The importance of a good domain name

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When starting a business, it can be challenging to come up with a good company name.

But when you’re brainstorming a company name, do you also consider your domain name? Usually not, right? However, choosing a good company name and domain name is crucial for the success of your business.

If you choose the wrong domain name, it can be a hassle to change it later without damaging your brand and search position. Switching domain names can result in losing visitors, which are customers you desperately need when starting a business!

That’s why it’s important to choose the best domain name that works for your business and aligns with it from the beginning.

A domain name is your business address

The domain name is an address that you’ll often share.
Need more information? Take a look at the website.
Want to make a purchase? Check out my online store.
Want to get in touch with me? You can easily do so through my website.

The impression of a domain name

Your domain name is the first thing visitors will see when you hand them a business card, when you talk about your company and they want more information. A good domain name can create a positive and lasting impression, while a bad domain name can lead visitors to mistype your website, quickly forget it, or form a wrong impression of you or your services.

Your domain name in Google

The domain name also has an impact on SEO, or your search position in Google. Although an exact match with your company name is no longer a necessity, having relevant keywords in your domain name can help you rank higher in Google.

Choosing a domain name – 10 things to look out for

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There are several factors to consider when choosing a domain name. Here are 10 important points with explanations:

  1. Use the appropriate extension (.nl, .com, .org)
    If you operate in the Netherlands, NL is the most commonly used domain extension. Use COM if you want to do international business. ORG is less frequently used, but if you have a large organization or your desired domain name is not available with .nl, you can consider .org.
  2. Use niche or specific keywords in your search for the right domain name
    This is especially important if you want to rank in Google and attract the right customers. Instead of using generic names like “websites,” add a location or other accompanying word. Think of “websites amsterdam” or “WordPress websites.” Or even more specific, like “affordable WordPress websites.”
    The accompanying word will help you rank higher in search results when people search for it. This way, you won’t be competing against thousands of other websites that already have the keyword in their domain name.
  3. Choose the shortest possible domain name
    A domain name should be easy to type and remember. It is recommended to have a maximum of two words. People won’t remember more than that.
  4. Choose a domain name that is easy to type, spell, and pronounceThere are several factors to consider when choosing a domain name. Here are 10 important points with explanations:
    1. Use the appropriate extension (.nl, .com, .org)
      If you operate in the Netherlands, NL is the most commonly used domain extension. Use COM if you want to do international business. ORG is less frequently used, but if you have a large organization or your desired domain name is not available with .nl, you can consider .org.
    2. Use niche or specific keywords in your search for the right domain name
      This is especially important if you want to rank in Google and attract the right customers. Instead of using generic names like “websites,” add a location or other accompanying word. Think of “websites amsterdam” or “WordPress websites.” Or even more specific, like “affordable WordPress websites.”
      The accompanying word will help you rank higher in search results when people search for it. This way, you won’t be competing against thousands of other websites that already have the keyword in their domain name.
    3. Choose the shortest possible domain name
      A domain name should be easy to type and remember. It is recommended to have a maximum of two words. People won’t remember more than that.
    4. Choose a domain name that is easy to type, spell, and pronounce
      If you do business in the Netherlands, make sure you have a Dutch name. Choose a domain name that doesn’t have multiple meanings and can be spelled in different ways. When you tell someone the domain name, they shouldn’t have to ask, “How do you spell that?” or repeat it three times.
    5. Choose a unique, catchy, and memorable domain name
      Keep it short and specific, but test your domain name by telling it to someone you know and ask them a week later if they still remember it. Do this test with 10-20 people, as some may be less interested when you mention something and therefore forget it 😉
    6. Avoid double letters, hyphens, and numbers in the domain name
      A hyphen in the domain name is often used when the original domain name is already taken. It creates confusion to use hyphens and numbers, both in writing and when pronounced. So, it’s best to avoid them!
    7. Think long-term instead of short-term: leave room for expansion
      If your domain name is too specific, such as “Pietsfriet” (Piets fries), it can limit your business growth or your service and product possibilities. Try selling bananas under the name “Pietsfriet” 😉
    8. Act quickly before someone else registers the domain name
      If you have registered a company name with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) and you have told others about your company, including the name, don’t wait too long to register the domain name. Anyone can register a domain name, even your competitor or someone who thinks the name is brilliant! And yes, this does happen!
    9. Check if the domain name is not a trademark or already in use
      There are thousands of names in use, so make sure the name you want to use is not being used in the same country where you conduct business. If the domain name resembles a company’s name or is

      part of a company name, you may receive a letter requesting the transfer of the domain name. And that would be a waste of your time.

