Last Updated on December 27, 2022 by Arif Chowdhury
The newest online businesses struggle from the beginning because they do not know how to choose a domain name.
The success of your website is directly related to the domain name you choose. Choosing an incorrect domain name risks ruining your brand image or your position in search engine results.
It would be best if you chose the most acceptable domain name as soon as feasible.
In the beginning, finding creative company names that also work as domain names may be challenging.
Welcome to our comprehensive guide to generating a perfect domain name, deciding on a winning entry, and securing a cost-free registration.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started.
11 simple steps: How to choose a domain name?
A domain name for your blog may take time since it is time-consuming. Also, lots of brainstorming is needed, and you may have to hit the Google search button repeatedly.
We’ve created an 11-step proven method to help you choose a perfect domain name for your business or personal website.
So, let’s start with the first one.
Step #1: Choose a well-known domain extension.
For example, the “.pizza” domain name is accessible, as well as the “.photography” domain name (the domain name for photography).
In some instances, it may be more beneficial to register a .com domain name even after your business is pizza or photography-related.
The most popular and trustworthy domain name extension is still .com, despite the urge to introduce unique blog names utilizing alternative extensions.
In our view, “.ninja” and other extensions like this may make your company seem less trustworthy.
Also, most big-brand domain names end in .com. But, unfortunately, domain names ending in “.com” are often typed in by less tech-savvy folks.
If your website’s URL is “cliobra.marketing” and your customers put “cliobra.marketing.com” in their browser’s URL box, they will get the marketing.com error page.
If you remain with .com, you can avoid this potential danger.
A .com button is also found on most android and iPhone keyboard layouts.
Quick Note: You may find many business domain name examples online. However, using ideas that suit your products and services is best. Also, use a top-level domain name and an SSL certificate to bolster your trustworthiness among your customers.
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Step #2: Don’t use keywords in your domain name.
Many blogs and articles may advise choosing a domain name based on your target keyword. Though it feels like an excellent idea, it is a great mistake in the long term.
Do you know why?
Look at my domain name; for example, it is Cliobra.com. No keyword whatsoever.
I can expand my niche to anywhere I want. No boundaries. But if I choose a domain name such as “seomastermind.com,” I can not extend my topic to other niches like eCommerce or social media marketing.
Because I already bound myself within the SEO niche.
Quick Note: Check your competitor’s domain name to get domain name ideas. How did they incorporate keywords in their domain name, or didn’t they use them?
Step #3: Short and easy-to-remember domain name.
Make it short even if you’re employing keywords in your domain name. The most excellent option is a short and easy-to-remember domain name.
For instance, take a look at my domain name – Cliobra.com
Fifteen characters are the limit for your domain name. It’s more challenging to remember a domain name that’s too lengthy for your customers.
Due to typing errors, your clients are more likely to visit other websites or may not be able to find your website at all.
As a result, choose a domain name as short as possible.
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Step #4: Simple and easy to spell.
When telling other people or writing, the domain name should be easy to catch and remember. For example, my domain is Cliobra.com; it’s tiny and straightforward to capture and remember.
Thus, your domain name should be straightforward to comprehend and remember for everyone who hears it. Whoever sees or hears it will recognize it and won’t have to ask you again.
Quick Note: Finding the best domain name will only let you go anywhere if you know how to use a website builder and make an excellent website for your business or use email marketing tactics to build a loyal customer base. A domain name is just the beginning.
Step #5: Unique and relevant to your brand.
Your website will stand out from the crowd with the right domain name. Look at websites in your industry and see what domain names they use to come up with suggestions.
Be cautious while utilizing trademarks or other people’s work to avoid being accused of plagiarism.
A domain name that is easy to remember might also be chosen.
A unique domain name with easy-to-remember keywords that always stand out. For instance, “Walmart.com” is much simpler to remember than “smartonlinemarketing.com.”
They branded their name “Walmart“; however, “Smart Online Marketing” is impossible as it is a phrase.
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Step #6: Do not use any hyphens.
To put it another way, don’t use hyphens while registering a domain. URLs with hyphens may go to a spam website.
Typos are common in hyphenated domains. Using hyphens in your domain name is an option if your desired domain name is already taken, and you don’t want your visitors to end up on your competitor’s site instead of your own.
Step #7: Careful with potential mistakes.
Choose a name with different letters to minimize the possibility of losing visitors to typos. For example, with a name like “seooptimize.com,” mistakes are more probable, which might lose your clients.
If you avoid utilizing double letters in your domain name, it will be easier to remember and brand.
Step #8: Choose a domain name with a broad meaning.
Generally, you should always pick a domain name that accurately describes your company’s products or services. However, you want to maintain your long-term alternatives.
Such as, if you take a look at “Neil Patel” or “Brian Dean” websites, you will realize that they didn’t choose any fancy keywords; instead, they used their name. Thus, they are not limited to any niche or topic idea. They can expand their website content to any topic they want.
Plan carefully before a time-consuming activity like changing a website’s domain name. Choosing a domain name that can develop along with your company is essential.
Quick Note: If you carefully look at the influencers, you will realize that none of them used any keyword; instead, they used their name. In contrast, all organization used their company name.
Step #9: Do some research before choosing.
Before registering a domain name, you should do some research.
As a general rule, trademark searches are available online to determine whether another company already protects the name you are searching for.
Running a Google search may also reveal if the name is already taken on popular social media sites like Twitter and Facebook.
In some instances, if you use a name too similar or too close to another person’s name, you might face severe legal penalties.
You should learn more about trademarking and copyrighting your domain name and logos if you plan for a long-term business.
Step #10: Domain name generator.
As of this writing, there are currently 361 million domains registered, and more are coming every month. Unfortunately, many individuals now believe no excellent domain names are left to choose from.
Hand-searching each domain name might take a long time.
Domain name generators may be helpful in this situation. You may input your keywords and get hundreds of domain name options.
In our opinion, Instant Domain Search is a flexible and easy-to-use domain name generator available online.
Step #11: Make your decision fast and intelligent.
Every day thousands of new domains are registered all over the world. So if you are in a trending niche, the sooner you pick a unique domain name, the better.
Domain names are digital assets since they can be bought and sold. For thousands of dollars, highly ranked domain name purchases and deals in the market.
If you don’t move quickly, someone else may be able to pick your domain name.
The sooner you obtain a domain name, the better. As long as you don’t terminate the timer before it expires, it’s straightforward to do so.
Recommended Reading: 9 Best Competitor Analysis Tools to Beat Your Competitors (Review)
Knowledgebase.
Where to purchase a domain name?
Internet users may select from thousands of domain registrars. Make sure you choose a good domain provider when purchasing a domain name for your website.
Like hosting a website, registering a new domain name may vary from $10 to $40. There’s also a no-cost version available.
By following these procedures, you may secure a domain name quickly.
Where can you get a free domain name?
Almost all web hosting providers provide the ability to register a domain name. In addition, for new hosting customers, some of these registrars offer a free domain with their hosting plans.
You may take this advantage as a new website owner and receive a free domain name.
There are many hosting providers out there that offer domain names for free.
Namecheap offers a free domain name and a free SSL certificate for every annual hosting plan.
Make sure you’re aware that most web hosting providers only offer free domain registration for one year at a time. After that, you’ll have to pay from the following year to maintain your domain name.
Many new website owners take this offer since they would otherwise have to purchase one.
Conclusion.
Before I wrap up this guide, I want to tell you something not to worry too much about how to choose a domain name.
Just make sure it is short and memorable; that’s it. But, then, even the dumbest domain name becomes the smartest when the website ranks high on search engines.
Thus, choose a domain name and make it perfect for your brand.