Now you know what a domain name is, how it works and the use of different types of domains, we’re going to dive into how you can choose the best domain name for your website.

This article is not just about choosing a domain name, but a clear guideline on how to use the right type of domain extension for your website.

We have covered everything for you and below you will learn how to choose a domain name for your business and the most important things about getting your domain name right.

#1 Go with “.com” Extension

There are many different options available to you when it comes to choosing the right domain extension for your business. It can be tempting to go with a TLD extension that is innovative and creative. However, it is always a good idea to go with .com if you can.

By far the most used .com TLD and it is recognized. So, as the primary TLD, .com already has a built-in association of people due to its popularity. You can use it to your advantage and choose .com to create a high-quality brand that will definitely increase your business.

You may think so too. If your website is very successful and you decide to start with something like .co, then you probably need to buy .com in the end.

#2 Scoop Up Other Domain Extensions, Too

When you register your .com domain name, you can choose top-level domain variations like .biz and .net if you can. Redirect them to your .com website for the purpose of visitors who type in the wrong domain will still find your site.

Let’s look at an example, sephora.biz, sephora.net, and sephora.info all take you straight to Sephora.com.

As the number of domain registrations continues to grow, good names are becoming more competitive. For this reason, there may be a competition to snatch the “.net” or “.biz” version of your URL – even if you have secured the “.com” version.

Because it can lead to lost traffic – especially if your competitors outperform you in search engine results pages – consider buying popular TLDs (top-level domains) for your chosen domain if they are available.

#3 Keep it Short

If in doubt, try to make your domain as small as possible which will help to make your brand more memorable. The fewer characters in your domain will be easier to type, say, and share with friends.

Now it can be difficult to find a single word domain related to your business, especially today. However, consider combining two or three short words to make something memorable.

#4 Make It Brandable

Branding means that when you see or hear your domain, it sounds like a brand. By looking at your domain name your visitors should be able to understand what your website is going to be. Now, that doesn’t mean you have to spell exactly what your business does with a list of keywords, but rather try to capture the essence of what you do.

When a customer sees a name like billreducer.com, they have an expectation in mind: this website will help me save money by reducing my bill a bit.

Choose a name that is going to let customers know what they have for them from the moment they read it. Your site should provide what the label says and your domain name label.

For example, if you sell pet supplies in Tulsa, www.tulsapetsupplies.com makes it clear to visitors that www.treatsandtoys.com does not.

Do not confuse your audience with what your business does. Try to say it all with the best domain name.

#5 Choose a Domain That Is Easy To Remember

Customers will find the URL of your website on flyers, newsletters, search queries, and other websites so it is important to create an address stick.

Memorable domain names are often short, clever, and avoid conventional comics, hyphens, or numbers. The longer or more complex the domain name, the less likely it is to stick. A good rule of thumb is if you see a domain name in a delivery-truck sign, can you remember it later?

Think clear, interesting, unique, and memorable.

Take a quick look at your favorite domain names and see what sets them apart and include the elements of your choice in your own business domain name.

#6 Stay Away From Copyright Issues

If you are quite fixed on a domain name, then you need to spend some time searching for the history of your domain.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Are there any associated domain names that have a negative public opinion?
• Does your domain name have a double meaning that has any words?
• Do you have any existing trademark issues with the terms used in your domain?
• The last thing you want is to find and register the perfect domain name, just to realize that your domain is creating brand confusion or that you are accidentally stepping on someone’s trademark.

Also double-check social media. You want to make sure that any relevant social media handles are still available This will help you build brand continuity and make it easier for your visitors to find your business on social media.

#7 Protect Your Privacy

When you register your domain, you have to give your domain according to the rules of the internet

• Real name
• Home or business address
• Email address
• Phone number
  

Anyone can find that information online through the global WHOIS database. When you register a domain, your information becomes public knowledge and anyone can find a domain to see who owns the domain. To protect this personal information, you can activate the domain privacy from your hosting provider. They will replace your personal information with theirs.