Choose a Good Domain Name
What You Need Before You Start
This guide shows you how to choose a good domain name for your website or business. It is for anyone registering a first domain or renaming a site, and it gives you practical tests for judging each name. Before you start, make a shortlist of three to five names and check whether each one is available with a registrar.
Steps to Pick a Name
- Write down what the site is for. Note the main product, service or topic and the audience. A good name should still fit if the business grows or changes direction.
- Keep it short and easy to spell. Aim for a name people can type after hearing it once. Avoid invented spellings and words that people often misspell.
- Say it aloud. Read each name out loud or test it on a friend over the phone. If the listener cannot write it down correctly without asking, the name is hard to communicate.
- Choose a suitable extension. The com extension is widely recognized, but others can suit a specific purpose. Compare the options in com vs net vs org before you decide.
- Check for trademark conflicts. Search trademark databases and existing business names for the name. Using another company's brand can lead to disputes, and a name that resembles a famous brand may attract complaints.
- Avoid hyphens and numbers where you can. They make names harder to say and easier to get wrong. Then check availability and register the strongest name on your shortlist.
Common Mistakes and When to Ask for Help
- Stacking keywords. Long strings of terms are hard to remember and awkward to read.
- Tying the name to one place or product. A name built around a city or a passing trend can limit a business that grows.
- Skipping the trademark check. Registering a name without checking can lead to costly changes later.
- Ignoring lookalikes. Close variants and common extensions can be registered to protect your brand, as explained in defensive domain registration.
Ask a trademark attorney for help if a name is close to an existing trademark, or if you plan to build a valuable brand around it.
Should a domain name include keywords?
A descriptive word can help people understand what you do, but stacking keywords makes a name long and awkward. A distinctive brand name usually lasts longer than a list of terms. Many strong names combine one clear word with something memorable.
Is a hyphen bad in a domain name?
A hyphen is not technically wrong, but it makes names harder to say and spell. People often forget where the hyphen goes, and they may type the name without it. If the only available version of your name needs one, weigh that cost against the alternatives.
Does a good domain name affect its resale value?
Sometimes. Short, brandable names with broad appeal tend to attract more interest, but resale value depends on demand, the extension and market conditions. The factors are explained in what determines a domain name's value.