Choosing the perfect domain name for your new website can be a challenge. Changing your site’s domain is a hassle, however, so you’ll want to choose something you’re confident in.
The good news is that once you do have that perfect name in mind, registering it is simple. You have plenty of options when it comes to registrars, and the entire process can take as little as a few minutes if your preferred name is available.
In this article, we’re going to help you find and register the perfect domain name by going over a few easy tips. Let’s get the ball rolling!
Why Your Website’s Domain Name Matters
We all associate websites with their domain names. Your site’s domain is one of the first things visitors will see, and it tends to generate an instant reaction.
Imagine that you want to make a homemade pizza, and you’re looking for a recipe. You get plenty of results from Google, and you’re trying to decide which site to check out. The top results include website names such as:
- The Fancy Italian Chef
- Generic Kitchen
- Homemade Flavours
These names are a little exaggerated to make a point – they all provide you with immediate and very different impressions of what the websites will be like. Some domains draw visitors in, while others turn them away before they even give your site a chance.
In other words, your domain name can significantly affect your website’s chances for success. Moreover, if you’re going to be paying for a domain name for years to come, you might as well make sure it’s one you like.
3 Tips to Help You Choose the Right Domain Name for Your Website
Naturally, your choice of domain name will be heavily influenced by your preferences and the kind of website you’re building. However, there are a few things you can keep in mind to ensure you make the right choice, no matter what your niche or audience might be.
1. Keep It Short
It’s called a domain name, not a domain paragraph. Strong domain names usually include only one to three words. The reason for this is simple – shorter domain names are easier to remember and type.
To get started, we recommend making a list of the names you’re considering, and crossing out any options that come across as too long. It’s also important to note that you don’t need to play it too safe when it comes to your domain name.
For example, a lot of world-renowned businesses use domains that seem nonsensical at first glance. Google and Nike are two obvious examples. Take away the brand, and you’re left with a word that has little meaning.
However, these names are catchy and concise, which makes them extremely memorable. So don’t be afraid to opt for a unique one-word domain that will separate you from the pack.
2. Include Terms That Relate to Your Niche
If you’d rather go with a more traditional domain name, one way to come up with some strong options is to look closely at your niche or industry. You’ll want to ask yourself a few simple questions, such as:
- What are some common terms in my field?
- Who is included in my site’s target audience?
- What are the products my audience tends to use often?
- Are there any problems that most people in the niche share?
Usually, merely answering these questions is more than enough to come up with some interesting domain name ideas. For example, you might name a cooking blog “The Rusty Spoon” or “Cast-Iron Nerds”. If you’re setting up an online store for sporting goods, names such as “Runners High” and “Barbells & Beyond” can make for catchy options.
If you’re still struggling for ideas, this is also a good time to do some keyword research. Find out what terms and phrases your target audience is already searching for online, and you’ll have a list of promising keywords you can create a domain name from.
3. Consider Using a TLD Other Than .com
As a rule of thumb, most website owners default to using a .com Top-Level Domain (TLD). This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Many visitors trust .com sites more than those with unique TLDs like .ninja – although times and assumptions are slowly changing.
However, .com is such a popular TLD that a lot of the best domain names simply aren’t available. You can check domain availability on many sites, such as these registrars. All you have to do is type in the domain name you want to look up, and run a quick search:
Unfortunately for us, therustyspoon.com is off the market. However, as you can see, the domain name is available using different TLDs such as .ai and .org. The point is that if you’re confident you have the perfect domain name, but the .com version isn’t available, you can always consider using another TLD.
There are some caveats to taking this approach, though. Most importantly, you’ll want to make sure that if someone else is using the .com domain for your chosen name, they’re not a direct competitor. Otherwise, people might think you’re copying them, and visitors can easily end up on the wrong site.
With that said, however, don’t be afraid to experiment a little. Just make sure that your chosen TLD matches the tone of your site and your audience’s expectations. You probably want to avoid .ninja for a professional business site, but it could be the perfect choice for certain blogs or forums.
Conclusion
One of the most important decisions you’ll make when building your new website is selecting its domain name. It’s vital to put some thought into this choice. That doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun, though – plenty of websites have made it big with unorthodox names.
The next time you’re stuck while trying to find the perfect domain name, keep these three tips in mind:
- Make sure your domain is between one and three words long.
- Try to include terms and keywords that are relevant to your niche.
- Consider using a TLD other than .com.
Do you have any questions about how to choose the perfect domain name? Contact WP Tech Support to see how we can help.
Very informative post.