What you need to consider when choosing a domain name

Over the years that I have been running a website and a blog I have made various observations about the choice of a Domain Name. I previously was of the opinion that the choice of the actual name was of primary importance on how a site can be found when a user makes a search.

The use of the "dash" character

Whereas I have suggested that this is discouraged in the past, I have seen instance where this seems not to have been a problem.

Does the domain need to spell-out the subject of the website?

Seeing that most visitors to a site will most likely find the site by making a search or by referral, then no.

For example, tempusfugit.me.uk does not mean that much to most of the visitors to the site. However, if you search for Belchamp Walter, the village, you will find my pages. However, if a visitor finds the Parish Council website it is reassuring that belchampwalterpc appears in the URL (web address). This does give the website an "official" feel but it does not prevent it being found.

That being said, a domain name that has too many charaters looks clumsy. belchampwaltervillagehall do anything is too long in my opinion. BWVH.uk was a far better choice.