    10. Check your domain name in Google Translate and Google
      Especially with short domain names, there is a risk that the domain name is a swear word in another language or part of a word you would rather not use. It could also sound like a word you would rather not pronounce.

    anings and can be spelled in different ways. When you tell someone the domain name, they shouldn’t have to ask, “How do you spell that?” or repeat it three times.

  5. Choose a unique, catchy, and memorable domain name
    Keep it short and specific, but test your domain name by telling it to someone you know and ask them a week later if they still remember it. Do this test with 10-20 people, as some may be less interested when you mention something and therefore forget it 😉
  6. Avoid double letters, hyphens, and numbers in the domain name
    A hyphen in the domain name is often used when the original domain name is already taken. It creates confusion to use hyphens and numbers, both in writing and when pronounced. So, it’s best to avoid them!
  7. Think long-term instead of short-term: leave room for expansion
    If your domain name is too specific, such as “Pietsfriet” (Piets fries), it can limit your business growth or your service and product possibilities. Try selling bananas under the name “Pietsfriet” 😉
  8. Act quickly before someone else registers the domain name
    If you have registered a company name with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) and you have told others about your company, including the name, don’t wait too long to register the domain name. Anyone can register a domain name, even your competitor or someone who thinks the name is brilliant! And yes, this does happen!
  9. Check if the domain name is not a trademark or already in use
    There are thousands of names in use, so make sure the name you want to use is not being used in the same country where you conduct business. If the domain name resembles a company’s name or is

    part of a company name, you may receive a letter requesting the transfer of the domain name. And that would be a waste of your time.

  10. Check your domain name in Google Translate and Google
    Especially with short domain names, there is a risk that the domain name is a swear word in another language or part of a word you would rather not use. It could also sound like a word you would rather not pronounce.

What domain extension should I choose?

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When choosing a domain name extension, one thing is certain: for a Dutch website, “.nl” is still the best extension.

A .com domain name

If the domain name you want is already taken, consider a ‘.com’ extension. Why .com? Well, “.com” is the most well-known and easiest to remember. According to research, 43% of all domains have the “.com” extension.

Although there are many successful websites with a “.net” or “.org” extension, your website is likely to perform better if it has a “.nl” or “.com” extension. It is the safest choice.

Our advice

Our advice: Go for .nl or .com. If both are already taken, then try .net or .org. If those are also taken, it’s better to consider a new domain name.

Avoid unusual extensions

Avoid unusual extensions like “.club”, “.space”, “.pizza”, etc.

Registering multiple extensions?

You may want to prevent a competitor from registering the .NET or .COM version of your domain name.

In the case of large companies, it is common for other popular extensions to be registered. If you have a large company and can afford the additional annual costs of a few tens of euros, it’s an option to also register .net and .com so that others can’t do it.

Why would someone register a .COM version of your domain name?
Individuals or companies do this to capture visitors who mistakenly type your domain name with that extension.
In some cases, they do this to create an advertising page, a landing page that they promote on Google.

Registering a domain name and forwarding
In that case, you can choose to register those domain names and forward them to your website. This is called a “forwarder.” In many cases, your web host can handle this for you, or you can set up a forwarder in the domain name settings with your web host.

Fraud & fake registrations

There are various “companies” that alert you to the fact that someone is going to buy the .com version of your domain. They give you the opportunity to quickly purchase the .com version from them!
These are often fraudulent emails.

Why?

If someone wants to buy .com, they will simply do so. These fraudulent companies that “alert” you are aiming to register the domain name for a much higher price.
They charge 5 to 10 times more than the original price!!

Do not respond to those emails or verify the authenticity of the situation.

What is a website server?

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A server is an extremely fast computer that “serves” your website when someone visits your domain name.

veiligheid datacenterServers are typically located in data centers, which are hi-tech buildings with secure rooms and fast internet connections.
The building is divided into enclosed spaces where sensors ensure that the temperature, humidity, and airflow are optimal for the server to perform well. This results in a more stable server, which is important for website uptime.

Why are websites hosted on servers?

As mentioned, it provides a secure environment to store your website. The internet connection is fast enough to load thousands of websites.

You “can” serve a website from a single computer, but this is not cost-effective, nor is it very secure or stable.

