Choosing the perfect domain name

Your domain name is your digital address. It shapes your brand and affects how people find you. Follow these 7 tips to choose the perfect domain name for your website.

A premium domain name makes you look professional and boosts search rankings. It improves marketing visibility and generates traffic. Your domain is an asset that increases in value over time.

With millions of domains registered daily, your first choice might not be available. But with creativity and research, you can still find an effective name that stands out.

1. Keep It Unique and Simple

Your domain name is part of your brand. Having a name that resembles another popular brand causes confusion. Keep your domain unique to avoid mixing up your customers.

Simple names work better than complex ones. If your domain is long or complicated, people will misspell or mistype it. Short and straightforward names are easy to remember.

Good examples: Shopify, Stripe, Canva, Slack

What to avoid: Long phrases, unusual spellings, confusing word combinations

2. Set Your Domain to Auto-Renew

When you register a domain, you choose a registration period. Most people register for one or two years. After this period, you must renew or lose the domain.

If you miss your renewal window, the domain becomes available again. Anyone can then register it. Set your domain to auto-renew to avoid losing it.

Nearly all registrars offer auto-renewal. Enable it in your account settings. Keep your payment method current so renewals process successfully.

3. Always Opt for .COM If Possible

While many domain extensions exist (.net, .org, .biz, .io, .shop), nothing beats .com for most businesses. There are important reasons for this.

Most internet users know .com. Many people automatically type .com when guessing a website address. Research shows .com accounts for over 48% of all websites.

Users may hesitate to click unfamiliar extensions. They feel more comfortable with .com. If your ideal .com is not available, consider variations before switching to other TLDs.

Exception: Use country-specific extensions (.co.uk, .ca, .de) for local businesses targeting specific regions.

4. Create a Brandable Domain Name

Your domain should meet expectations and build brand value over time. Consider these factors:

  • Easy to memorize – People should recall it after hearing once
  • Easy to pronounce – Can be shared verbally without spelling out
  • Sounds trustworthy – Professional and legitimate feeling
  • Reflects your business – Gives hints about what you do

For local businesses, including your city or state helps local customers find you. “SeattlePlumber.com” immediately tells visitors your location and service.

5. Avoid Hyphens and Numbers

Hyphens and numbers cause confusion. When you tell someone your website is “football7predictions.com,” they may not remember if you used the number 7 or spelled out “seven.”

Hyphens get forgotten or misplaced. Users typing your domain often skip them. This sends traffic to competitors who own the hyphen-free version.

Stick to letters only. If your preferred name needs hyphens or numbers to be available, find a different name entirely.

6. Make It Industry-Related If Possible

For businesses and niche websites, an industry-related domain helps visitors understand what you offer. The name signals your specialty before they even click.

If your WordPress website is about gluten-free living, a URL like GlutenFreeLiving.com clearly communicates your topic. This builds authority and makes your site recognizable.

Industry keywords in domains can help SEO, though this factor has become less important over time. The main benefit is clarity for users.

Balance descriptive names with brandability. “BestCheapShoes.com” describes your business but is not memorable or unique.

7. Register Your Social Media Handles Too

Social media is crucial for online marketing. The average person spends hours on Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms daily. People often discover businesses through social before visiting websites.

When you choose a domain name, immediately check social media availability. Register the same name on:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter/X
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
  • TikTok

Consistent naming across platforms strengthens your brand. Users find you easily regardless of which platform they prefer.

Bonus: Additional Tips

Check trademark databases: Verify your name does not infringe on existing trademarks. Legal issues are expensive and force name changes.

Say it out loud: How does it sound when spoken? Can it be confused with other words? Test with friends and family.

Think long-term: Will the name still fit if you expand? “JohnsSeattlePizza.com” limits growth beyond Seattle.

Check history: Use archive.org to see if the domain had previous content. Avoid domains with spam or inappropriate histories.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What if my ideal domain is taken?
    Try variations: add words like “get”, “try”, or “use” before your name. Consider different but related names. You can also try to purchase the domain from its current owner, though prices vary widely.
  • Should I buy multiple extensions?
    Buying .com, .net, and .org of your name prevents competitors from confusing customers. It is worth the small extra cost for brand protection. Redirect all to your main .com domain.
  • How long should my domain be?
    Shorter is better. Aim for under 15 characters if possible. The average domain is around 12 characters. Long domains are harder to type and remember.
  • Are new TLDs like .io or .app worth it?
    New extensions work for specific audiences. Tech startups use .io successfully. Apps use .app. But for mainstream audiences, .com remains the safest choice.

Conclusion

Choosing a domain name is one of your biggest website decisions. Keep it unique, simple, and memorable. Use .com when possible. Avoid hyphens and numbers. Match your social media handles.

Take time with this decision. Your domain is permanent branding that lasts as long as your business.

Ready to register? Find your perfect domain with WPlook. For the next steps, learn how to make a website with our complete guide.

Get Your Domain Name