How to Choose The Best Domain Name (13 Pro Tips)

Want to choose a domain? Do you want to start a blog or website but don’t know what best domain name to choose? In this blog post, you will learn how to choose the perfect domain name for your project. You’ll also get some tips for choosing your domain name that will help your business succeed. So whether you’re just getting started online or you’ve been blogging for years, this post is for you! Read on to learn more.

What is a domain name and why do you need one

To recap, are you unsure what a domain name is or why you need one? Let’s break it down. You can think of a domain name system essentially as the address of your website. It’s what people type into their browsers to access your site. And having a unique domain name is important for a few reasons. First, it helps customers easily find and remember your website name among all the others out there. It also adds a level of professionalism and credibility to your business. Finally, owning your own domain name allows you full control over the content and design of your website. So if you’re looking to establish a strong online presence, securing a personal domain name should be at the top of your list.

How to search for a domain name that’s perfect for your business

• To check domain availability and search for a domain, simply type the domain name you want in the search bar below at the bottom of this page, or at NameKetchup tool will show what’s available and you will have the option to register your domain name, domain names aren’t available will be marked as ‘Taken’. In addition, you will be able to check social media handle availability for the same name across more than 30 popular social networks and applications.
• As an alternative, you may search for domain name availability directly at any major domain registrar like Namecheap, Name.com, Bluehost, and others similar. Then if you will need to check for social media name availability, you can also use tools like NameCheckup.

Pro Tips for creating an effective domain name

It may take time to find the right domain name for your business. The perfect domain should be memorable, unique, and accurately reflect your brand name. One approach is to use keywords in your domain name, related to your industry. For example, if you’re starting a dog grooming business, a relevant domain could be “furryfriendgroomers.com.” Another strategy to choose the best domain name is to come up with a play on words related to your business. For instance, a shoe store could go with “solemateshoes.com.” While coming up with creative options, make sure to avoid overly long or complicated domains that may be difficult for customers to remember or type in correctly. Once you’ve brainstormed some potential options, use a domain search tool to check availability and secure your perfect web address.

1. Keep it short and sweet

As a general rule, the short domain name is easier for people to remember and type. Try to keep your domain name under 15 characters. Though when a domain name is long, it is also possible to have success, eventually it will depend on your content and marketing skills.

2. Make it easy to pronounce and spell

If your domain name is too long or difficult to pronounce, people are less likely to visit your site. Likewise, if it’s hard to spell, they might not even be able to find it! When picking the right domain name, choose one that’s easy to say and remember.

3. Use keywords

When you add keywords into your domain name, that may help people find your site more easily online. For example, if you’re a photographer, you might want to include words like “photo” or “camera” in your domain name.

4. Avoid using hyphens, numbers, and double letters

While hyphens can be helpful in making a domain name easier to read, make sure your domain name doesn’t use those, as those can also be confusing and make it harder for people to find your site. While there might be some exceptions, try to remember any popular website with hyphens in the name. It’s important to avoid double letters or numbers in domain names as well as these symbols can make your domain name look like spam, unprofessional, and can be difficult for people to remember.

6. Use domain name generators

When you’re trying to come up with a domain name, it can be helpful to use a domain name generator. These tools can help you brainstorm domain name ideas and find available domains that are related to your topic across popular domain name extensions and will show what is available for purchase. Domain name generators are especially useful if you’re having trouble coming up with a good name on your own. For example NameCheckup – Suggest.

7. Research Social Media Handles

The domain isn’t the only thing to consider. Before you decide on a domain name and start your business online, it’s a good idea to do a quick search on social media to see if the name you’re considering is already in use. If it is, you may want to consider another name to avoid any confusion. There are tools like NameKetchup and NameCheckup which allow you to look up a domain name and see if this name has already been taken across the most popular social networks and media platforms. Type your domain name in the search bar of those tools and you will have results showing on which platforms the username is free.

8. Choose Your Top Level Domain Extension Carefully

There are many different domain extensions to choose from like .com, .net, .org, and many others like .photo, .io, .tech, etc. And each one has its own purpose and reputation. For example, .com domains are typically universally associated with businesses, commercial, and general purpose websites which might suit online store better than .org domains which are usually reserved for non-profit organizations. .ai and .io are associated with technology, while .gg is popular among video gamers, streamers, and esports industry. Do some research to see which extension would be best for your business niche.

9. Check the Domain History

It’s also important to check the history of the domain to see if it’s been used for anything inappropriate in the past, that domain name isn’t noticed in any suspicious activities, in case it was registered before but then expired or is being resold. This can be done by doing a simple Google search.