Are all servers the same?

No, there are differences in the technology used by servers. The configuration can also vary. Therefore, it cannot be assumed that your website is hosted on the best and fastest server.

Can I buy my own server?

Yes, you can. However, keep in mind that you will have maintenance, licensing costs, and many other expenses, resulting in initial costs of 1500+ euros, not to mention monthly costs. That’s why 99.9% of all website owners choose a hosting provider that has servers in a data center.

Choose a good hosting provider

Currently, we are in contact with a very fast hosting provider.
They use the latest technologies, both in terms of software and hardware (the server itself).

An important aspect for a fast website is also the number of websites hosted on a server. If there are too many, the sites can still be slow. This often happens with budget hosts.

The hosting provider we recommend prioritizes the speed of your website and therefore hosts only a few websites per server.

Do you want an extremely fast website?

Then choose our hosting provider.

 

How does WPbeveiligen find a hack or backdoor?

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Finding a hack file or backdoor among the 1500 to 3500 files that typically power a WordPress website may seem impossible.

Searching for a needle in a haystack

When your website contains vulnerabilities that allow bots to upload files to your server, they prefer to spread those files as inconspicuously as possible. They may target upload directories that are several levels deep from the root.

Hack files are often placed in PHP format among your other files, using different filenames and tricks each time. This requires knowledge and experience to locate these files.

I can give you some tips on how I do it, but my other tips will remain “trade secrets.”

Method 1 – Finding hack files by modification & creation date

Files added via a bot often have a different timestamp than the rest of your files. In 99% of cases, they are added after the start of your website. As your website becomes more popular, the chances of it being found by bots that deploy harmful files increase. Pay attention to the modification or creation date.

Method 2 – What doesn’t belong in WordPress?

Spot the differences. I can recall about 80% of all the files that should be in WordPress. So, when I see an options.php, model.php, or 312.php where it shouldn’t be, I know there’s an issue, and I check the code before pressing delete.

Method 3 – Scanning the code in the files

I have various scanning methods that can automatically or manually inspect multiple files simultaneously. With these scans, I search for:

  • frames
  • base64
  • eval
  • cookie
  • inject
  • p.a.c.k.e.d
  • display: none / visibility: hidden
  • And more

Method 4 – Searching in the database

Using a program and the usual server tools, I search the MySQL database for backdoors, unauthorized users, hidden content, and more.

Method 5 – Google Webmaster Tools

Google Webmaster Tools often alerts you first when a website contains malware and phishing files. Valuable information can be obtained from there to help tackle the hack.

These are some of the methods I use. There are many more, and each website requires its unique approach to find a hack. Websites with more than 10 plugins may require checks in unexpected places. Old server software or open servers may require different approaches.

In general, websites are thoroughly examined and evaluated first, followed by increasingly refined searches to identify and remove all threats, ultimately securing the website.

Note: Removing a spam script, malware syntax, or frame is just the beginning. The ultimate goal is to patch the vulnerability and secure the website.

W3 Total Cache leaked again

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W3 Total Cache is a plugin that helps improve website loading speed. One would expect that nothing can go wrong with it. However, as of mid-2021, there have already been 3 vulnerabilities found in W3 Total Cache.

The plugin had multiple vulnerabilities in 2019, and in 2016, a staggering 8!! vulnerabilities were discovered.

For us, this is a reason to avoid using this plugin on WordPress websites.

In the past, these vulnerabilities allowed hackers to place files on the server, read usernames and hashes, and execute commands on the server.

You simply don’t want to take that risk with a business website, so it’s best to avoid using this plugin or replace it with Autoptimize or WP Rocket.

Autoptimize – created by someone in Belgium – is a free cache plugin that has only had 5 vulnerabilities registered, compared to over 20+ vulnerabilities in W3 Total Cache.

If you want to be completely secure, according to WPScan – an authority on security issues – WP Rocket has only had 1 vulnerability (at the time of writing). However, this is a premium plugin that requires annual payment.

Remember that you need to properly configure any of the mentioned plugins to effectively speed up your website.

And no, using two cache plugins doesn’t make your website twice as fast 😉

Using the DEBUG MODE of WordPress

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What is the debug mode?
The debug mode is a feature that is included in WordPress by default and is turned off by default.
You can turn on the debug mode if you want to display errors on the front end of your website.

The debug mode is mainly used by developers.

