Selecting the right domain name is crucial for your website’s success. Making a poor choice can lead to complications when switching later, potentially harming your brand and search rankings.
To avoid such issues, it is essential to choose the best domain name from the outset. However, finding catchy business name ideas and a perfect domain name can be challenging when starting out.
This article provides 14 tips and tools to assist you in generating domain name ideas, selecting the best domain name, and registering your new domain for free.
14 Tips for Choosing the Best Domain Name
Selecting a domain name for your blog can be a daunting task, as you want to avoid making mistakes. To simplify the process, we present a straightforward 14-step framework to help you choose the ideal domain for your website:
- Stick with .com
- Incorporate keywords in your domain name search
- Keep your domain name concise
- Ensure it is easy to pronounce and spell
- Opt for a unique and brandable domain
- Avoid hyphens in your domain name
- Steer clear of doubled letters
- Leave room for future expansion
- Conduct thorough research on your chosen domain name
- Utilize domain generators for creative ideas
- Act swiftly to secure your domain before others do
- Find the best place to register your domain name
- Consider getting a free domain with web hosting
- Explore popular domain registrars
Now, let’s delve into each tip in more detail.
- Stick with .com:
Choose the .com extensionToday, there are numerous domain name extensions available, ranging from the traditional .com, .net, and .org to niche extensions like .pizza, .photography, and even .blog.However, we strongly advise opting for a .com domain name.While it may be tempting to create clever blog names using new extensions, .com remains the most established and reputable domain extension.In our opinion, newer extensions like .ninja or .photography can diminish the trustworthiness of your business.Dot-com domains are more memorable, as many users, especially those less familiar with technology, automatically append “.com” to every domain without thinking.For instance, if your website is jane.photography and users mistakenly type jane.photography.com, they will end up on an error page of the photography.com website.To avoid this risk, it is wise to stick with .com. Additionally, most smartphone keyboards feature a .com button. - Use Keywords in Your Domain Name SearchKeywords have a significant impact on a domain. By incorporating relevant keywords in your domain name, you inform search engines about the nature of your website. Together with quality content and a positive user experience, keywords in your domain can improve your ranking on Google.However, finding an available domain that precisely matches your target keywords can be challenging.It requires creativity to combine your keywords with other words to create a distinctive domain.
- Keep Your Domain Name ShortWhile keywords are important, avoid excessive domain length. It is preferable to have a short and memorable domain name.We recommend keeping your domain name under 15 characters. Longer domains are more difficult for users to remember.Furthermore, longer domain names increase the likelihood of users making typographical errors, resulting in potential loss of traffic.Therefore, it is advisable to keep your domain length concise.
- Ensure Easy Pronunciation and SpellingYour domain name should be effortlessly shared verbally and in written form. You never know when you’ll need to communicate your domain name in person.If you plan to use your domain name for a professional business email address, it should be easily understood and spelled by any listener.
- Keep it Unique and BrandableYour blog’s domain name should be distinctive, enabling you to stand out in the minds of your readers. Research other blogs in your niche to avoid using trademarked names or being accused of copying another blogger.Opting for a brandable domain name is also a viable option. Brandable names are unique, captivating, and memorable. For instance, “Amazon.com” is more brandable than “BuyBooksOnline.com.”
- Avoid Hyphens in the Domain NameRefrain from including hyphens in your domain name. Hyphens are often associated with spam domains, which is not a desirable association for your website.Hyphenated domains are also prone to typos. If you choose a domain name with hyphens because the desired domain is already taken, users may mistakenly visit your competitor’s site if they forget to include the hyphen.
- Steer Clear of Double LettersIt’s advisable to avoid domain names with repeated letters, as they increase the chances of typos and loss of traffic. For example, a domain like Presssetup.com is more susceptible to typographical errors, resulting in lost visitors.Avoiding double letters makes your domain easier to type and enhances its brandability.
- Allow Room for ExpansionSelect a domain name that relates to your industry or niche to give users an idea of your website’s focus. However, avoid limiting your long-term options too much.For instance, a florist might choose the domain name orchidblog.com but later decide to blog about other types of flowers. In such cases, the domain name might hinder attracting readers interested in other flowers.Moving your site to a new domain can be a challenging process and may lead to a loss of search rankings if not executed correctly. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose a flexible domain name from the beginning.
- Research Your Domain NameBefore registering a domain name, it is essential to investigate whether there are existing businesses using the same name.Conduct a trademark search to identify any similar or identical names already protected by trademarks.Additionally, perform a Google search and check the availability of the name on popular social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.Having a similar or identical name can lead to confusion and potentially result in legal issues that could incur significant costs.Once your website is up and running, you can explore how to trademark and copyright your website name and logo for further protection.
- Utilize Domain Name Generators for Creative Ideas
- With over 360 million registered domain names, finding an available domain name can be time-consuming.
Domain name generators offer a convenient solution by automatically generating numerous clever domain name ideas based on your specified keywords.
Nameboy is a highly recommended and popular domain name generator tool.
Additionally, you can use WPBeginner’s free Business Name Generator tool or IsItWP’s domain generator for more domain name suggestions.
Take Prompt Action Before it’s Taken
Thousands of new domain names are registered every day worldwide. If you find a domain name that you like, don’t delay.
Domain names are comparable to real estate, and many individuals actively seek brandable domain names for potential future profits.
Acting quickly is crucial to secure your desired domain name. If you change your mind later, you can simply allow the domain to expire.
Best Places to Purchase a Domain Name
There are numerous domain registrars available, so it’s important to choose carefully, as transferring a domain can be challenging.
Many web hosting companies offer domain registration as part of their services, often providing free domain registration with new hosting accounts.
Bluehost, Hostinger, DreamHost, and HostGator are reputable WordPress hosting companies that offer free domain registration along with discounted web hosting rates.
It’s important to note that most free domain registrations are valid for one year only, after which the renewal cost is typically around $14 per year.
If you only wish to register a domain name without purchasing hosting, domain name registrars like Domain.com, Network Solutions, and GoDaddy are popular choices.
Most Popular Domain Registrars
Domain.com is a reputable domain registrar offering a wide range of top-level domain names, a smart search feature, premium domains, and comprehensive domain management tools.
WPBeginner readers can enjoy a 25% discount on Domain.com purchases.
Network Solutions is another well-known domain registrar with over 7 million registered domains. Users can benefit from a 25% discount with the Network Solutions coupon code: WPBEGINNER.
GoDaddy, the world’s largest domain registrar, manages over 63 million domain names for more than 14 million customers. They also provide web hosting plans and offer a free domain name.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a beginner starting a blog, our ultimate guide on how to start a WordPress blog can provide valuable step-by-step assistance.
Check out our WordPress and Blogging Coupons page for the best deals on web tools and services.
For more domain name ideas, you can explore our post on the 14 best free domain name generators or use WPBeginner’s AI-powered business name generator, which also checks domain name availability.
We hope this article has helped you understand how to select the perfect domain name for your blog or business.
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