Choosing the Perfect Domain Name: 15 Tips I Have Tested Published: 05 Aug, 2023
Selecting the perfect domain name is a vital step towards your online success. Picking the wrong one can lead to brand and ranking issues down the line. This underlines the importance of getting it right from the beginning.
In the initial stages, brainstorming creative business names that match a great domain name can be challenging.
In this guide, we'll provide you with a comprehensive set of tools and advice to generate domain name ideas, make the optimal choice, and even register your new domain without any cost. Your journey to a remarkable online presence starts here.
Quick Tip: Need help to generate domain name ideas? Try out our business name generator
14 Tips for Choosing the Best Domain Name
Selecting a domain name when creating a new blog might feel overwhelming, as you definitely don't want to get it wrong.
To make this task smoother, we've developed a 15-step easy-to-follow plan. This framework will assist you in choosing the ideal domain name for your website with confidence.
Let’s go through these tips one by one with more details.
1. Stick with .com: The Top Standard
In today's internet world, there are lots of different website endings, like .com, .net, and .org. You might have also seen some special ones like .pizza, .photography, and .blog.
But here's the deal: we really think going with .com is a great idea.
It might be fun to create cool names using these new endings, but .com is still the most well-known and trusted one. It's like the superstar of domain names!
When you pick something like .burger or .interior, some people might not trust it as much. It's not because those names are bad, but it's just that .com has been around for a long time and people are used to it.
Dot-com names are super easy to remember. Lots of people, especially those who might not be super familiar with computers, just automatically type ".com" at the end of any website without even thinking.
Imagine your website is called jane.interior. If someone by mistake types jane.interior.com, they'll end up on a different website called interior.com. Oops! To avoid this kind of confusion, it's a smart choice to stick with .com.
Plus, most phones have a special button just for .com, so typing it is a breeze.
So, in a nutshell, going with .com is like playing it safe. It's like using a key that fits perfectly in every lock. It helps people remember your site, trust it more, and easily find it on their phones.
2. Incorporate Keywords into Your Domain Name
Keywords are the backbone of search engine optimization (SEO). Including relevant keywords in your domain name helps search engines understand your website's content.
Alongside quality content and user experience, keyword-rich domains can improve your Google ranking. However, finding a domain name solely composed of your target keywords can be challenging.
Get creative by blending keywords with other words to create a unique and engaging domain name. Utilize tools like Keyword Generator by Ahrefs to discover related keywords that resonate with your main topic.
3. Keep It Short and Sweet
While keywords are important, avoid excessive domain length. Aim for a domain name under 15 characters.
Shorter domains are easier to remember and less prone to typos, which can lead to website traffic loss.
With the prevalence of mobile devices, concise domain names are even more crucial, as they're simpler to type on touchscreens.
4. Ensure Easy Pronunciation and Spelling
Imagine sharing your domain name verbally or in writing. To avoid confusion, opt for a name that's easy to pronounce and spell.
This clarity becomes particularly important if you plan to use your domain for a professional business email address. Ensure that anyone hearing or reading your domain can grasp it without difficulty.
5. Uniqueness and Branding Matter
Your domain name should stand out and be distinctive.
Research other websites in your niche to avoid accidentally using a trademarked name or resembling another blogger's domain.
Opt for a brandable name that's catchy, memorable, and aligns with your content.
A brandable domain, like "Amazon.com," leaves a lasting impression compared to a generic one like "BuyShoesOnline.com."
6. Avoid Hyphens
Stay clear of hyphens in your domain name.
Hyphens can associate your domain with spammy websites, and they're also prone to causing typos. If your desired domain is already taken, using hyphens may lead users to your competitor's site instead.
7. Say No to Double Letters
Domains with repeated letters, like "Plusssetup.com," can lead to typing errors and result in traffic loss.
To make your domain easy to type and remember, choose a name without double letters.
8. Plan for Future Growth
While a domain related to your industry is beneficial, don't pigeonhole yourself too much.
If your focus expands over time, a domain like "orchidblog.com" might hinder attracting readers interested in other flowers.
Flexibility is key; select a domain name that reflects your current content while allowing room for growth.
