use of keywords in your URL will be an asset for the visitor, not for Google’s robots. If you sell local produce on your Prestashop store, you could call it produitsterroir.com. This would be an ideal domain name, as it would be easy for potential customers to remember, but it wouldn’t guarantee good positioning. Don’t hesitate to use keywords in your URL, but don’t expect this to propel you to the top of Google results.
Choose your own brand
Google likes brands and likes awareness. Focus on the long term and use your brand as a domain name rather than keywords. If your site is of interest to your visitors, Google will be able to measure it. Your brand will become better known, and you’ll have a meteoric rise in Google’s rankings. What does “amazon” have to do with books and e-commerce? Nothing, and yet…
Choosing a .com extension
It seems that Internet users and Google give more weight and value to sites with a .com extension. So, if possible, go for a .com extension. There are, of course, exceptions to this rule. If your clientele is predominantly French, we suggest you opt for a “.fr” domain name.
The ideal domain name is short and easy to remember
There are many successful e-commerce sites with catchy domain names that are short and easy to remember. Would you like some examples?
- Amazon
- Pixmania
- Cdiscount
- Grosbill
Choosing a short, easily memorable domain name can help you build awareness of your Prestashop store, and as we saw earlier, Google likes it that way! Do you have an online store? Don’t hesitate to share your personal experience with me!
