How To Choose a Domain Name

Whether your business is just getting started or looking to expand your brand and extend your footprint into new markets and channels, a grand digital identity is a key to your success. So, how to choose a domain name?

A well-chosen domain name is the cornerstone of your branding strategy and an important way to differentiate your brand and attract new customers. While finding the perfect domain name for your business is challenging, several factors to consider and some simple best practices to guide you along the way.

In this post, we explore the key considerations when choosing a domain name and suggest strategies for success.

Research, research, and research!

Since you are reading this post, you're on the right track! On researching, you're watching out to make sure the domain name you will choose is not branded, copyrighted, or used by another organization before registering it. It could lead to a legal issue that could cost you a lot of money, not to mention your domain!

Select an easy-to-type domain name.

Suppose you already have a name in mind, make sure that it is easy to type. As much as possible, avoid using words with different spellings and slang. For instance, domains such as 'extra' as 'Xtra' or 'u' to shorten 'you.' Using these domains may make your audience have a tough time looking for your site. 

Utilize Keywords.

In a domain, keywords are pretty significant. You can communicate to the search engines what your website is about by including keywords in your domain name. When your domain name is combined with high-quality content and an optimizable experience, keywords in your domain can help you rank faster on Google.

Choosing the right domain with your target keywords that aren't already taken is tricky. You'll need to be creative and blend your keywords with other words. The goal is to make your domain different and on point.

Make it one-of-a-kind and easy to spot.

Your website domain name must be unique to stand out in your visitor's hearts. It's good to look into other sites in your field and see their domain names. Remember, you don't want to inadvertently use a trademark or be accused of plagiarizing from another website.

You have to choose a domain name that is more easily recognizable to your audience. Universally recognizable domain names are one-of-a-kind, distinctive, and clever. "Google.com," for instance, is a far more catchy name than "freeonlinesearch.com."

Stay away from hyphens and numbers.

Never use hyphens in a domain name. Hyphens can indicate spam domains you would not want to link yourself.

Typographical errors are also common in hyphenated domains. If you choose a web domain with hyphens because the one you wish has an owner, your users will most likely land on another brand's sites if they fail to type in the hyphen.

On the other hand, people who have heard your website address don't know if you're using a numeral '1' or if it's written out 'one.' To be secure, register the various versions if you require these in your domain.

Select a suitable domain name extension.

Suffixes are extensions at the end of web addresses, such as.com or.net. These can serve various purposes, so make sure you pick one appropriate for your company. The.com domain extension, for instance, is the most known extension, but because it has been around for so long, it might be challenging to find a short and memorable.com domain name.

Dozens of new generic top-level domains, such as '.club,' '.xyz,' '.info,' and '.int,' provide a fantastic opportunity to register short, relevant names. Here is the list of the commonly used popular extensions and how to use them:

• .org: This is appropriate for non-profits and non-commercial organizations.
• .net: Use this on sites that deal with technical issues or Internet infrastructure.
• .edu: Appropriate for education institutions.
• .biz: Use this in commercial or corporate settings, such as e-commerce sites.
• .me: Use in personal websites, blogs, and resumes.
• .co: In short, for commerce, community, and company.

Establish and preserve your branding.

Consider acquiring several domain extensions and misspelling variants of your domain name to safeguard your brand. This prohibits competitors from adopting other versions and secures that your clients are led to your website even if they input it incorrectly.

Allow room for expansion.

It is highly recommended to pick a domain name related to your industry or niche because it gives visitors a sense of your site. However, you do not want to be resolute and restrict your protracted possibilities too much.

A designer, for instance, might choose myweddingdesigner.com as a domain name but later decide to blog about street fashion besides wedding dresses. In these instances, the domain may prohibit you from attracting readers interested in different clothing.

Moving your site to a new working domain takes a lot of time for the consuming procedure, and if you don't do it correctly, you risk losing search rankings. That is why it is critical to choose an adaptable domain name.

Work quickly.

Domain names are in high demand. If you can't locate an accessible name, domain registrars are entirely available online who will propose alternatives throughout your domain search to assist you in choosing the perfect domain name. Fortunately, many domain names are also reasonably priced, so register your picks as early as possible.

Is using domain name generators a good idea?

You should have at least a cursory concept of what words you might use in your domain at this moment. Some of the terms you're looking for might have already been taken, trademarked, or don't have the feels you want.

Domain name generators are helpful in this situation. These generators can transform your concepts into functioning domains.

Try out some of these domain name generators:

• Nameboy
• BlogTyrant
• Domain Wheel
• Bust a Name
• Domain.com

Domain.com is a keyword name generator and a domain registrar that fits most users' interests. 

It's simple to use, reasonably priced, and offers a variety of support solutions. It stands itself from the competition thanks to its free SSL certificates and the accessibility of domain protection and privacy. 

Domain.com is worth considering whether you're looking for a domain registration service alone or a web hosting and design solution.

Domain.com has been a healthy domain register that fits most users' interests. It's simple to use, reasonably priced, and offers a variety of support solutions. It stands itself from the competition thanks to its free SSL certificates and the accessibility of domain protection and privacy. Domain.com is worth considering whether you're looking for a domain registration service alone or a web hosting and design solution.

• GoDaddy

GoDaddy is a well-known domain registrar accredited by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).

Even though GoDaddy is the most well-known domain registrar globally, it is not the most excellent option. With high renewal costs and privacy as an add-on, GoDaddy is the most expensive domain registrar. GoDaddy is the best choice if you want to register with a significant, well-known domain registrar, but it's not our first choice based on the pricing structure alone.

• Shopify

Even though I personally prefer WordPress eCommerce, Shopify is also a domain registrar if you want to start an online store.

Convenience is crucial if you've never set up your website before, or even if you have. Setting up each component of a website, especially an online store, separately, you'll need many tools and platforms. A domain registrar, a website design, and email and customer support functions are all required. It is feasible to perform all of this independently, but I can tell you from experience that it rapidly becomes complicated and easy to go down a rabbit hole.

How to choose a domain name, Bottom Line

We've been there, and there are many things to consider when choosing a domain name. After all, it's one of the most important decisions you'll make when you begin to build your internet identity. Investing some time and thought into this decision can help pave future success.

Time to wrap up this how to choose a domain name article. I compiled a plethora of information to assist you in making your decision. Maintain a brief, pronounceable, and intuitive domain name, and you are off to a good start.