Your domain name is one of the most important decisions you will make when setting up a website. Get it wrong, and your online business could struggle before it even begins. Get it right, and you will give your site a strong foundation for success; one that’s memorable, easy to promote, and user-friendly.
In this post, we will show you exactly what you need to do to choose the perfect domain name.
Here are our tips to help you choose the ideal domain:
- Make it short and easy to type:
Long domain names can be off-putting to searchers. In a world where people expect ultrafast internet, slowing the customer down by making them spend ages typing can make them go for a less troublesome competitor. Compare the difference between “tomdickandharrysolicitors.co.uk” and “tdhlaw.co.uk”- which would you prefer to type?
The same is true for complicated domain names, especially those that contain frequently misspelled words e.g. “necessarynextdayparcels.com” or “rythmnandblues.com.” If people make mistakes when typing, they will eventually lose patience and go elsewhere.
Keep your domain short, simple, and easy to spell. - Check for embarrassing double meanings:
When you join words together for a domain, the result can be unintended and often hilarious for the wrong reasons. Consider these real examples:- bitefartcafe.rs (Bite Fart Cafe)
- itscrap.com (IT Scrap)
- penisland.net (Pen Island Pens)
- molestationnursery.com (Mole Station Nursery)
Even large companies have stumbled. Powergen Italia ended up with powergenitalia.it and even Google’s Cook Islands page was Google.co.ck!
Before you register a domain, read it carefully as one long word. Make sure it can’t accidentally spell out something inappropriate or embarrassing.
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Use Keywords in the Name:
We all know keywords help search engines understand what your site is about. Including them in your domain can also help especially for readers deciding whether to click.
Take diy.com, which instantly tells you what B&Q sells, or cutpricekitchens.co.uk, which clearly describes the business. To find the best keyword terms, use tools like Google Trends, Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, or simply check Google Suggest as you type.
A keyword-rich domain can help with relevance but remember that a very specific domain can box you into one niche. If you plan to diversify (e.g. from handbags into all accessories), make sure your domain will grow with you. - Highlight Your Location:
If you want local business, it can help to highlight your area in your domain. For example, smithsjoinersbrighton.co.uk is great if you only work in Brighton. Even choosing a local extension like .london can send a strong local signal — for instance, weddingcaterers.london. - Don’t choose domain names with hyphens or numbers:
Generally speaking, you should try to avoid both numbers and hyphens. For a start, they can be more of a burden to type especially hyphens on a mobile phone, and this can put people off. Secondly, people presume there will be no hyphens, so if someone tells someone your domain name they are likely to search for it without. If they do put hyphens in, they may put them in the wrong places.
With numbers, again, there can be confusion whether you are cafenumber5.co.uk or cafenumberfive.co.uk.
Perhaps the only time you should use a hyphen is to prevent your domain name sounding inappropriate. e.g., pen-island.net. - Pick a memorable domain name:
For increasing direct traffic to your website, you need a name that’s going to stick in people’s minds, comparethemeercat.com, for example, is one catchy name that most people will remember. Search engines and social media sites thrive on using memorable names: Google, Yahoo, Bing, LinkedIn, Facebook, Pinterest, the list goes on. Picking a catchy name that makes your business stand out from the crowd can be a great way to kick-start your website and make it become a fashionable one to visit. - Don’t get into hot water with other companies:
Although it’s rare, there are occasions where people have got into hot water because the domain name they have chosen infringes another company’s registered name, trademark or copyright. So if you set up a chain of high street pasty shops, using the domain name betterthangreggs.com isn’t going to be acceptable. Google, for example, will take on any business with a domain name that is even remotely similar moogle, gugell, etc.
Check carefully and do your research before you start just as you would when choosing a name for your registered company. - Your domain extension the part after the dot can impact your rankings and reputation.
- A .co.uk tells visitors you’re UK-focused.
- A .eu is better if you target Europe.
- A .com is more international.
- Other extensions like .net (internet-focused), .org (non-profit), or newer ones like .london can add local flair.
With hundreds of extensions now available, you have plenty of choice. Consider your audience and business goals carefully before deciding.
Conclusion
Too many people have made the mistake of not giving domain names and extensions the consideration they need in order to give their website a better chance of ranking better, being remembered and being more user-friendly. Hopefully, these 8 tips will stop you making the same mistakes.
If you are considering starting a website, check out whether the domain name you are looking is available on our free domain checker. You can also check out our great range of hosting packages.
