Choosing a domain name is similar to choosing a company name. If you thought designing your website was difficult, try coming up with a domain name. Your name says a lot about your business, and the wrong name could prove disastrous. How do you create a domain when it seems all the best names are already taken? It takes a bit of creativity, but it is possible. When deciding on your company’s domain name, keep these tips in mind.

Keep Your Brand and Domain Name Together
If possible, choose your brand name based on what domains are available. Naming your brand with your domain name in mind simplifies the process, rather than choosing your brand name and finding out after the fact that that domain is unavailable.

Protect your brand
Is it easy to misspell your name? If so, you should purchase misspelled versions of your domain and redirect them to your domain. Purchasing different domain extensions as well can also ensure that customers are directed to your website instead of a competitor.


Be relevant
Your domain should give a clear signal as to what your site is about. Keeping your domain name relevant to your industry makes it easier for people to find your website.

Use Correct Spelling
Omitting letters and using ‘cute’ spelling (i.e. kewl, gr8, etc) might seem fun and unique, but you are only going to confuse those trying to find your website. Your domain should be spelled appropriately and correctly so if someone hears the name they can easily find it.

Shorter is better
You might be focused primarily on your online presence when thinking of a domain name, but remember that your domain is what will go on business cards and other offline media. Keeping your name short also makes it easier for customers to remember.

Avoid Numbers
Tell someone your domain name containing numbers, and you will leave them wondering if eight is spelled out or written numerically. Numbers in a domain add to confusion and could make it difficult for potential customers to find your website. When choosing a domain name, stick to the alphabet.

Be memorable
With millions of registered domain names, it is important to make yours stand out and be catchy. If customers can’t ever remember your domain, you are likely to lose out on their traffic. Choose a domain that is unique and memorable.

Domain name extensions
With so many options of domain name extensions, which is best for your business? There is .com, .net, .biz, .org, and many other extensions to choose from. At the end of the day it really depends on the individual business. What works for one company might not be the best option for another company, however, most of the time .com is best. While .net or .org might save money, most users assume .com is the best choice.

Keep it Singular
If myfavoritebrand.com is taken, you might think myfavoritebrands.com is a good idea. Let me assure you, the plural version of a domain name is never a good idea. As most domains are singular, your customers are going to assume yours is singular as well. When they end up on your competitor’s website, they are going to use them instead of your business.

Pay Top Dollar
Sometimes you have to pay to get what you want. While you do need to keep your company’s budget in mind, it is important to remember that sometimes spending more money for the perfect domain is better than opting for a less-than desirable domain.

Choosing and purchasing a domain name can be difficult, but it can also be an exciting adventure for the start of your business. Take care to keep these tips in mind, and you will be on the road to success.