If you have ever attempted to register a domain-name, you probably realized pretty fast that the name you originally wanted has already been taken. In order to meet the criteria of shopping cart software, new eCommerce store owners need a catchy, simple and SEO friendly URL to build their online business on.

What do most new eCommerce store owners do to get a domain name? Well, they tend to  choose awfully odd names. They find out “computers.com” is in use and learn that “easycomputers.com” is also taken. Then, the sad reality is that most new eCommerce store owners will end up purchasing a domain name that goes something like “superfast-and-easycomputers.com. What’s wrong with this domain? For Starters it’s too long and it contains a hyphen. The problem with hyphens is the chance customers may forget the hyphen and end up on a competitors site. The key to a good domain name is found in its simplicity and shortness. If at all possible,  it should be short, and spell the way it sounds. Therefore fastcomputers.com is much better than speedycomputerservice.com. Also whenever possible try to get a .com instead of .net, .org .name or whichever other extension is available.

Your domain name can dramatically affect search engine ranking, as a result, if you want to be listed for “computer services,” it would be smart to include the word “computer” in your domain name.. An easy way to do this is by using your brand name alongside a main keyword term. To explain with by an example, JohnsComputers tends to work better than speedycomputerservice.com. If you follow these rules it will save you a search engine marketing nightmare in the future.

Many web users are surprised to learn that there is a downsides to podcasting. If you do video or graphics, anyone using a standard audio-only iPod will not be able to take advantage of the imaging you are streaming, so if you’re planning on reaching a large group of people, you might want to think about doing a separate stream for audio and a stream for audio and video.

Popular to contrary belief, not every person uses itunes, (although the criteria was set by them) consequently if you’re going to podcast, consider streaming the content through your website in conjunction with itunes. You may also want to run an email alert system so you can send out a mass email notifying your listeners of new content.

To the best of my knowledge Apple doesn’t charge for serving podcasts in its directory, you are responsible for the bandwidth charges incurred, and any gear you need to generate and edit content. Personally, I look at podcasting as a win-win strategy. It allows you to reach new audiences and also keep current customers updated without then subscribing to an XML feed or sending them new product emails.

Online consumers are always craving helpful information, so as an online store owner you should spend the time devising audio and video that provides useful information that online customers can’t get from reading your product descriptions. For example, if you sell computer equipment, a podcast explaining the proper way install an additional hard drive would be useful to some, and you could always mention or use your product within your podcast.