Checklist Choosing a Domain Name

Company Letterhead

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Phone: {{phone}} | Email: {{email}} | Website: {{website}}

Date of Assessment

Date: {{date}}

Project/Business Name

Project/Business Name: {{project_business_name}}

Section 1: Branding and Memorability

Consider the following when evaluating potential domain names for branding and memorability:

1. Is the domain name easy to spell and pronounce? (Yes/No) - Comments: {{ease_of_spelling_pronunciation_comments}}

2. Is it memorable and catchy? (Yes/No) - Comments: {{memorable_catchy_comments}}

3. Does it reflect your brandidentity and target audience? (Yes/No) - Comments: {{brand_identity_comments}}

4. Is it short and concise? (Yes/No) - Comments: {{short_concise_comments}}

5. Avoids hyphens and numbers if possible? (Yes/No) - Comments: {{hyphens_numbers_comments}}

Section 2: Availability and Alternatives

Check the availability of your preferred domain name and potential alternatives:

1. Check primary .com availability. Is it available? (Yes/No) - If no, list preferred alternatives: {{primary_com_availability_alternatives}}

2. Check country-specific TLDs (e.g., .co.za, .africa, .ng, .ke). Is your preferred name available? (Yes/No) - Specify TLDs checked and availability: {{country_tlds_availability}}

3. Check other relevant TLDs (e.g., .net, .org, .biz). Is your preferred name available? (Yes/No) - Specify TLDs checked and availability: {{other_tlds_availability}}

4. Are social media handles available for the chosen name? (Yes/No) - List checked platforms: {{social_media_handles}}

Section 3: Legal and Trademark Considerations

Ensure the chosen domain name does not infringe on existing rights:

1. Conduct a preliminary trademark search (e.g., CIPC in South Africa, ARIPO, OAPI). Are there existing trademarks that conflict? (Yes/No) - Search conducted and findings: {{trademark_search_findings}}

2. Consult with legal counsel if potential conflicts arise. (Yes/No) - Date of consultation (if applicable): {{legal_consultation_date}}

3. Is the domain name or any similar variant previously used by a competitor? (Yes/No) - List findings: {{competitor_usage_findings}}

Section 4: Future-Proofing and Scalability

Consider the long-term implications of your domain name choice:

1. Does the domain name allow for future expansion of your business offerings or geographic reach? (Yes/No) - Comments: {{future_expansion_comments}}

2. Will it remain relevant as your business evolves? (Yes/No) - Comments: {{relevance_over_time_comments}}

Section 5: Domain Name Registration

Steps for registering the chosen domain name:

1. Select a reputable domain registrar. (Registrar chosen: {{registrar_chosen}})

2. Register the domain name for a minimum of {{registration_period_years}} years.

3. Ensure privacy protection is enabled (if available and desired). (Yes/No) - Comments: {{privacy_protection_comments}}

4. Set up auto-renewal to prevent accidental expiration. (Yes/No) - Comments: {{auto_renewal_comments}}

Overall Recommendation

Recommended Domain Name: {{recommended_domain_name}}

Justification for Recommendation: {{justification_for_recommendation}}

Signature Block

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{{assessor_name}}

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Date: {{signature_date}}