Your domain name … the words that go between the “www” and the “.com” … are what make that critical first impression with your online audience. Keep in mind that your website is both your calling card and a reflection of your identity as an actor. Therefore, your domain is an integral part of your online identity.
Your best option for a domain name is your name … FirstNameLastName.com or FirstName-LastName.com. That said, this may already be taken for a variety of reasons. For example, there may be another person who shares your name. If that’s the case, try adding your middle initial.
Only when those options are taken should you go with plan B, which is selecting another “.com” domain that can represent you and your career well. Typical domains that work well include adding the words “actor” or “entertainer” to the end of your name.
Once you’ve built up a fan base, then domains with “fans,” “fanclub,” “theofficial” or “thereal” make sense. Before then, a domain like that could come off as pompous … so be careful.
Keep these things in mind when selecting your plan B domain.
- Does the domain clearly identify what you are about?
If you’ve decided to niche your acting career, than a domain name that reflects that niche might make sense. Think YourNameVoiceActor.com. - Will the domain name help with search engine optimization?
Obviously, having your name somewhere in the domain will help people trying to find you by name. But perhaps there are other words that someone might use to find you … see if you can use those in your domain. Think YourNameOnStage.com. - Is the domain name easy to understand when spoken and easy to remember?
Choose a domain name that is easy to understand … like TomCruise.com. It should also be easy to remember … like BradPittFan.com. - Will the domain support your identity as an actor?
You don’t want your domain name to be so far off in left field that it harms your “brand” or actor’s persona. The more simple the domain the better.That said, some actors are also entrepreneurs or directors or something else as well and are looking for a domain that represents their wider interests or purpose. Then it makes sense to go with a domain that brands that larger identity … think SilentBobSpeaks.com, Kevin Smith’s website.
Of course, there may be times when no matter how you slice it, you just can’t secure a .com name. Your next best bet is to go with .net, .net or possibly .tv if you’re going to have a lot of video on your website. Stay away from .info, as these sites tend to rank very badly in search engines.
Since your domain name will most likely be the first thing someone sees when they find your website in search results or through your agent or manager, it is important that it make a good first impression. Use these suggestions to help you make the best choice for you and your career.
