How to Choose the Best Domain Name: 10 Important Tips

About Anders Johansson

Since 2014, Anders has worked with WordPress. He can customize, fix, install, move sites, and improve security.

Your domain name will be your identity on the net. It works the same way as providing your business with a great name. That requires much thought, and picking the best domain name is a big deal. The domain name is your site address that people type to find you online.

In this post, I talk about choosing the best domain name. Also, you get the ten most important tips to consider before. I hope you like and share this article.

1. Easy to write and spell

Create a domain name that is easy to write and spell for success online. If it is hard to spell, people can type it wrong. It means they may not find your website! Think about some usual words that all knows how to spell.

Let me give you an example. Assume you run a car store. A domain name such as newcars.com will be easy for users to spell. On the contrary, if you select a name like exclusivecars.com, people may get confused and type it wrong. It will be poor for your business.

Do you use slang (u, rather than you) or words with many spellings? Compare these two spellings: disc (d-i-s-c) or disk (d-i-s-k). It may be more difficult for users to find your site.

Why it matters

• Less mistakes. If your domain name is easy to spell, people won’t make mistakes when typing it.
• Easy to share. It is easy for people to tell others about your site if the domain name is simple.
• More visitors. The easier it is to type, the more people will find your site. It can help your website grow.

• Use easy words
• Avoid odd spellings
• Ask friends if they can spell it without your help.

2. Short and easy

Is your domain name both long and complex? Then you take a risk. A short domain name is better than a long one.

Long domain names can look messy and be hard to remember. Users can misspell or mistype it. Strive to make your domain name short. It will be easier to say, recall, type, and share.

You can struggle to find only one word for your domain name. Besides, it should describe your business. Consider using two or three short words to create something easy to remember.

The best domain names are short and easy to recall. That makes your brand a lot more memorable. Since more web users surf with their smartphones, ensure it is easy to type your domain name on such devices.

Why a short domain name is better

• Easy to recall. Short domain names stick in people’s minds.
• Quick to type. Short names save time and help avoid mistakes as you type them.
• Looks neater. A short name looks professional and is easy to share.

Try to keep your domain name under 15 chars. If possible – shorter. But don’t worry if the name you want is a bit longer, as long as it is easy to grasp and recall.

3. Use the power of keywords

Keywords are vital since they tell search engines what your site is about.

Do you include relevant keywords in your domain name? Search engines like Google can rank your site higher. It means more people will find your website when they search for those keywords.

Are you inspired to use this power when you create your domain name? Apply and brainstorm keywords that describe your company and the kind of services you provide.

Which keywords do people often type to search for your company? Try to add them to your best domain name ideas if you can.

For example, you run a business that sells a newspaper. Adding the word news or newspaper to your domain name helps search engines see that your website is related to news. You can register the domain name DailyNews.com or DailyNewsPaper.com.

It can boost your rank on search engines like Google and Yahoo. Your site may receive more visitors and your name can make better sense for people.

Why keywords are crucial

• Better SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Keywords in your domain name can simplify search engines to find your site.
• Tell visitors what to expect. Including keywords lets visitors know what your site is about before they click on it.
• More traffic. By using popular keywords in your domain name, your site will show up in more search results. It raises the chances that people can visit your site.

4. Focus on your area

One of the best ways to grow your business is to establish a local presence online.

In 2022, 98% of consumers used the web to find data about local businesses. It is an increase from 90% in 2019. 87% of people used Google to explore local businesses in 2022. Compare it with 81% in 2021.

By focusing on Google Local SEO, you could get a lot of targeted traffic to your site.

Is your business local? Think about adding the city or state to your domain name. It makes it much easier for local clients to discover and keep in mind. ChicagoDailyNews.com can be an excellent domain name for a local business.

Would it be wise to include a geographical term if all your clients are local? Yes, when your business doesn’t provide activity in other states or cities.

Imagine that mobile users search on Google.com for the term iPads near me. They can see local search ads that show your business location.

Yet, choosing a domain name with a location reference can limit your options. Ensure it can grow with your business if you expand your service area or open more stores.

Why location matters

• Better local searches. A domain name with NY in it will make your site more visible to people who are looking for New York companies.
• Local clients. Your location attracts local clients who wish to do business nearby.
• More trust. People have more trust in local firms when they know their location.

5. Avoid using numbers and hyphens

To find an available domain, adding hyphens between the two or three words you want may be enticing. Your domain grows by one word for every hyphen. It means a three-word domain name with two hyphens has five words since you must say dash twice.

Thus, using hyphens in domain names is a bad idea.

There is no way to check when people mistype things. Reduce mistyping by avoiding numbers and hyphens in your domain name. If you do so, people never have to be confused.

Is it vital that your domain name includes numbers or hyphens? Hence, we look at the case below.

An exception is when your brand name contains a number. 7Up, for example, is an American brand of lemon-lime-flavored soft drink. They use the domain name 7up.com. It matches their brand on social media profiles as well.

In the above case, the domain name is in line with the brand and is identifiable. It will likely reduce client confusion about the number 7.

Of course, there are always exceptions, but if you can avoid them, do that.

Why avoid numbers and hyphens

• Less confusing. Imagine your domain name is 9things.com. Then, visitors may not know if they should type the digit number 9 or the word nine.
• Looks better. Hyphens can make your domain name look complex and difficult to share.
• Easier to say. Domain names without hyphens or numbers will be easier to say and remember.
• Keep clients. Most people forget to include the hyphen when typing a domain name. So, you will lose clients if they come to another site instead of yours.

