Choosing a domain name is a fun and frustrating experience! You probably asked your friends and family for their input but still can’t make up your mind.
I like to brainstorm for a few days before choosing a domain name. I have a blogging buddy who is always happy to chime in based on the best practices I outlined for you in this post.
When you register a domain name, it’s an important decision since you will have it for a long time.
Here are some tips for choosing a domain name that is best for when you start your blog.
1 – What is the Best Domain Name Extension?
In the old days, there were only three domain name extensions to choose from. Now, there are over 400. The most common domain extension is .com. It may be challenging to find a .com extension of your choosing and you might be tempted to use another one.
This list just covers a handful of domain extensions and will help you understand what they mean so you can make the best decision.
- .com (commercial) – Originally intended for commercial websites, it’s become the most popular domain extension on the Internet. It can be used by anyone.
- .net (network) – It was originally used for networked websites and technology companies. Many people use a .net extension if the domain name you want is not available in .com.
- .org (organization) – Originally intended for non-profit organizations. I don’t recommend using this one for your business or yourself if you aren’t a non-profit.
- info (information) – Do you have an information only website? Then go for it! This one is not ideal if you are selling anything.
- .biz (business) – The business domain name extension is used by businesses. It was created as an alternative to .com. Personally, I don’t like it.
- .me (personal) – If you have a personal blog with no commercial intent then this is the domain extension for you!
There are so many others! But stick with the basics and don’t get too fancy!
2 – Why You Need a Brandable Domain Name
If you are starting your blog with the intention of making money, branding yourself is crucial!
You want to present a domain name to your audience that sounds like a brand. If you have hyphens in your domain name, that definitely won’t look like a brand!
For example, if you have a website that offers fresh fast food, look at the domain name choices:
- Fast-Fresh.com – Not memorable and people have to remember the dash! Imagine yourself telling it to someone, the conversation might be like this: the domain is fast dash fresh dot com. No, the dash is inbetween the first and second word. What? Before the word fresh. OK, you get it!
- FastFresh.com – Uniquely memorable and it flows nicely.
See the difference? Which one do you like best?
3 – Should You Use Hyphens and Numbers in Domain Names?
You want your domain name to be memorable, don’t you? If not, don’t waste your time reading any further.
Your domain needs to be simple in terms of:
- Easy to pronounce.
- Easy to spell.
- Easy to remember.
- Easy to tell to someone (see above!)
If you include hyphens or numbers, it makes it more difficult for your audience. So, let’s make it easy for them and choose a domain name without numbers or hyphens.
Imagine telling someone about this domain: Ready2Rumble.com. Here’s how that conversation might go:
My domain is ready the number 2 rumble dot com. A number 2 or spelled out two after the word ready?
Don’t go there! Get a name you don’t have to explain!
4 – Choose a Short Domain Name
The less characters a person has to type the better to avoid mistakes! Get a domain name that is short and to the point.
One of my other blogs has a longer domain name and I wish it weren’t so! It’s branded and has been around a few years now so I won’t be changing it but I wish I had a shorter name!
Now this tip was short and to the point, just like your domain name should be!
5 – Does Your Domain Name Make Sense?
I have to admit, I’ve come across some domain names that make no sense to me at all. Now I know it might make sense to you, but if you intend to make money online, it needs to make sense to your audience.
When you choose a domain name that is confusing or not congruent with your blog topic, it’s just CONFUSING!
Final Thoughts
I’ve given you 5 great tips to keep in mind when choosing a domain name. Stick with a domain name that is simple to prounce, engaging, and memorable.
Take your time to buy a domain name that is right for you.
Ready to get your domain name? Search for your Domain Name below!
One of the biggest mistake I made in my blogging career is to choose any domain name just because my desired domain name was not available that time. A name should tell your brand story. And which is why you should choose it wisely. The best thing today is you can backorder any domain that is going to expired soon. So you need not to settle for anything but the best.
Elena