10. Consider a Brandable Domain Name

A brandable domain name is usually a non-keyword name with no specific description. So it doesn’t clearly explain or tell people what the project is about when they first see it. Such a potential domain name is usually made up of words like Google, Amazon, or Pinterest. The great thing about them is that they are unique. And having an original name makes it easy to turn into a memorable and instantly recognizable brand.

11. Check if a trademark is already registered

When you found a domain name you love, consider doing a trademark check. This check will depend on your country but usually is easy to do online. If you will grow big, an early trademark check can save you time and money.

12. Using your name as a domain

When you have a question about what should I name my portfolio website, or which name to make use of for the blog domain – consider a combination of your first and last name (or just last name) as your domain, for example, andreabranton.com, such domain name yet simple can be a powerful brand in the future.

13. Get feedback

Share your domain name idea with your friends and colleagues or get feedback on social media, this is an optional step, however, you may get early feedback. Make sure you get enough opinions, to not get thrown down by a few negative ones.

What to do when your domain name is taken?

The search for the perfect domain name can be a difficult and frustrating process. Sometimes, all your dreams of that great domain are dashed when you realize a chosen domain is already taken. How to choose a good domain name in this case? First, don’t despair. There are always options. With a little bit of creativity and research, you should be able to find the perfect domain name for your blog or website. Hopefully, these tips will help you in your search!

1. Check the availability of other domain extensions

When it comes to choosing a website domain, the best tld for personal website or business, most people stick with the tried and true .com. But did you know that there are countless other options out there? From .tech to .pizza, branching out from the traditional domain extensions can make your website stand out and give it a unique flair. So before settling on that .com and proceeding with domain registration, take some time to check the availability of other domain extensions. And the best part is that many of these alternative extensions are relatively inexpensive and easy to register.

If you’re set on a certain domain but can’t get the .com version

• Get creative with your top-level domain extension! Instead of sticking with .com or .net, try adding a personal touch with something like .me, .name, or even .love. For example, Dov Baron uses the extension .expert for his leadership development website.
• Another option is to use geographic extensions like .nyc or .london to make it clear where your business is based.
• Or why not embrace specificity and go with a niche extension like .photography or .tech?

2. Get creative with your top-level domain extension

Use domain extension creatively as part of the name. You may choose a domain name like these examples: visual.ly, musicfor.life or about.me. You may find a great domain name this way.

3. Extend your domain name with other words

When it comes to picking a domain name for your website, it can be tempting to go with the most obvious choice – your business name or personal brand. However, sticking with the same word can actually limit your opportunities for growth in the future. Try adding a descriptive word or phrase to your domain name. Not only will it give potential customers a better idea of what they’ll find on your site, but it also allows room for change and evolution in the future.

For example, instead of “foodblog.com,” try “culinaryjourney.com” or “deliciouslife.com.” This might be a clever domain name that may help make your website stand out from the crowd, but it can also provide potential customers with an instant idea of what they can expect from your brand. You may also consider finding synonyms for your name using tools like Thesaurus.

4. Combine related words into one domain name

If you can’t find an available domain name that’s right for you, try combining several related words into one. For example, if you’re looking for a domain about dog training, you could try “dogtrainingtips.com” or “dogtrainingadvice.com.” Or for example, if “travels.com” is taken, try “travelstories.com” or “travelguide.com.” You can also play around with combining words and adding prefixes or suffixes, such as “mytravelguide.com” or “travelideas.com.”

5. Add a verb to your domain name

Let’s say your dream domain is “cutecats.com.” Instead, try “adoptcutecats.com” or “findcutecats.com.” This strategy not only helps you stand out from competitors but also gives potential customers a clear idea of what your website offers. Just flip through a thesaurus and start brainstorming alternative domains with verbs – before you know it, you’ll have a list of potential domain names that are unique and available.

6. Extend your brand in the URL with related industry words

For example, if you own a bakery called “Sugar Street,” consider registering for a domain that includes keywords like “bakery,” “cake,” or “dessert.” This will not only make it easier for potential customers to find your website, but it also shows search engines that your business is associated with those terms. Plus, it reinforces the idea of what your brand represents – in this case, delicious baked goods. So don’t be afraid to get creative and think outside the box when considering what words to include in your site’s URL. Creativity and relevance can go a long way in boosting both online visibility and brand identity. Or, let’s say you’re a clothing company called “The Perfect Fit.” Adding words like “clothing,” “fashion,” or “apparel” to your URL can help make it clear to customers what kind of products you offer. It also helps with search engine optimization, making it easier for potential customers to find you when they search for those keywords.