6. Be memorable

A good domain name is easy to recall. As a result, you want people to visit your site often and tell others about it.

For example, bestshoes.com is easy to remember for a company that sells shoes. Compare it with this second: besthomemadeshoesforall.com. Which name do you think is the most memorable? People may forget the second one as it is too long and hard to recall.

The web has millions of domain names registered. Aim to get a domain name that is both catchy and will be memorable at the same time.

Have you found a name? Let your nearest friends judge, assuring it sounds good and will make sense to other people.

Fast solution: Do you have a good idea for a domain name?
Create your domain name with Bluehost for free. They are one of the best web hosting companies in the market. WordPress.org also proposes them on its official site.

Do you need the fastest speed? The Bluehost Cloud Hosting plan offers unmatched speed, uptime, and support. But whatever plan you pick, WordPress comes pre-installed. Further, you get an AI site builder, a free domain name for the first year, SSL, CDN, and more.

Register your best domain name before anyone else takes your domain name idea.

Don’t you find a vacant name? Domain registrars, like Bluehost, will suggest other names under the domain search.

Make your name memorable so people can return to your site and share it with friends. Besides, try to stand out from other sites with a unique name.

7. Research your chosen domain name

Ensure your domain name is not copyrighted, trademarked, or used by another business. It could lead to extensive legal chaos. That may cost you a lot and even your domain in the end!

Do you have a brilliant domain name idea and are ready to register it? Type in the domain on Google and review the search results. You look for companies with the same name working in your market or niche.

Did you find something? Then, it is better to choose a different domain name.

8. Use the right domain name extension

A domain name extension is, for example, .com or .uk, in the last part of the website address. Those can have precise uses, so pick one that works in your business.

The domain extension .com is the most famous. According to W3 Techs, the top-level .com domain is the choice for over 44% of all websites.

Due to the long life of the .com domain, finding a short, high-quality domain name can be tricky. So, if possible, it’s always an excellent plan to choose the .com extension. Does your site become a success? You may have to buy the extension .com later if you begin with another domain extension.

9. Create and protect your brand

When visitors see your domain name, they should understand what your site is about at once. The most important thing here is trying to catch the essence of what your business does.

Once you see a name like WeBuyYourCar.com, you expect one thing: this site can buy your car. Hence, select a domain name that lets your clients see what they can expect when they read it.

Your primary goal is to build potential for your domain name and create brand value.

What else can you do to protect your brand? Buy different domain extensions and misspelled forms of your domain name. That stops rivals from creating various forms. So your clients come to your site, even though they will mistype it.

How to protect your brand

• Add on social media. Register your name on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, etc. It ensures no one else can use your name there.
• Buy similar domains. Buy other versions of your domain name with different extensions. Assuming you own bestshoes.com, you also might want to buy bestshoes.net and bestshoes.org.
• Secure your name. Is your brand unique? You may copyright and trademark your name if you wish.

Taking these steps will keep your brand safe from copycats.

10. Act fast and buy your domain name

Every day, tons of new domains get registered across the globe. Thus, never wait too long if you find a good domain name. Why? Since domain names sell fast. They are also affordable, so buy your great domain names when you can.

What happens if you ignore to act fast? Someone else might register your best domain name idea before you. But do you regret your choice of domain name after a while? No problem. Let it expire since domain names are usually cheap to buy.

Do you have a problem finding a vacant name? Under your domain search, registrars such as Bluehost will suggest other names. It helps when choosing the best domain name.

Why act fast

• Popular names go fast. Great domain names are in high demand. If you find one, buy it right away.
• Reserve your name. Once you buy your domain, no one else can take it.
• It is affordable. Most domain names cost about $10 to $15 per year. It is a small price to pay for something so vital.

As you find the right domain name, buy it at once.

Lots of domain registrars

You have access to hundreds of domain registrars online. Pick gently, as later on, it can be hard to move your domain.

As with web hosting, prices for domain registrations vary quite a bit. It is possible to get a domain for free, too.

Here is how you can get a domain name with ease.

Get a free domain with web hosting

Most web hosts also provide domain registration. Some offer free domain signups once you create a new web hosting account.

Many Bluehost web hosting plans include a free domain name and domain privacy for the 1st year. After the 1st year, your domain registration renews for about $14 a year. Their packages are one of the cheapest web hosting options.

Do you launch a new site? Then, you can enjoy this offer and get a free domain name.

Best Domain Name: Conclusion

What is crucial to consider when choosing the best domain name?

Choose a domain name that’s easy to remember and describes your company well. The name should be short and easy to write and spell. Picking a domain name that feels catchy and reliable is an excellent idea.

The top domain .com will be the first choice for you when possible. It’s vital if you plan to grow big, international, or at least national with your brand.

Many business owners assume they can buy their .com domain later. But as your business grows, even the price rises for the .com domain name you want to buy.

To protect your brand, you can buy several domain extensions and commonly misspelled names of your domain name. Also, register your name on social media channels.

But usually, it’s a good investment to pay some extra and buy a stable .com domain right from the start. Do you want to launch a small or medium business? Then you have other options.

If you work locally, .net, .co, .org, or other extensions can be a wise strategy when you create your domain name.

You might want to select a country code top-level domain such as .es, .uk, or .ru. They are reserved for a specific country or sovereign state and identified with a country code.

Follow the tips above, and I hope you find a great domain name for your business.

Feel free to leave your comments so we can all read and learn from them.

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