Choosing the right domain name is crucial for the success of your online presence. It not only represents your brand but also helps potential visitors find you easily on the internet.
With countless domain names already registered, finding the perfect one can be challenging. However, the task will become much easier with the right tips.
In this article, we will share 12 proven tips to help you choose a domain name that will promote your online presence.
1. Keep it Short and Simple
Choosing the right domain name can make all the difference in the success of your website! And guess what?
The secret to a great domain name is simplicity!
Short and sweet is the way to go. Why? Well, it’s simple (pun intended)! A shorter domain name is easier to remember and type, which means your visitors are less likely to make any pesky typing errors.
What’s the best domain name length?
The most common domain name length is usually no longer than 15 characters. There is no perfect length though, but users tend to remember short domain names easily.
Take most of the biggest brands you know: Google, Facebook, Instagram, Microsoft, Gucci, Toyota… Most of them have short domain names (like google.com).
That said, domain names that are longer than 15 characters can still be outstanding.
Take a domain like Insightfulpostings.com. Excluding the .com, it’s 18 characters long. But is it a bad name? Absolutely not.
It’s 1. Easy to remember, 2. Easy to write, and 3. Easy to pronounce.
2. Use Keywords
Another good tip to follow when choosing a domain name is adding a keyword(s) to the domain.
A keyword-rich domain name includes relevant words or phrases that directly relate to the content, products, or services you offer.
However, it is important to note that the significance of keyword domains has decreased since Google’s algorithm update in 2012. But incorporating relevant keywords in your domain name can still signal to search engines and users about the topic or focus of your website.
Should you add relevant keywords to your domain name?
If you are starting a blog, using a keyword in your domain will be good for credibility. But if you are using your domain for a company or organization’s website, it’s not always recommended to add a keyword as it may look childish and unprofessional.
For example, iconicblogging.com is a blog and uses the keyword ‘blogging.’ However, companies like Amazon won’t like a domain name like amazonshipping.com because it limits their business goals.
However, some websites (not blogs) using keywords have come up with awesome keyword+domains, like themeforest.com or elegantthemes.com.
Keywords here are theme and themes, and they are both in the WordPress niche.
Recommended reading: 140+ Blog Post Ideas for Inspiration!
3. Avoid Numbers and Punctuation
It’s important to remember that numbers and punctuation can complicate things and make it harder for people to remember or type your domain name correctly.
To ensure that your domain name is easily recognizable and accessible, it’s best to stick to the alphabet only.
Let’s say you’re a fashion blogger with a passion for all things trendy – why not go for a domain name like “trendyfashionista.com” instead of “Trendy.Fashionista123.com”? It’s simple, catchy, and easy to remember.
By avoiding numbers and punctuation marks, you’ll create a seamless online presence that will leave a lasting impression on your audience.
4. Make it Easy to Write
The last thing you want is for potential visitors to struggle with spelling or writing your domain name.
Ensure that your domain name is easy to write without any confusing spellings. Use simple and commonly used words to avoid any unnecessary complications.
By choosing a domain name that uses simple and commonly used words, you eliminate any confusion or frustration that may arise from complex spellings or unfamiliar terms.
Remember that this not only makes it more convenient for your visitors but it also boosts your credibility as a professional and reliable source.
5. Make it Easy to Pronounce
Along with being easy to write, your domain name should also be easy to pronounce. After all, word-of-mouth recommendations can work wonders for your business.
Imagine someone hearing about your website and eagerly sharing it with their friends, only to stumble over a complicated or tongue-twisting domain name.
Your website deserves a domain name that will make it stand out from the crowd and be easily accessible to everyone.
6. Avoid Misspellings
One way to make your domain name easy to pronounce is to avoid misspellings.
While it may be tempting to create a unique domain name by intentionally misspelling words, it can lead to confusion and negatively impact your online presence.
Furthermore, misspellings can make your brand appear unprofessional, which is the last thing you want.
Take our domain iconicblogging.com, for example.
Iconic is a common word, and blogging is even more known. It’s unlikely that someone will type aikonicbligging.com.
It sounds funny though, by the way. But because ‘aikonic’ is so unusual, it will be hard to pronounce and remember the domain.
