How to choose a great domain name

Choosing a great domain name is crucial for establishing an effective online presence. Here are several key considerations to help you choose a domain name for your company or website.

Simplicity and memorability

• Keep it short: Shorter domain names are easier to remember, to type and to share. Ideally aim for a domain name with less than 15 characters.
• Avoid complex words: Steer clear of words that are difficult to spell or pronounce. Simplicity helps to remember and reduces the risk of spelling errors.

Relevance and branding

• Reflect your brand: Your domain name should convey the essence of your business or the content of your website. It should ideally be aligned with your brand identity as well.
• Use keywords: Your domain doesn’t have to be your company name, you can incorporate relevant keywords that describe your services. This can improve SEO as well as help visitors understand what your website is about.

Avoid numbers and hyphens

• Eliminate confusion: Numbers and hyphens can be easily misunderstood. For example, people may not know if the number is spelled out or in numeric form. Should you need to use a number, register both the spelling and the numerical versions of the domain.
• Maintain clarity: A straightforward, hyphen free domain is more professional and easier to communicate.

Choose the right domain extension and leverage new TLDs

• .com / local preference: .com domains have the benefit of being the most widely recognised and trusted extension, but also consider using country specific TLDs, such as .uk, to target local audiences more effectively.
• Explore new options: New TLDs (Top Level Domains) like .group, .app, .design, and .store offer more opportunities to find unique and relevant domain names.

Future proofing

• Think long term: Choose a domain name that can grow with your business. Avoid names that are too narrow or specific to a current trend or service. You can always create sub domains for other specific purposes.
• Scalability: Ensure the name allows for expansion into different products or services.

Check social media handles

• Consistency across platforms: Verify that the corresponding or similar handles are available on major social media platforms. Consistency in naming strengthens your brand’s online identity.

Trademarks

• Trademark search: Ensure the name is not trademarked to avoid legal issues and brand confusion. Use tools like the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) database.

Choosing a great domain name is a blend of creativity and strategic thinking. It should be simple, memorable, brand aligned, and legally sound. By considering these factors, you can choose a domain name that not only represents your business effectively but also enhances your online visibility and credibility. Find your perfect domain name today!

Author: Jamie Moynahan Jamie is the Support Manager at Pipe Ten, being an integral part of the team for well over 10 years. Jamie is a seasoned expert with the intricacies in the fast changing world of website applications, hosting and domain name registration. This broad knowledge is instrumental to the entire customer support experience which purely.website members have come to rely on. Jamie has written and published hundreds of articles about hosting and managing website applications and domain name registration management processes.