Choose a domain name that gets results
If you’ve ever owned a website or almost set one up, you’ve probably been in this spot before. You sit down at your computer to find the perfect domain, and one of two things happens:
- You don’t really know what you want to call your site
- You come up with a great, original name, only to find it’s already taken
It’s frustrating, to say the least. And often, this roadblock means many promising website ideas get pushed aside and forgotten instead of growing into something great online.
In this post, you’ll find practical tips for picking the right domain name for your project — plus ideas on what to do if the name you want is already taken.
Choosing a Suitable Domain Name
First things first: ask yourself a key question (which can be tougher than it sounds) — Why does this website exist? What’s its purpose?
Maybe you already run a successful physical business and want to get online. Maybe your site will act as a storefront to connect with new customers. Or maybe it’s a blog to build your personal brand.
Only you can define the reason your website exists.
There are lots of ways to pick a domain name, but here’s one golden rule: let your domain reflect your site’s purpose. If you sell shoes online, a name like AndysPantsStore.co.uk or NoShoesHere.eu probably won’t help you get traffic — unless your brand is all about irony, of course.
Choosing a Domain Name Based on Your Purpose
Your domain name should clearly connect to what your website is about. It’s part of your brand and what you stand for.
Blogs
For blogs, a simple option is to use your own name. But if your blog focuses on a niche, it’s smart to brainstorm keywords related to that and see what sticks.
Private Projects
More and more people are building personal websites these days, often to present a professional image to employers. Think of a personal domain like a digital business card — hosting your CV or linking to LinkedIn. Using your first and last name is a good start. If that’s taken, try adding your middle name or something creative.
Businesses
For business domains, aim for keywords that clearly represent your site. Some solid rules here are:
- Keep it short
- Target the right market
- Avoid numbers and hyphens
- Choose something memorable
- Act fast and check availability
Keeping Your Domain Relevant
Matching your domain to your business name usually makes the most sense. But if your business name is long, try a shorter version or abbreviation.
Think like a visitor typing your domain. Which is easier to type: anthonyandcharlesmachinesforrent.co.uk or acmf.co.uk? Which one’s easier to spell?
A smart move can be registering both and redirecting one to the other.
Protecting Your Brand Name
Once you pick your domain, are you done? Maybe, but it’s often best to register multiple domains to protect your brand.
If you work internationally, consider getting country-specific domains like .fr or .de. Just check the rules — some countries require you to live there or have a local business license to register their domain.
Summary: Tips for Choosing a Domain Name
Choosing your domain name carefully matters, but don’t wait too long. Every day, tons of new domains get snapped up, so don’t miss out.
A pretty good domain is always better than none at all.
Here’s a quick checklist:
- Pick a domain that reflects your site’s purpose
- Register multiple domains or extensions to protect your brand
- Use a reliable domain registrar
- Keep it short and simple
- Avoid numbers and hyphens
- Don’t get stuck hunting for the perfect name
If your ideal domain is taken, try these:
- Shorten the name
- Try a different extension (just make sure it won’t confuse your audience)
- Reach out to the current owner and ask if they’ll sell
- Use a WHOIS lookup to find out who owns it