Other examples could be:
Good domain: writewithpassion.com
Misspelled domain: writewthpassun
Good domain: insightfulpostings.com
Misspelled domain: insytefulpostings.com
Good domain: wordsandposts.com
Misspelled domain: wordznpostz.com
So, as you can see, it may be fun to alter words, but it’s not so fun for your users.
Imagine if visitors mistyped your domain name and ended up on a completely different website! That would be a missed opportunity for you.
Stay true to correct spellings to maintain credibility and avoid any potential confusion.
7. Research the Domain Name to Avoid Copyright Issues
Before finalizing a domain name, it’s crucial to research and ensure that it doesn’t infringe upon any existing copyrights or trademarks.
You don’t want to find yourself in a legal battle over your domain name.
It’s time to do some serious research and make sure that your future domain name isn’t already used by someone else.
For instance, imagine your chosen domain is def.com. Now, a company called ABC could already be using the name DEF for one of their products. But they sell their product on their website abc.com.
If you go with def.com simply because no website uses it, you “might” get into trouble. Because, for ABC Company, your domain uses their product name, and it confuses potential customers.
So, take the time to conduct a thorough search and protect your brand’s reputation—research on Google and social media.
With a little extra effort upfront, you can ensure that your domain name is unique, memorable, and completely yours.
8. Consider Long-Term Implications
Picking the perfect domain name is cause for celebration! It’s not just a simple decision but a game-changer for your brand.
The domain name you choose will be the face of your business for years to come.
Don’t settle for something that’s only good for now – think big and consider the long-term implications.
Will your chosen domain name still be relevant and attractive in the future? Will it hinder your business growth or potential expansion? Is it too specific?
After finding the right answers, take this opportunity to plan ahead and select a domain name that aligns perfectly with your long-term goals.
9. Select a Domain Name Extension that Matches
Did you know that the right domain name extension can make all the difference for your website?
From the classic .com to the trustworthy .org and the tech-savvy .net, there are so many options to choose from.
Each extension has its own unique personality and purpose, allowing you to express your website’s identity to the fullest.
If you’re running a non-profit organization and want to showcase your mission and values, why not go for the .org extension? It’s like wearing a badge of honor that instantly tells visitors you’re here to make a positive impact.
The extensions .com is the most popular and works for almost any business.
Recently, we’ve also seen the rise of .ai since many companies create awesome AI products.
So, get that perfect domain name extension that matches your ambitions and aspirations.
10. Use Domain Name Generators to Find Name Ideas Faster
Brainstorming domain name ideas can be time-consuming and challenging. Gone are the days of spending hours brainstorming and feeling frustrated with the lack of available options.
Now, with the help of domain name generators, you can discover a multitude of creative and unique ideas at the click of a button.
These powerful tools take your preferences and keywords into account to generate a list of potential names.
Whether you’re looking for a catchy and memorable name or something that perfectly reflects your brand’s identity, domain name generators like Businessnamegenerator.com, LeanDomainSearch, and Nameboy have got you covered.
Recommended reading: 65+ Best Blogging Tools for Every Type of Blogger!
11. Act Fast Before Someone Else Buys the Domain
If you’re searching for the perfect domain name to represent your brand, act swiftly.
The world of domain registration is open to everyone, and when you stumble upon a name that perfectly reflects your business, don’t wait a second longer – secure it right away!
The best domain names tend to disappear in the blink of an eye, so don’t risk missing out.
Procrastinating could lead to someone else swooping in and snatching up the domain name you had your heart set on.
12. Best Places to Purchase a Domain
Once you have decided on a domain name, you need to find a reliable domain registrar to purchase it from.
With so many reliable options out there, like Bluehost, GoDaddy, Domain.com, and Namecheap, you have the power to choose the one that aligns perfectly with your goals.
Now, before you purchase your domain, make sure you know the difference between a domain name and hosting.
You Can Choose a Great Domain Name
Choosing a domain is a critical step in establishing your online presence. By following these 12 proven tips, you can select a domain name that will enhance your brand’s visibility and ensure a memorable user experience.
Remember to keep it short, simple, and relevant to your business.
Act swiftly to secure your desired domain name, and choose a reputable domain registrar for a seamless purchasing process.
With a well-chosen domain name, you are on your way to building a strong online presence that will resonate with your target audience.
