12 Expert Tips For How to Choose a Domain Name

Choosing a domain name is one of the most critical steps when launching a new website. It’s the first impression your audience will get of your business online, and it can influence everything from your branding to your search engine ranking – and, perhaps most importantly, whether people can even remember your site name at all. In this guide, we’ll explore 12 expert tips for how to choose a domain name for your site.

Why It’s Important to Choose a Good Domain Name

But first, why does this even matter so much? A domain name is more than just an address for your website; it’s a crucial part of your brand identity. A well-chosen domain name can:

• Build Credibility: A professional and relevant domain name can help establish trust with your audience. It can also reinforce your brand.
• Improve SEO: Using relevant keywords in your domain can boost your search engine ranking, making it easier for potential customers to find you.
• Enhance Brand Recall: Memorable domain names stick in people’s minds, leading to more repeat visits and word-of-mouth referrals.
• Support Marketing Efforts: A good domain name makes your marketing campaigns more effective, as it’s easier to share and promote.

Understanding the significance of a great domain name is an essential part of website planning, and the first step toward making a choice that will make a positive difference for your business. So now that we’re convinced of your domain name’s importance, let’s get into those expert tips on how to pick a domain name for your site.

How to Pick a Domain Name

1. Keep It Short

It probably goes without saying that short domain names are easier to remember, type, and share. So while it might be tempting to include multiple words to describe your business, brevity can make a stronger impression, which means aiming for a name that’s under 15 characters.

Shorter names also reduce the risk of typos, ensuring that visitors land on your site rather than a competitor’s by mistake. For example, compare “bestcoffeemachinesonline.com” with “coffeestore.com” – the shorter version is cleaner and easier to recall, and just plain easier to type.

2. Make It Easy to Spell and Type

Speaking of typing, imagine a potential customer hearing your domain name in a conversation or on a podcast. Would they be able to spell it correctly on their first attempt? If not, you might be losing valuable traffic. Choose words that are straightforward and avoid uncommon spellings.

For instance, if your business name has a unique spelling, consider a simpler version for your domain to avoid confusion. This will help you create a more user-friendly experience when figuring out how to make a website that’s accessible to everyone.

3. Avoid Double Letters

Using double letters in your domain name can lead to errors when people type it in. Sometimes they’ll type too many or too few of the repetitive letter, or accidentally spell it incorrectly simply because it’s harder to see the error.

For example, “chessstrategies.com” might result in visitors accidentally typing “chesstrategies.com.” This can lead to lost traffic and missed opportunities. Stick to names that are easy to type and less prone to mistakes.

4. Don’t Use Hyphens and Numbers

Hyphens and numbers can create unnecessary complications. That is, when people hear your domain, they may not know whether to use “3” or “three,” or where to place a hyphen. This ambiguity can lead to typing errors, and to making your domain harder to remember. Stick to alphabetic characters for a clean, professional look, and avoid the hassle of having to explain and clarify your domain over the phone, in podcasts, at sales events, or in marketing materials.

5. Incorporate Keywords

Another domain name best practice is to include keywords. While it is up for debate whether this can boost your search engine ranking, at a very minimum it is a good best practice for creating a memorable and marketable domain.

For example, if you run a business that sells running shoes, a domain like bestshoes.com or runnershub.com might be more effective than a completely unrelated (but perhaps creative!) name.

Cheapflights.com is a great example of using keywords such as “cheap flights” to make the domain name memorable, and the website’s purpose extra clear.

All this said, you should avoid cramming too many keywords into your domain. Make sure it reads naturally and resonates with your target audience. A domain name that smoothly integrates keywords can help communicate what your business is about and enhance your SEO efforts.

6. Ensure Your Domain Name Is Memorable

A memorable domain name is easier for users to recall and share, leading to more repeat visitors and word-of-mouth traffic. When brainstorming names, think about how it sounds when spoken aloud and whether it leaves a lasting impression.

A catchy or unique domain name can set you apart from competitors, so don’t be afraid to get creative. For example, names like “Apple” or “Amazon” are not only easy to remember but also unique enough to stand out.

7. Choose the Right Domain Extension

Selecting the right domain extension – or top level domain as it’s often called – is just as important as picking the name itself. While Google has officially stated that all domain extensions are treated equally in search rankings, the .com extension remains the most widely recognized and trusted. Traditionally, .com has been viewed as the most authoritative, especially for businesses aiming for a global audience, and it’s still often recommended as the top choice.

.net and .org are popular alternatives, with .org often used by nonprofits and .net by tech-focused companies. If your business targets a certain geographic region, country-specific extensions like .co.uk, .ca, or .de can help reinforce your local presence.

You can also get creative by using non-traditional or niche-specific domain extensions. For example, if you’re launching a tech startup, .tech can make your domain name more distinctive and relevant to your industry.

