As a website owner, one of the biggest decisions that you will have to make is choosing a domain name. The domain name of your website represents its identity. Therefore, a poor selection might have a negative impact on the reputation of your brand. Fortunately, picking the perfect domain name isn’t overly complicated. All you have to do is research, don’t stray from your brand, and select a name that is user-friendly. In this article, we will spill the beans on how to choose the best domain name. So, read the article till the end if you wish to make the right decision.

Why is it Crucial to Choose the Best Domain Name?

A domain name also regarded as a website’s address is a small part of a larger Domain Name System or DNS. A DNS allows users to search for your website by inputting a combination of words instead of a lengthy set of numbers (IP address). Apart from serving a highly practical function, your domain name also represents your website. It is the first thing that your customers will notice. And as we are taught since birth the first impression is the last impression, it is of pivotal importance that you select a domain name that leaves a lasting, positive impression. Keep in mind that your domain name is just as important as your brand name and logo. 

Also, make sure to keep the URL is short and precise. Nothing screams red flag more than a lengthy URL. Moreover, as you don’t want warning bells to go off in the customer’s mind, make sure to keep your URL user-friendly. Visitors are less likely to revisit a website whose domain name is difficult to remember. So, be sure to remember that short and memorable is the way to go. 

Caveat: Be sure to choose an appropriate domain name from the get-go as changing it can lead to unwanted challenges like loss of traffic, unnecessary downtime, and of course uncalled-for expenditure. 

How to Choose the Best Domain Name

Now that you are fully aware of the essentiality of picking the right domain name, let’s take a look at some tips on how you can do it. Before settling on a domain name, be sure to check its availability from places like DreamHost Domains.

1. Carefully Select Your Top Level Domain Extension

A Top Level Domain Extension or TLD comes directly after the name of your site and is the last part of your URL. Some popular TLDs that you can get are .com, .org, and .net. Among all the TLDs the most coveted and desired one is .com, with about 78% of businesses using it. However, if .com is taken, fret not, it’s not the end of the world, there are countless other options out there. You can select from a range of other TLDs that are gaining popularity these days like .xyz, .club,  .online, .art, .shop, .inc, and .party. 

You can also select a TLD that is relevant to your industry like .marketing in case you have a marketing firm, or .technology is your company is tech-oriented. Another extremely popular option is the usage of ccTLDs or country code extensions, like io (Indian Ocean), .ca (Canada), . co (Colombia) etc. All in all, go for a domain name extension that fits well with your website and signals credibility.

2. Incorporate Targeted Keywords

Keywords are not just used to optimize the search engine ranking of your content. They also play a vital role when it comes to your domain name. Search engines actually use your domain name in order to understand the purpose and vision of your website and determine search rankings. Therefore, make sure to include keywords where possible. Select the keywords that are relevant to your website and content. You can avail the services of Google Keyword Planner if you are having trouble coming up with an appropriate keyword. 

3. Select a Domain That is Easy to Pronounce, Understand, and Spell

It is a desire of every website owner that their domain name is unique, memorable, and stands out from the rest. However, novelty isn’t always the best way to go. By modifying the spelling of a common word, you might end up confusing your audience. Therefore, make sure to use spellings and words that your audience and pronounce and understand. A memorable domain name will most likely increase your traffic and compel the visitors to revisit. When deciding on a domain name, aim to:

• Keep the domain name under 15 characters.
• Avoid the usage of slang (i.e., don’t use “U” instead of “you”).
• Avoid words that are difficult to spell, pronounce, and understand.

4. Avoid Double Letters and Hyphens

It is a common practice to use hyphens in order to create a domain name. The usage of hyphens in domain name is especially popular in some European countries. However, they not only make it more difficult for the visitors to type your domain name but are also tough to express verbally. This can make the visitor frustrated, creating a poor user experience. Moreover, by avoiding the usage of hyphens you can make your domain name mobile friendly. When people use a phone to type in URLs, they have to shift between alphabet and numeric keyboards which not only results in typos, confusion, and misspellings but also leaves the user seething. 

The same goes for double letters. Double letters are not only hard to read but are also difficult to type correctly. If mistakes happen often, you might be subject to typosquatting and traffic theft. 

5. Keep Your Domain Name Short

Short domain names have several advantages. First of all, they are easy to remember, faster to type, and are more likely to boost user experience. Moreover, as about 80% of the world population prefers to use their mobile phone to browse, a short domain name presents fewer opportunities for users to get blindsided by autocorrect. Furthermore, an overly long URL is a fore sure way to scare off your visitors. So keep your domain name short and concise.

6. Stay On Brand and Unique

When we say stay unique, we don’t mean that you create an absolutely hideous monstrosity that can neither be spelled nor pronounced. By unique we mean to create something that seems like it’s from this world but also helps you stand out and avoid legal trouble. A unique domain name that is easy to pronounce, spell, and understand will also contribute to your marketing efforts. 

7. Pick a Flexible Domain Name

Always pick a domain name that is flexible and allows your website to grow. Even though a specific domain name can help attract an audience, it shouldn’t be so precise that there is no room left for your website to grow. For example, if initially you are starting out with a photography blog, a domain name like “astheticphotography” sounds pretty neat. However, if you decide to include and write about other art forms in the future, you will be stuck with an inaccurate domain name. Therefore, select the domain name with your long-term vision in mind and take into consideration how your site and business may expand in the coming years. 

8.  Use a Domain Name Generator

If nothing comes to mind and you feel stuck while selecting a domain name, or the name of your choice is already taken, you can get help from domain name generators. All you have to do is select a generator of your choice, type in a few keywords, and in a matter of seconds, it will provide you with an extensive list of the best domain names. However, make sure to exclude all the names that contain hyphens or double letters. 

Top 10 Best Domain Registrars

Want to register you domain but don’t know the best domain name registers? Fret not as we have complied an elaborate article for you where we have listed down the top 10 best domain name registrars that will help you register your domain name in no time. Refer to the table given below to know more about them:

No#1 Best Domain Name Registrar – IONOS

IONOS is the number one best domain name registrar. Founded in 1988, it has been providing domain registration, website hosting, and building services for decades. One great aspect that makes IONOS the best domain name registrar is its cost-effectiveness. It provides low-priced registration services that come with free benefits like SSL certificate, privacy protection, and email.

User-Friendly Domain Name Registrar – Namecheap

Namecheap is among the best domain name registrars and is applauded for bring extremely user-friendly and easy. It’s easy to use interface facilitates beginners in easy navigation. Allowing them to seamlessly navigate their way through the website and the domain registration process.

Frequently Asked Questions