Web Design for the Professional Magician Part I - Selecting the Perfect Domain Name

Selecting the Perfect Domain Name

The first issue I have with magician web sites is the improper use of domain names. Examine the following list of URLs and select the most professional one:

  • www.freewebspace.com/users/losers/reallosers/Hire-me.html (Example 1)
  • http://www.Kooool-Magic-2day4U2.tv/ (Example 2)
  • http://www.WebToastyHosty.com/234asdkjfd/No-hire-me.html (Example 3)
  • http://www.TikiMagic.com (Example 4)
Example 1

Unfortunately the first site is too common today. It is too long to be remembered. It is also too long to be accurately typed. Who knows what site your potential visitor may end up loading into their browser. More importantly it is unprofessional. With the low cost to register domain names and host web sites, there is no longer any reason to use this type of web site as a professional magician.

These URLs are usually found on business cards with perforations around the edges. If this applies to you, then please listen to this simple advice. Please spend the small amount of money it takes to look like a professional or don't pretend that you are one. Your potential clients are not impressed. They will not hire you. This advice applies to both the web sites and the business cards. Let's review the pros and cons.

www.freewebspace.com/users/losers/reallosers/Hire-me.html

Pros

  • It's free
Cons
  • It's free because your visitors are bombarded with ads (Viva Cialis)
  • It's unprofessional. You look cheap because you are. Don't Be!
  • It's too loooooooooooooooooooong.
  • It too hard to type out without mistkes.
  • Too many limits on designs and script usage.

Example 2

The second example shows another trend. The good domains are often taken. Magicians look to claim some Web real estate by getting a domain name with cute names by substituting numbers or misspellings to find a "suitable" domain name. The main issue is that potential visitors may not remember your "cute" name and never find your site. It is better than the first URL, but not much.

This example shows another common strategy. Magicians will use a less common extension such as .org , .biz or .tv. It is my belief that a weaker name with ".com" is better than a stronger name without the ".com". Most people don't understand about domain names. The general sentiment among your potential clients is that .com appears more professional than .biz.

www.Kooool-Magic-2day4U2.tv/

Pros

  • It's slightly better than the prior example
  • It contains some keywords (mostly misspelled and numberized)
  • It's your own domain name
Cons
  • Doesn't use .com
  • Words are misspelled
  • Numbers are substituted for words
  • It uses too many hyphens
  • Too long
  • More cute than professional

Example 3

The third example shows the use of a web host without a domain name. With your own host you will have maximum flexibility over web design. The ability to use server side scripting and databases make this a good approach. The main problem is that without the domain name it still looks unprofessional. Even with the great looking web pages, it still appears to be DIY (do it yourself). A weak domain name is better than no domain name.

www.WebToastyHosty.com/234asdkjfd/No-hire-me.html

Pros

  • Full control over design
  • Can use server side scripting languages
  • Can use databases to dynamically create web pages

Cons

  • Lacks your own domain name
  • Looks unprofessional
  • Hard to remember
  • No keywords in URL
  • URL has no tie to your USP (unique selling proposition)

Example 4

The final example is the best of the lot. The domain name ends in .com. It also has the keyword 'magic' in it. It is reasonably short and memorable. It doesn't have any misspellings, hyphens or number4word substitutions. The "tiki" is part of the magician's character concept and is utilized in other marketing efforts. It helps differentiate him from other magicians. The web site is a retro sixties tiki lounge approach. Very unique and very cool. :) We will examine this site in more detail in later articles dealing with effective web promotional strategies.

www.TikiMagic.com

Pros

  • Professional looking URL
  • Domain name uses keywords
  • Domain name uses USPs
  • Easy to remember
  • Full control over design
  • Can use server side scripting languages
  • Can use databases to dynamically create web pages and other great uses.

Cons

  • Requires more time to maintain
  • Requires a little money to register domain name
  • Requires a little more money to host

Conclusion

This concludes Part I of Web Design for Professional Magicians. If you have not already done so get your own domain name. Search Google for many cheap places to do so. Email me if you are having trouble with your domain name or registering it. The key points for selecting domain names:

  • Try to get a .com domain name.
  • Keep it reasonably short and memorable.
  • Avoid misspellings and word substitution (4 instead of for).
  • Limit the use of hyphens.
  • Try to incorporate your USPs and keywords in the name.

    Copyright ? 2005 J.L. Siefers, All rights reserved.

    J.L. Siefers has been performing great magic for years. He has written extensively on many topics in magic. He has shown hundreds of people how to successfully learn to do great magic tricks.

