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

    executive chauffeured services Bradford .. Madison to Airport car
    In The News:

    Getting virus alerts on your iPhone? Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson helps you learn how to handle fake scam alerts and boost security.
    Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says opening emails is safe, but risks arise from interacting with links, attachments or HTML content.
    Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals four signs of compromised Social Security numbers and offers five steps to protect yourself.
    Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses how MAB Robotics' Honey Badger 4.0, a versatile robot, now walks underwater with amphibious skills.
    An updated Android trojan called FakeCall hijacks bank calls. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says Android phone manufacturers and Google need to step up their game on security.
    The Massimo Modular E9 is a sleek, smart and comfy tiny home in 409 square feet. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson takes a closer look at what the future of housing might look like.
    Every stock trader should consider a virtual private network to safeguard their trading, according to tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson.
    Apple recently announced its new lineup of Macs and rolled out Apple Intelligence, its latest artificial intelligence-powered feature for its products.
    A Swiss-engineered robot can climb ladders, showing why it's at the cutting edge of autonomous robotic solutions for harsh industrial settings.
    Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson presents the cities targeted most by robocalls, why this is happening and what you can do about it to protect your privacy.
    Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents
    Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson shares tips and suggestions for how to get the best use out of the updated Calendar app available with the latest iOS update.
    Your Social Security number, your unique identifier used for many purposes, has likely been leaked on the Dark Web; here are some steps you can take to protect yourself.
    Researchers have developed a new technology that creates strong, sticky fibers capable of lifting objects and capturing things from a distance.
    Smart rings track the same things that smartwatches do, including steps, sleep and a general overview of your overall health, and they tend have more battery life than smartwatches.
    Researchers have developed a robotic finger that can perform routine medical exams like those conducted by doctors, helping to address the growing shortage of trained professionals.
    Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
    Insurance administrative services company Landmark Admin reported that a data breach from a May cyberattack affected over 800,000 people.
    Sotheby's will auction the first artwork created by Ai-Da, the world's first robot artist created in 2019 by British gallerist Aidan Meller.
    More than 250 million users of the Verizon Messages app will have to switch to another app. Verizon is shutting down Messages in the next month.
    Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson provides a list of 10 celebrities who are the most targeted by deepfake scams, including Tom Hanks.
    Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses how Vast's Haven-1, launching in 2025, transforms space living with human-centric design.
    UnitedHealth confirms over 100 million Change Healthcare users had their data stolen. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals what happened and what caused the breach.
    Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson explains how iOS 18 brings new text formatting and animated effects to the Messages app.
    Whether you're a social media veteran or novice, Facebook friend request scams are common. Kurt the CyberGuy provides tips to keep your account safe.
  • The Problem with Automated Accessibility Testing Tools

    An automated accessibility tool is a piece of software which... 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

    Content Management ? The New Standard in Web Design

    The evolution of web development parallels the model of technology... Read More

    Lead Generation How to -- 10 Tips On Generating More Internet Sales Leads

    Many millions of dollars are being wasted on promoting and... Read More

    Dreamweaver 8 Preview

    August 8 2005, Macromedia announced a release of Studio 8.... Read More

    7 Golden Rules For Building Mini Sites

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

    Create Huge Income From Your Web Site - 10 Easy Ways

    The cost of setting up a web site is dirt... Read More

    Top 7 Tips for Building an Antique Car Website

    Like wine cars get more attractive to collectors as years... Read More

    How Did You Get Here?

    When marketing your website, it's important to know which of... Read More

    What YOU Should Know Before Getting A Web Site!

    Everyday thousands of new businesses make the leap and take... Read More

    Website Strategy!

    A website lets you put your products in front of... Read More

    Web Content: How Much Should I Pay?

    When web content gets discussed on webmaster bulletin boards, the... Read More

    7 Tips to Make Your Order Page Work Harder

    So your prospect, Mary, is sitting at the computer reading... Read More

    High Quality Website at Low Cost

    Although designing a great web site is an important part... Read More

    Improving Usability for Screen Reader Users

    Simply ensuring your website is accessible to screen reader users... Read More

    Beyond Web Usability: Web Credibility

    If you've been developing websites on Mars for the past... Read More

    You Dont Know Which One

    I still remember it very clear ... It was almost... Read More

    Website Sales: 10 Reasons Why People Dont Buy From You

    You've put up a website to promote a product or... Read More

    The Number One Reason Most Websites Fail

    Failure, just like success, is measured differently by each and... Read More

    Develop a Solid Website Presence

    Starting an internet business can be confusing to non-veterans. The... Read More

    What Works and What not Works for Your Internet Business

    "Build it and they will come."--Filed of Dreams (1989) If... Read More

    Content Management

    More and more businesses are recognizing the importance of content... Read More

    Wheres Your Focus, Money or Customer?

    Is your website Really useful?I had a 'rep' in yesterday... Read More

    You May Be Losing Valuable Traffic - And Not Even Know It!

    Here's something you may never have thought of before:If I... Read More

    Five Steps to Create Your Software Product with Outsourcing

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

    O'Hare Chicago prom limo ..