9. Always Research Your Domain Name
Before you go ahead and claim a domain name for your website, there's an important step to take. You need to find out if someone else is already using that name for their business.
To do this, you can start with a trademark search. This helps you see if there's a business out there that already has a similar or the same name registered. It's like checking if someone else has already claimed the name you want.
But that's not all. You can also do a Google search and look into social media sites like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. This helps you figure out if the name you want is already being used by others on the internet.
Picking a name that's too close to another business can lead to confusion. And here's the big deal – it might even get you into legal trouble. This could end up costing you a lot of money in the long run. So, it's better to be safe and avoid names that are already in use.
Once you've got your website up and running, you can learn more about how to officially protect your website's name and logo. This way, you can ensure that your unique identity stays yours, and you won't have to worry about any legal issues down the road.
10. Discover Awesome Domain Name Ideas with Generators
Did you know that there are over 360 million registered domain names out there? With so many websites, you might think that all the good names are already taken. But don't worry, we've got a solution that can help you find the perfect domain name without all the hassle!
Imagine trying to come up with unique names one by one – that can take forever. That's where domain name generators come to the rescue. These are super helpful tools that do the hard work for you.
Let me introduce you to Nameboy – it's like having a creative friend who knows all about domain names. This tool looks at the words you want in your domain and comes up with loads of cool ideas. And guess what? It's been around for a long time and lots of people love it.
And that's not all! If you're looking for even more suggestions, you can try Namelix or IsItWP's domain generator. These tools are totally free and can help you discover even more options for your domain name.
So, no need to stress about finding a great domain name. These generators are like your personal brainstorming buddies. They'll help you find creative and catchy names without spending hours doing it yourself.
11. Capture the Right Domain: Swift Steps to Secure Your Spot
Every day, countless new domain names are snapped up from all around the globe. So, if you've found a name you love, don't hesitate! It's a bit like snagging a piece of real estate in the digital world.
Just like houses, lots of people are on the lookout for catchy domain names to hold onto for the future, and if you wait too long, someone else might grab it.
Because domain names are like those "online addresses," it's crucial to act swiftly.
They're not super expensive, so it's a good idea to grab one before someone else does. If you change your mind later, you can just let it go.
Best Spots to Get Your Domain
There's a bunch of places online where you can buy domain names. But hold on, choosing wisely is key because moving your domain later can be a hassle. The price can range from around $9 to $24 or even be free.
Here's how you can get your hands on a domain name with ease:
Get a Free Domain with Web Hosting
When you're starting a new website, some companies that offer web hosting also throw in a free domain name. It's like a special deal for newbies.
Here are a couple of hosting companies that have amazing offers for you:
Namecheap:- They're a big name in the web hosting world and come highly recommended by "WordPress."
Hostinger, GoDaddy, and InMotion: These folks also give you a free domain name when you get hosting.
Keep in mind, though, that these freebies usually last for a year. After that, you'll pay around $14 per year to keep the domain name.
Popular Places to Get Domain Names
If you're just after a domain name without the whole web hosting thing, you can buy one directly from a domain registrar.
Check out these options:
Domain.com: They're pretty great, with all sorts of domain names and tools to help you manage them. They've got a discount for readers of this site.
Network Solutions: They've got over 7 million domains under their belt and are offering our readers a special discount.
GoDaddy: They're like the domain name big shots, managing millions of domains. If you use our code, you might even get a domain for free.
Final Thoughts
Your domain name might seem small compared to the big task of creating a website, but it holds immense importance. It's like the face of your business that people see right away. Imagine it as the sign on your shop – it's what people remember and type to find you online.
A domain name that's long or confusing can be a roadblock for many folks trying to reach you. They might give up and never find your website or blog. Plus, if your domain name doesn't match or go well with your brand name, it can make you look unprofessional or like you're sending spam. Yikes!
But here's the good news: A carefully thought-out domain name can be a game-changer. It can push you up the list when people search for things on Google, and it tells visitors exactly what your site is about. A great domain name is like a warm welcome that sets the tone for what's inside.
So, take your time and find a domain name that fits like a glove. It's an investment that can bring big rewards.