What Domain Name Should I Choose? 10 Rules for Finding the Perfect One
Choosing a domain name is one of the most exciting first steps in building an online presence. It’s like naming your business and picking its street address all at once. It’s your brand’s first impression, the core of your digital identity.
But with millions of websites already online, finding that perfect name can feel a little daunting. What domain name should i choose?
Don’t worry. We’ve distilled the process down to 10 golden rules. Follow this checklist, and you’ll find a fantastic domain name with confidence.
1. Keep it Short and Simple
When it comes to domains, shorter is almost always better. A shorter name is easier for people to remember and, more importantly, easier to type correctly. Aim for 2-3 words at most.
2. Make it Easy to Spell & Say (The “Radio Test”)
Imagine you had to say your domain name in a radio ad. Would the listener know exactly how to spell it without you spelling it out? If not, you might have a problem. Avoid using slang (like using “U” instead of “You”), made-up spellings, or complex words.
3. Stick with .com if Possible
There are hundreds of domain extensions now, but .com is still the king. It’s the one people type by default and the one that carries the most authority and trust. If your desired name is available as a .com, it should be your first choice.
4. …But Don’t Be Afraid of New Extensions
What if your .com is taken? Don’t panic! This is where new Top-Level Domains (TLDs) come in handy. They can be more descriptive and modern.
Consider these popular and professional alternatives:
.ioor.appfor tech startups and applications..storeor.shopfor an e-commerce business..coas a common global alternative to.com.
5. Avoid Numbers and Hyphens
Numbers and hyphens are the enemies of a memorable domain. They are hard to communicate verbally (“is that the number 5 or the word five?”) and can make your domain look clunky and less professional. Stick to letters only.
6. Include Keywords if it Feels Natural
Including a keyword relevant to your business can give you a slight SEO advantage. For example, if you’re a plumber in Boston, a name like bostonplumbingservice.com is clear and keyword-rich. However, don’t force it—a brandable name is often better than a long, generic one.
7. Make it Brandable and Unique
The most memorable domains are unique and brandable. Think of names like Amazon, Google, or Zillow. They are short, unique, and have nothing to do with their industry, which allowed them to become household names. A unique name is easier to trademark and stands out from the competition.
8. Research the Name First
Before you get too attached, do a quick search. Is another company (especially a competitor) using a similar name? Is the name trademarked? Are the social media handles for that name available? A few minutes of research can save you a major headache later.
9. Think Long-Term
Don’t paint yourself into a corner. A name like andysweddingphotos.com is great if that’s all you’ll ever do. But what happens when you want to expand into family portraits or corporate events? Choose a name that’s broad enough to allow your business to grow.
10. Act Fast!
Good domain names sell incredibly quickly. If you’ve gone through this checklist and found an available name that you love, register it immediately. Don’t wait. The small annual fee is worth securing your brand’s digital home before someone else does.
Ready to Find Your Name?
Feeling inspired? Now it’s time for the fun part. Take your ideas and head over to our domain search tool to see what’s available.
Your perfect domain is the foundation of your brand. Taking a few moments to choose it wisely is one of the best investments you can make. For more tips on building your online presence, check out our blog. Learn more about us and our mission, or contact us if you have any questions!
