How to choose the best domain name? (9 things to remember)
Choosing the right domain name for your website is crucial to the success of your online presence.
A domain name is like the digital address of your website, and it serves as an important branding tool.
However, picking a domain name that is easy to remember, brandable, and relevant to your business can be challenging.
In this article, we will go through the steps you need to follow when picking a domain name for your website.
Start with Keywords
The first step in picking a domain name is to identify the keywords that best describe your business or website.
These keywords will help you come up with a domain name that is relevant and easy to remember.
For example, if you are running a bakery business, your keywords could be “bakery,” “cakes,” “pastries,” or “desserts.”
Keep it Short and Simple
Your domain name should be short and easy to spell. Avoid using complicated words or phrases that are hard to remember or spell.
A good rule of thumb is to keep your domain name under 15 characters. Shorter domain names are easier to remember and type, which makes it easier for people to find your website.
Make it Brandable
Your domain name should be brandable, which means it should be unique and memorable.
A brandable domain name helps you stand out from the competition and build brand recognition.
Consider using made-up words or combining two relevant words to create a unique and brandable domain name.
Use a Relevant TLD
The top-level domain (TLD) is the extension that comes after the domain name, such as .com, .org, or .net.
When picking a domain name, it’s important to choose a TLD that is relevant to your business or industry.
For example, if you are running a nonprofit organization, you might consider using the .org TLD.
Check for Availability
Once you have a list of potential domain names, check if they are available for registration.
You can use domain name registration websites like GoDaddy or Namecheap to check if your desired domain name is available.
If the domain name is already taken, consider using a different TLD or adding a prefix or suffix to your domain name.
Consider SEO
Your domain name can also impact your search engine optimization (SEO) efforts.
Try to include relevant keywords in your domain name to improve your search engine rankings.
However, avoid using too many keywords or stuffing your domain name with irrelevant keywords, as this can negatively impact your SEO.
Get Feedback
Before you finalize your domain name, get feedback from others. Ask friends, family, or colleagues for their opinion on your domain name.
They can provide valuable insights and help you identify potential issues with your domain name.
Register Your Domain Name
Once you have selected your domain name, it’s time to register it.
You can use domain name registration websites like GoDaddy or Namecheap to register your domain name.
Make sure to renew your domain name registration on time to avoid losing your domain name.
What Not to Include in a Domain Name
- Numbers: Avoid using numbers in your domain name, as it can be confusing and make it harder to remember.
- Hyphens: Similarly, hyphens can make it harder to remember and type your domain name. They can also negatively impact your search engine rankings.
- Misspellings: While it may be tempting to use a misspelling of a popular word or phrase, it can make your website look unprofessional and may negatively impact your search engine rankings.
- Lengthy domain names: Try to keep your domain name as short as possible. Long domain names can be harder to remember and type.
- Overly specific domain names: While including relevant keywords in your domain name can be beneficial, don’t make it too specific. It may limit your website’s potential to expand and evolve over time.
Conclusion
Picking the right domain name for your website is important for your online success.
Start by identifying relevant keywords and keeping your domain name short and simple. Make it brandable and unique, check for availability, and consider using relevant TLD and SEO considerations.
Choose the best domain and remember to keep it simple, memorable, and brandable while avoiding common pitfalls such as numbers, hyphens, misspellings, lengthy domain names, and overly specific domain names.