    Want to learn to do magic? Click now to get your FREE magic tricks! http://www.learn-great-magic-tricks.com

    Sign up for The Magic Way newsletter! It's FREE: http://www.learn-great-magic-tricks.com

    Lincoln Stretch rentals Alsip ..
    In The News:

    Tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson offers solutions to fixing a personal computer that freezes up. There are a number of reasons this might be happening.
    The rollout of Apple's iOS 17 brought a subtle "Rebound" notification tone that's gotten some criticism. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains a fix.
    Fitness centers and workout studios are starting to establish policies that prohibit shooting phone videos to protect people's privacy.
    Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents
    Apple recently notified a small number of iPhone customers in 92 countries that their phones may be under attack by mercenary spyware.
    An artificial intelligence-powered home security system can fire paintballs and tear gas at trespassers. The camera identifies human faces and animals.
    Technology expert Kim Komando gives her tips and tricks on enhancing your user experience a smartphone and other devices you use everyday.
    A new camera called NUCA uses artificial intelligence to create deepfake photos of subjects by stripping away clothing in close to real time.
    The Kimberley Kube trail-ready camper has a compact but spacious design and combines luxury, functionality and ruggedness for a weekend getaway.
    Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
    Emails instructing you to reset your password for an account may be legitimate, or they may be scams. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains.
    Northrop Grumman's Manta Ray uncrewed underwater vehicle aims to revolutionize undersea missions — it glides through the ocean without human assistance.
    Learn how to work Google's calendar application to streamline and organize your daily tasks from technology expert Kim Komando.
    If you do not want Facebook to have automatic access to your private photos, follow our tips to protect yourself. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson shows you how.
    Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson goes into detail about Apple’s recent iOS update that allows iPhone users to instantly translate spoken language simply by using the Action Button.
    Safeguarding your digital life with a reliable physical backup isn't just a precaution, it's a necessity. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson provides the essential backup checklist.
    Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals how a Redditor exposed false recycling claims at their apartment, highlighting a report that only 21% of U.S. recyclables are processed.
    Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson offers a travel toolkit featuring five technology tools to help you with booking flights and hotels for your summer vacation.
    The bubble behind the clock on your iPhone can appear in different colors. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains what each of those colors mean.
    Scammers are using the power of artificial intelligence to mimic voices of people and are using the fake voices to commit crimes, like kidnappings.
    Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
    Tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains the science behind the Invisibility Shield, a 6-foot shield that makes people become invisible.
    The International Olympic Committee on Friday announced plans to use AI in various Olympic aspects, including athlete identification, training and judging.
    Tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains an easy trick to avoid squinting while working or surfing the web by zooming in on your personal computer.
    Streaming giant Roku has recently been targeted by a pair of cyberattacks, and the company confirmed over a half million Roku accounts were compromised.
  • 10 Tips For Running A Profitable Web Site

    1. Address your targeted audience on your business site. Example:... Read More

    Why to Have a Website for Your Company

    After having decided to start a business, the next thing... Read More

    Does Your Business Really Need A Website?

    Website, website, website, everyone says you need one. But do... Read More

    What is Blogger.com?

    In the late 1990's three San Francisco based web developers... Read More

    Benefits Of Making Your Website Accessible To Disabled Users ? Part 2: The Business Case

    The Disability Discrimination Act states that service providers must not... Read More

    Give Your Business a Cash Infusion

    Whether you have your own business already, or are looking... Read More

    Web Site Promotion: How To Advertise Your Website For Profits

    Making money with your web site is the dream and... Read More

    A Website Is Not Enough

    Your ObjectiveYour small business needs an appealing and professional website... Read More

    Do This One Thing to Create a Powerful Product-Selling Web Site

    Spend time planning your Web site. Before you design a... Read More

    Beautiful Web Sites Seldom Make More Sales

    Designing an E-commerce Web site is not as simple as... Read More

    Freelance Programming is Easy to Manage

    There are several reverse bid freelance sites out there. Beyond... Read More

    Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) & Web Accessibility

    There's been widespread speculation about the new legislation being introduced... Read More

    Make Your Artist Website Sell!

    SummaryHere's the scoop on what you must know when designing... Read More

    You Cant Just Build A Website And Hope It Works!

    Like any area of business your website needs some effort... Read More

    Selling Your Site: Outsource or Homemade?

    To the starting internet entrepreneur, there is nothing more discouraging... Read More

    6 Steps To Your Own Website

    A lot of people these days are interested in getting... Read More

    Build a Web Site that Works...Even for a Safari Hobby!

    My life's greatest passion is a safari hobby. And what... Read More

    From Search to Sale

    The Internet car buyer is an elusive animal. Trying to... Read More

    Flash Deadly Sins (That Can Kill Your Web Business)

    Looks like every client wants a Flash site these days... Read More

    The Importance of Website Stats to You

    One of the best tools you have as a webmaster... Read More

    Are You Being Scammed By Your Web Design Company?

    This is a growing concern amongst many business owners. Does... Read More

    7 Golden Rules For Building Mini Sites

    First, an eye opener. Making your fortune through affiliate programs... Read More

    Five Steps to Create Your Software Product with Outsourcing

    Many executives and investors are skeptical that software products can... Read More

    Get a Website!, Register Your Domain!: To Website or Not to Website?

    If you're fairly new to the Internet scene, you may... Read More

    7 Reasons Why Your Small Business Needs A Web Site

    Many small businesses have the misconception that their business can... Read More

    Western Springs shuttle limo ..