I’m sorry to all my readers because I was not able to follow-up my previous post right away. I’m busy with setting up an office, yes a physical office, not for me but for my client.

My client is based in Canada and my task was  to setup an office here in the Philippines so they can hire more staff for their projects. After searching and making negotiations for the past three weeks, finally we will move-in to the new office tomorrow.  My final tasks is to bring the various equipments tomorrow.  Wait, just a correction, I will not transfer there but  I’ll oversee everything at “arms length” so to speak.

Anyway, I really want to avoid writing a post about my topic today because, honestly, you can search  Google on “How To Choose A Domain Name” and you will be presented with almost 80million hits!

BUT with the recent change to Google’s Ranking algorithm, there are some facts  that you should know if you want to be on Google’s top ranking.

Here’s one fact that I’ve learned recently -  Google delisted, deindexed or clearly banned all .CO.CC. To prove it,  enter “site:.co.cc” in your Google search engine and see the results.  This affected all .CO.CC domains starting last month of June, 2011. So the rule of the thumb is, if you want Google to recognize you… Avoid .CO.CC  as part of your domain.

What does this mean? It simply means Top Level Domains are still the King when it comes to choosing the right domain! Google is giving priority to sites and links derived from Top Level Domains (TLDs) such as .com, .net, .org etc..  This means that you should be using a Top Level Domain  with relevant keyword(s) for your blog, affiliate pages and/or sales pages.  Here’s another rule of the thumb, .COM is still the King of the Kings when it comes to TLDs but according to my own experiment, a good SEO can beat any .COM!

I’ve mentioned the word(s) Keyword(s) on my previous statement. Why? Because Google  still (even with the Panda update) values a keyword within the domain name for ranking purposes.

For example, if you will search for the words ” Manila Blog”, I assure you that BlogDeManila will be in the first page of the search engine results page (SERP). Why? Because the words are there! “Manila” + “Blog” are both in BlogDeManila domain but since both terms are not in the front, BlogDeManila will be having a hard time to beat those who are actively using “Manila Blog”.

So another rule of  thumb in choosing a domain name, Keyword(s) works much better  when it is placed in the beginning than having another word in front of your keyword.

For those who might be asking where do I get my domain names, I will honestly tell you that I’m getting all my domains from GoDaddy and 1and1. I find them both very easy to use, specially to new bloggers or users,  when it comes to choosing and buying domain names. Both have the tools to search for the keywords and both can be paid using PayPal as well.

If you’re looking for the best domain, you may use this tool to search for it:

Well, I won’t bore you with much technical details. I hope you will learn a lesson or two from my post today. Till my next post.

Don’t settle for a long domain name — register a .CO!

.CO domain name is the biggest new domain since .COM and most major Internet domain registrars began selling .co domain names on Tuesday including GoDaddy.com.

.CO is practically the same as .COM but it seemed like a better extension simply because it’s one letter less.  I think few years from now .CO could easily be the preferred domain extension.

According to GoDaddy.com website, .CO is understood around the world as an abbreviation for “COmpany,” “COrporation” and “COmmerce,” .CO is easy to recognize, simple to remember and flexible to use.

One of the early adopters of the .co domain name is Twitter which the company is using for its URL shortening service similar to Bit.ly.

Why Choose .CO?

• .CO is meaningful, memorable and intuitive for people around the world
• .CO is relevant to individuals, businesses, and organizations
• .CO gives businesses and brands the chance to create a worldwide footprint
• .CO appeals to today’s socially-networked individuals and entrepreneurs
• With the .COM inventory nearly exhausted, .CO is a perfect, short alternative for branding your business.
• It’s new! No need to compromise – find your ideal domain.

According to some news sources, Online retailer Overstock.com  paid $350,000 for O.co and “related URLs.”

I just started looking at the .co domains to possibly register one. All the good ones are gone already. I wonder who snatched Pepsi.co and Cis.co?

I registered another new domain today but before I did that, I checked my emails which I got from GoDaddy. They have special promo by way of offering discounts using a promo code when registering or transferring a domain.

As you can see from the picture above the normal price of .COM domain name is $10.69 but currently they’re giving it away for $9.99. The good news is, you can still get MORE Discounts if you will use their discount code. Just like what’s you can see on the image below, but if you read further I’ll show you the hidden supercodes that domain buyers are using and keeping all the profits to themselves.

Here are the two promo codes that I received from them via email:

• fbfDom10 - get 10% OFF* our regular prices on .COM, .NET, .ORG, .BIZ, and .US domains.
• fbgdhome20 - get 20% OFF* your order of $75 or more. This special offer expires 7/13/2009, so start shopping now! Based on my experienced, this code actually never expires.

TIP: Most Go Daddy coupons are only valid on NEW domain registrations or on domain transfers. Therefore, buy multiple years upfront to save!

More SUPER Promo Codes

Since GoDaddy is sending emails to their customers regarding their promo, I decided to google around if there are other people out there posting their promo codes. Lo and behold, I’ve found some gems lying around ready to be pick-up.

For Renewals

These codes will give you $6.95 for renewal of your domains.

1. ZINE3
2. goxtgi200c
3. steve
4. gaze3

New Domain and Renewal

Here are the additional promo codes that you can use if you are want to get a better deal from GoDaddy.

1. ZINE5 - will give you 10% off any purchase.
2. ZINE7 -will give you $7.49 for each domain instead of $$9.99
3. ZINE25 - receive instant 25% off any purchase of $100 or more

GoDaddy Super Promo Code

The best promo code that I’ve used in registering a new domain is FACEBOOK5. I only paid $5.20, which translates to $5.00 off on domain registration!

TIP: To make sure you are saving the most amount of money, try all codes in your shopping cart. Use the code which one gives you the cheapest domains.

Whether you want to build a Web site for your business, create your family blog, or share photos online with friends, use GoDaddy promo codes today and get all BIG SAVINGS.

Most of the codes that I’ve posted here are working for years already. Saving money is especially important to people these days. Please feel free to share this code to all your friends, post them in your blog, tweet, write them on your facebook status and share in your other social network.

Update (August 16, 2009): This special offer expires 8/29/2009, so start shopping now! Use source code fbgdhome20 to get 20% OFF* your order of $75 or more when you order online at GoDaddy.com