One of the most exciting things when you set up a new business is to choose a domain name that suits the business and is readily available.
There are many things to consider when choosing a domain name for your website.
Generally speaking, it makes sense to choose one that is short and simple.
Shorter domain names are easier to remember, they are easier to type and easier to recognise in advertising
For example, rightmove.co.uk is much easier to remember than a local Estate Agents name primarily because it has two very simple short words.
Going back 20 years almost every domain name that you could wish for was still available, however finding a domain name now can often be a challenge.
You could consider using particular keywords that reflect your business or industry.
For example londonbuilder.com or even londonbuilder.co.uk
You should also make sure that any domain you choose is easy to spell and pronounce.
Taking care to avoid complex words or unusual spellings, as the easier it is to spell and pronounce the more people are likely to remember it.
You should also try and avoid using words that are easily mistyped.
Choosing the right extension is also important, whilst.com and .co.uk are widely available and trusted extensions, some people choose .net .tech or .store and other secondary extensions.
However these may not be as easily recognisable and as they are not top-level domains, they can take longer to rank and can be more difficult to advertise.
Some domain names are super valuable, for example, claims.com or flights.com would be worth considerable money – there is also a secondary market where you can buy existing and pre-registered domains, you could even consider looking at some of those for inspiration.
It is a good idea to sit down and brainstorm potential domain names before just jumping in and pressing the buy now button!
Avoid generic names that might get lost among competitors, take care to check for trademarks, ensuring that your chosen domain name does not infringe any existing trademarks which would save you from any potential legal issues and the need to rebrand again in the future.
Just because the domain is available does not mean that it would be a sensible purchase if it infringes anybody’s trademark.
You should also research social media availability as ideally, you need a name that is also available for social media handles which helps to build a cohesive brand presence socially.
Once you find one that ticks all of the above boxes you should move quickly if it is available. If you find a domain that you love, don’t hesitate to register it before somebody else does!
These are just a few tips to help you choose a domain name, if you are looking for a new website at the same time, the team here at Altitude Internet can help in all aspects of this with the design and build of a stunning new website, built from the ground up specifically for your business.
We can also help you choose a domain name and arrange your hosting plan.
Click here to get in touch to find out more about domain names, hosting and new websites for your business.
We have also put together a short video just here that is well a watch about our websites and landing pages.
Top Tips for Generating Domain Name Ideas.
- Combine Keywords: Mix relevant keywords related to your business or niche.
- Use Word Blends: You Could Create unique names by blending two words together, just like RightMove have done
- Incorporate Your Brand: Use your brand name or a variation of it if the main brand is not available
- Use Action Words: Incorporate verbs to make the domain name dynamic and as engaging as possible
- Consider Your Audience: Think about what will resonate with your target audiences.
- Add Prefixes or Suffixes: Simple additions can make a common word unique (e.g., Get, Go, My, Hub).
- Check Availability: Ensure the domain name isn’t already taken and is available on social media platforms
