A quick and easy SEO tip that you can most likely do on your own: Renew your domain name for its maximum amount of time (usually 10 years). Search engines like to see that the site’s owner has long-term plans for the site. This is one of the many factors that contribute to solid SEO, but every little bit counts! If you did not register your domain name yourself, contact your web designer and they will point you in the right direction. 

Choosing the right domain name for your website is important. Here are three things to think about when choosing a domain name.

1. People remember “.com”  Whenever possible, register your domain name as a “.com.” If your domain is already taken, start brainstorming creative ways to keep the “.com” as part of your domain name- that’s what people are more likely to remember. 
2. Think Keywords! Google recognizes keywords in a domain name, so take advantage. This is a good place to start if you have just realized that your preferred “.com” is taken. If you are using your website to find a local customers, think about using a localized domain name. This is great for SEO. For example, your company is called Abby’s Doggy Daycare and you serve the greater Portland area. Think about purchasing a domain name that includes the location you serve and your service– for example, PortlandDogSitting.com or PortlandDogBoarding.com. This way your site will be more likely to appear on searches using the keyword terms.
3. Make it Memorable  Is your domain name hard to spell? Is it too long? Is there punctuation? Before you buy your domain, envision someone saying it on the radio, printed in an ad, (remember this will be your email address too!) and make sure that it is something simple, catchy and reflects your brand.