How do I pick a domain name?

March, 2023

As a new website owner, one of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing the right domain name. Your domain name is the web address that people will use to find your site, so it's important to choose something that's memorable, easy to type, and relevant to your brand.

Here are some tips to help you pick the perfect domain name for your website:

Keep it short and simple

Ideally, your domain name should be no more than two or three words. Longer domain names can be harder to remember and harder to type. You want to make it as easy as possible for people to find your site.

Make it easy to spell

Avoid using words that are commonly misspelled or words with multiple spellings. If your domain name is hard to spell, people may have trouble finding your site.

Use keywords

Including relevant keywords in your domain name can help with search engine optimisation (SEO). Just be careful not to overdo it – using too many keywords can make your domain name sound spammy.

Make it memorable

Choose a domain name that's catchy and easy to memorise. Avoid using numbers or hyphens, which can make your domain name harder to remember.

Consider your brand

Your domain name should reflect your brand and what you're all about. If you're a personal brand, consider using your name. If you're a business, consider using your business name or a variation of it.

Check availability

Before you settle on a domain name, make sure it's available. Use a domain name registrar like GoDaddy or Namecheap to check if your desired domain name is available. If it's already taken, you may need to get creative or consider using a different extension, like .net or .org.

Choose the right extension

Speaking of extensions, consider which one is right for your website. The most common extension is .com, but there are many other options available, like .net, .org, .co, and more. Choose an extension that's relevant to your brand and easy to remember.

Consider future growth

Think about your website's future growth and consider whether your domain name will still be relevant if your website expands or changes over time. For example, if you're starting a blog about food, a domain name like "foodlovers.com" might be too narrow if you later decide to cover more topics than just food.

Choosing the right domain name for your website is an important step in building your online presence. Take your time, consider your options, and choose a domain name that's memorable, easy to spell, and relevant to your brand. With the right domain name, you'll be on your way to building a successful website.