Enabling the debug mode

You can enable the debug mode by using a text editor to open the wp-config.php file.

Open the wp-config file and find the following line of code:
define( 'WP_DEBUG', false );

To enable the debug mode, change FALSE to TRUE.
(Casing doesn’t matter.)

example wordpress debug mode

By default, the debug mode is set to FALSE. This is done for security reasons. Remember to set the debug mode back to FALSE after resolving the errors!
Errors can reveal information about your website that not everyone should see. Hackers and malicious scripts, in particular, should not have access to error messages.

Saving errors

You can also save the errors so that you can review them later. WordPress has a built-in feature called the Debug Log, which is already present in WordPress but needs to be activated.

To activate it, add the following line of code below the previously mentioned debug mode line in your wp-config.php file:

define( 'WP_DEBUG_LOG', true );

WordPress will now save ALL errors that occur on visited pages in a file called debug.log, which can be found in the wp-content directory.

If you want to view the errors in the log file, you need to visit the pages where the errors occur.

And if you suddenly see hundreds of errors, don’t panic. If you have many website visitors, all those errors will also be logged every time a page with errors is loaded. So it could be just “one simple error” that you need to address, but it appears multiple times in the log file.

example debug log wordpress

Whether you want to view the errors directly on the respective page or through a log file, it’s possible! Now, you just need to resolve the error.

SecuPress security for WordPress

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SecuPress is a security plugin for WordPress.
With its 30,000+ active installations, SecuPress may not be the most well-known security plugin, especially compared to iThemes Security with 1+ million installations and WordFence with over 4+ million active users.

However, we still want to highlight SecuPress because it appears to be a very good security plugin with unique features that are currently lacking in the previously mentioned popular plugins.

What cool features does SecuPress offer?!

  1. In the “Anti Spam” tab, you can choose to completely disable comments, including their display in the admin menu. This eliminates the hassle of dealing with unnecessary comment features and comment spam.
  2. In the “WordPress core” tab, you can enable automatic updates for minor and/or major WordPress updates. This is typically configured in the wp-config file, but SecuPress makes it much easier.
  3. In the “Plugins and Themes” tab, you can check a box to prevent the activation of new themes or plugins. This is useful when someone with administrator access wants to install any insecure plugin they can find 😉 Additionally, you can disable the upload of zip files (themes and plugins), which helps prevent the upload of nulled themes or plugins.

Most of the other features offered by SecuPress are quite similar to iThemes Security and WordFence. Virtually all the important functions provided by the other two plugins can be found in SecuPress.

Cost of the PRO version is cheaper than iThemes and WordFence

The free version of SecuPress is very comprehensive, and the pro version (€60 per year) is slightly more cost-effective compared to iThemes Security (€67.44 per year) and WordFence (€83.45 per year).

What is Wordfence?

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Wordfence is a plugin that protects WordPress websites against malware and hackers.

Wordfence works proactively by using a firewall and includes a file scanner to check your WordPress site for hacks, backdoors, and viruses.

What does Wordfence do?

  1. Wordfence uses a firewall to block attacks on your website
  2. Wordfence has a built-in scanner to scan your WordPress website for hacks, backdoors, and common viruses
  3. Wordfence provides options to enhance the security of your login screen
  4. Wordfence offers features to disable WordPress functions commonly exploited by hackers
  5. Wordfence sends you notifications when issues arise
  6. And more…

Wordfence is the most widely used plugin for WordPress

With over 4 million users, Wordfence is the most popular security plugin. Following Wordfence, iThemes Security has 1 million active installations, and there are a few other smaller options like Bulletproof, Sucuri, Cerber.

Are you already using a security plugin for WordPress?

It is recommended not to wait too long to install a security plugin. Both new and old sites are targeted by hackers. Whether your website is small or large, make sure hackers can’t gain control over it!

Who created Wordfence?

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The strength of Wordfence lies in the team behind it, which is Defiant.

teeam defiant

Defiant is the company behind Wordfence, and the team currently consists of 35 developers, each with 5-20 years of experience in websites, programming, and communications.

Team Defiant has various analysts (such as Ram Gall, Giles Wright, Marco Wotschka, Gregory Bloom, Matt Sinagra, Charles Sweethill) who monitor and analyze online threats.

They also have specialists who are skilled at removing malware from websites. While much of the work is automated with the help of customized software, due to hackers constantly coming up with new tricks, manual work and checks are still necessary.