Similarly, if you run a blog, .blog tells visitors what to expect from your site. Other creative examples include .store for e-commerce sites, .me for personal websites, or .io for tech and software companies.

Brands have even used clever wordplay to create memorable domain names, like bit.ly (using the .ly extension from Libya) or fat.gold (an example of using .gold as part of the brand name Fat Gold).

Exploring these creative options can help you find a domain that’s not only unique but also aligned with your brand’s identity. Different domain extension options can also give you a lot more choices when it comes time to picking a domain name.

8. Ask ChatGPT for Help

If you’re stuck and need some fresh ideas, consider using AI tools like ChatGPT to brainstorm domain names. Simply describe your business or website, and ask for suggestions.

For instance, you could provide a brief description like, “I’m starting an online store that sells eco-friendly home products,” and get creative domain ideas to inspire your decision. AI tools can generate options you might not have thought of, giving you a fresh perspective on naming.

9. Get Creative

Getting creative with domain names can help your brand stand out and make a lasting impression. One approach is to add simple, friendly words like “hello,” “get,” or “go” at the beginning of your domain to create a memorable and inviting name.

For example, if your business name is “SandSystems,” but the exact match domain is taken, you could try HelloSandSystems.com or GetSandSystems.com. These variations keep your brand name front and center while adding a playful, approachable element.

Another technique is to experiment with catchy phrases or calls to action, such as “try,” “meet”, or “join” (for example: JoinMyApp.com or TryEcoGoods.com). You can also consider adding descriptive or evocative words to give more context, like “shop,” “buy,” or “discover,” resulting in names like ShopEcoProducts.com or DiscoverTreats.com. These small, creative tweaks can make your domain more engaging and help you find an available name that still resonates with your brand.

The electrolyte drink mix company LMNT put “drink” in front of their URL – a creative way to both create a domain name, and turn it into a call to action.

10. Think Long Term

If your business has the potential to grow and diversify, it’s important to choose a domain name that allows for future expansion. For instance, while you might be focusing solely on selling running shoes today, you could branch out into athletic apparel or accessories down the line.

A domain name that’s too specific, like RunningShoes.com, could limit your brand’s ability to grow. Instead, consider a more flexible name that can accommodate future products, such as ActiveGear.com or FitApparel.com.

Another approach is to use broader terms that still capture your core market without being overly restrictive. For example, RunShop.com or SportStride.com suggests a focus on running but leaves room for expanding into other sports gear. This way, your brand can evolve naturally without needing to change your website’s domain, thus saving you time and resources in the long run.

11. Research Your Domain Name

Before finalizing your choice, do a thorough check to ensure there aren’t any conflicts with existing brands or trademarks. You don’t want to risk legal issues by accidentally picking a name that’s already trademarked. Additionally, see if any similar domain names are being used, especially if they’re in the same industry. The last thing you want is potential customers accidentally visiting a competitor’s site because of a slight variation in the domain name.

You may also wish to conduct audience tests to gauge memorability and ease of spelling – even just asking a group of friends could provide valuable feedback.

12. Verify Social Media Handle Consistency

Consistent branding across platforms is essential, so before committing to a domain name, check if it’s available as a username on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

If possible, you want your domain and social handles to be the same or at least very similar. This makes it easier for users to find you online and helps build a cohesive brand identity. For example, if your domain is “GreenLivingProducts.com,” try to secure @GreenLivingProducts across all social media channels.

How to Check for Domain Name Availability

Visit a domain registration website to easily check if your domain is available. Simply enter your preferred name into the search bar, and it will tell you if it’s taken or available. Many of these sites also suggest alternatives if your first choice is already registered.

You Found the Best Domain Name – Act Quickly!

Now you know how to choose a good domain name, so once you’ve found the best domain name, don’t hesitate to register it. Great domain names are in high demand, and there’s always a risk that someone else might grab it if you wait too long.

Domain registration is generally inexpensive, but it’s important to remember that domain names are not purchased indefinitely. You must renew your registration periodically (typically every year) and pay a renewal fee to keep your domain active. Some services even offer the first year free when you sign up for hosting, as is the case with SiteGround Web Hosting.

Where to Buy Your Domain Name

Buying your domain is simple. In most cases, you can purchase it directly from wherever you are looking up its availability.

So in this case, you can check domain availability at SiteGround, then either buy the domain, or sign up for web hosting and get the domain for free for the first year. Easy as that.

Final Thoughts on How to Choose a Domain Name

Picking a domain name is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when building your online presence. It should be simple, memorable, and aligned with your brand. You can avoid common pitfalls by choosing a domain name that sets you up for long-lasting online success. If you keep these expert tips in mind on how to choose a domain name, you’ll be on the right path to establishing a strong online presence for your brand.