7. Buy a domain from the current owner

You check domain name availability but see that it’s already been taken? Don’t panic – all hope is not lost. Instead of settling for something less than ideal, consider a few options buying a domain name from the current owner.

• Use a domain broker service to negotiate and buy the domain name from the current owner. These experienced professionals can handle all the back-and-forth communication, advise on pricing and payment options, and even help with transferring the domain to your account. Sure, such a domain might cost a little more upfront, but think about how valuable that perfect domain will be for your online presence in the long run. So don’t settle for second best – let a broker help you get that dream domain today.
• Consider reaching out to the current owner directly, and offering to buy it from them. You may use Whois services to find contact details. The current owner may be open to selling if they no longer have any use for it or no longer have plans to develop a website on that domain. It never hurts to reach out and ask – you never know, they may just be willing to sell at an affordable price.
• Research domain auctions like GoDaddy Auctions or Namecheap Market where you can buy and register domains put on sale by the owners or hosting companies. Use the search bar to enter your name and you will get similar names suggested that are out for sale.

8. Think of a creative misspelling

If you’re having trouble finding an available domain name, try thinking of a creative misspelling. If “example.com” is taken, you could try “examplle.com” or “xample.com.” Some other such domain name examples: ‘rytr’ instead of ‘writer’, or ‘kontent’ instead of ‘content’, you get the idea. Though use this with caution as these could be harder to remember.

9. Consider a ccTLD

These ccTLDs are country-specific, like .ca for Canada or .jp for Japan, .de for Germany or .uk” for the United Kingdom but don’t let that limit you. Maybe your business caters primarily to a certain country, in which case a ccTLD would be perfect. Or maybe it’s just a cool and unique alternative to the more common domains. Plus, with so many businesses jumping on the digital bandwagon, it might be easier to snag your desired domain name using a ccTLD.

Of course, make sure to do thorough research before committing to a ccTLD – certain countries have specific regulations and requirements for registration and usage. For example, in Germany .de domains can only be registered by individuals or businesses with a physical presence in the country. In China, .cn domains can only be registered by companies or organizations with a license from the government. Or .uk for the United Kingdom, require registrants to provide their full name and address, often making this information publicly accessible through WHOIS searches.

These restrictions can come with some benefits – usually, ccTLDs have faster loading times and better search rankings for local audiences – but they also limit your potential reach With a little bit of investigation, you may just find the perfect fit for your dream domain name after all.

So next time you’re frustrated over not finding your dream domain, why not try branching out with a ccTLD, while”.com” or “.net,” may generally have less stringent registration requirements and may offer a more global appeal, it could be just the thing to set your website apart from the rest.

In the end, it’s up to you to weigh the pros and cons and decide what’s right for your business or project

10. Use Domain Monitoring Tools for Expired Domains

When a domain name you like is taken, you may watch domain name availability with domain monitoring tools which are a great way to find expired domains. By monitoring expired domains, you can find domains that are about to expire and snatch them up before someone else does. This can be a great way to get a hold of popular domains that are about to expire.

Tips for buying the best domain name

And of course, it’s important to choose a domain name that’s adequately priced, do some research before making a purchase – compare prices and perks among different providers and make sure the one you choose offers features like privacy protection and email options. Happy browsing!

How to set up your website with a new domain name

Once you’ve settled on your top domain, it’s time to register it through a registrar like GoDaddy or Namecheap. They’ll also offer options for hosting your site, though there are plenty of other hosting providers out there as well. Once your domain is registered and your hosting is set up, you’ll be ready to start creating and sharing your online presence with the world! Good luck!

Resources to help you get started online

Starting your own website or online business can be intimidating, but thankfully there are tons of resources available to help guide you along the way. From choosing a domain you want and setting up hosting, to designing and promoting your site, there’s something out there for every step of the process. Websites like WordPress and Squarespace make it easy for even beginners to build their own professional-looking sites. Forums and Facebook groups offer a wealth of information and support from other online entrepreneurs. And for more tailored advice, hiring a digital marketing consultant or taking an online class can give you personalized tips to help grow your business. So don’t be afraid to dive in – with all the resources out there, you’re bound to find success on the web.

Conclusion

Now that you know all about domain name search, it’s time to get started finding a strong domain name for your business. You can use a tool like NameKetchup to help you find the perfect domain name for your website. Just enter some name related to your business. When you’ve found the one you like, just follow the prompts to buy it and set it up with your website. And if you need any more help getting started online, be sure to check out our other resources listed below. With everything mentioned in this article, there’s no reason you can’t have a great website up and running in no time! Need more help? Referer to the FAQ section below.

Frequently asked questions