Finding the perfect domain name for your website or business can be a frustrating process, especially with so many options to choose from nowadays.
But having the right domain name is crucial; it’s often the first thing potential customers will see and it can make a big impact on whether they click through or bounce from your site.
The good news is that in 2024, there will be some helpful new tips and tools available that will will make finding and selecting the ideal URL much easier.
In fact, research shows that sites with short, memorable domain names that clearly convey what a business offers have conversion rates up to 60% higher!
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know to pick the absolute best domain name that will attract and engage your target audience in 7 key steps.
You’ll discover insider secrets used by the top marketing experts on crafting the perfect domain, leverage the latest AI tools to generate and evaluate options, and get access to a free domain scoring checklist to objectively rate how well your shortlisted names will perform.
With the right domain name strategy and following these tips, you can boost visitors, leads, and sales starting from the very first customer touchpoint.
So if you’re looking to upgrade your existing domain or purchase a new one that converts, you’ll find everything you need to decide on the best match here. Let’s get started!
### Key Takeaways:
– Keep the domain name short, brandable, and memorable
– Avoid hyphens and numbers in the domain name
– Consider using SEO keywords in the domain name
– Choose a .com domain if possible, but alternatives like .co or .net can be considered if .com is not available
Keep It Short, Brandable, and Memorable
When starting an online business or service, picking the perfect domain name is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make.
That website URL is often the very first touchpoint people have with your brand, so you want to get it right from the start.
Perhaps the most basic but essential criteria for a successful domain is that it’s short, brandable, and memorable.
Why is this so important? Research by Nielsen Norman Group shows that average human short-term memory can only hold about 5-9 pieces of information at a time.
Long, complicated web addresses with random words and letters strung together will easily get lost in that clutter.
On the other hand, a short domain name that tells users exactly what you offer will stick in their minds. Successful sites like YouTube, eBay, and Wikipedia all follow this principle with simple and descriptive names.
Not only do you want an easy-to-remember domain, but you want one that builds your brand.
Having a name that resonates with your products, services, or industry niche helps reinforce what you do each time someone types it in.
When people hear “Amazon” they instinctively connect it with online shopping and convenience. Using relevant keywords in your domain builds understanding of your focus.
Finally, your domain really needs to stand out from the competition to be noticed in the first place.
With over 300 million registered domains and counting, finding an exact match .com name can be a real challenge nowadays. But taking the time to brainstorm creative, unique options that are still simple and descriptive will ensure your URL gets the attention it deserves. You also improve SEO and type-in traffic potential with a one-of-a kind domain others aren’t targeting too.
So in summary, by selecting a domain name that is:
Short enough for people to easily remember
Brandable to reinforce what your business offers
Memorable so it stands out from the competition
You will significantly improve your site’s ability to drive more qualified organic traffic and be top of mind with future customers.
Here are some additional tips for keeping your domain on point:
- Limit it to 15 characters or less when feasible. Extremes like Twitter’s original twttr.com are rare exceptions.
- Use a .com TLD whenever possible, as it’s still the most recognizable to people. If your ideal .com name isn’t available though, alternate extensions like .co, .net or even .io for a tech brand can fill in.
- Spell out words completely instead of tricky letter combinations and domain hacks. For example “examplewelldomain” versus “exmpldmn”. Easier to understand = easier to remember.
- Separate multiple words using dashes, not underscores or camel case letters which are harder to discern. Like “your-great-domain” instead of “your_greatdomain” or “YourGreatDomain”.
- Make keywords relevant to your actual products, services and area of expertise so visitors immediately recognize what you offer.
Keep these domain naming best practices for brevity, branding and memorability in mind as you develop your shortlist of options and perform user testing with target demographics for feedback. This will ensure you make the best possible first impression online when launching your exciting new venture!
Avoid Hyphens and Numbers in your domain name
Avoiding the use of hyphens and numbers in your domain name is crucial for ensuring its readability and user-friendliness. Here are four reasons why you should steer clear of hyphens and numbers in your domain name:
– Hyphens and numbers can confuse people and lead to mistypes.
– Hyphens and numbers make the domain name less mobile-friendly.
– Avoid combining numbers and words.
– Stay away from hyphens, abbreviations, and doubled letters.
Include SEO Keywords, if Possible
When selecting your ideal domain name, you also want to consider working in relevant SEO keywords if possible.
Incorporating keywords that are related to your niche, industry, products or services directly in the domain can lead to significant improvements in search engine visibility and organic traffic over time.
By using keyword research tools to identify what terms potential customers are using around your business offerings, you can craft a domain name that strategically targets ranking for those searches. For example, a company selling hiking backpacks and gear could incorporate “backpacks” and “hiking” in their domain name to appear for those common queries.
However, be careful not to over-optimize by stuffing multiple keywords into a domain name separated by dashes and strange punctuation.
Not only can this negatively impact user experience, but Google frowns upon keyword stuffing tactics as well.
The key is finding the right balance between an accurate, descriptive domain name while keeping it simple and natural for visitors to recognize.
Conduct thorough keyword research around your products and services using Google’s keyword planner or paid tools like Ahrefs to identify relevant long tail keywords and search volumes. Look at what keyword phrases competitors are currently ranking for as well. Integrate the 1-2 most important ones seamlessly into a concise, brandable domain name for optimal SEO and conversion impact.
Just remember not to force keywords where they make your domain confusing or harder to remember.
Brevity and memorability should be the top priorities. SEO keywords are a nice addition when possible, but shouldn’t come at the expense of user experience. Test out any domains with target demographics before purchasing to get unbiased feedback.
By taking the time to develop a strategic domain name with SEO in mind, you can stand out in competitive search results and gain an advantage in organic traffic. Paired with strong technical and content optimization onsite, it all starts with the right keywords in your domain targeting what customers are looking for.
Register Your Brand Name as the Domain
Consider registering your brand name as the domain to establish a strong online presence and reinforce your brand identity. Here are four reasons why registering your brand name as the domain is important:
– **Build brand recognition**: Having your brand name as the domain allows customers to easily identify and remember your website.
**Increase credibility**: A domain that matches your brand name gives a professional and trustworthy image to your business.
Protect your brand: Registering your brand name as the domain prevents others from using it and potentially damaging your reputation.
Improve search engine visibility: A domain that includes your brand name can help improve your website’s ranking in search engine results.
## Keep It Under 15 Characters
Choose a domain name that is no more than 15 characters in length. Keeping your domain name short and concise is important for several reasons. Firstly, it makes it easier for users to remember and type in your website address. Secondly, shorter domain names tend to look more professional and credible. To help you understand the impact of the character count, here is a table showcasing the lengths of some popular websites:
| Website | Domain Length |
|—————|—————|
| Google | 6 characters |
| Facebook | 8 characters |
| Instagram | 9 characters |
| Twitter | 7 characters |
| Pinterest | 9 characters |
As you can see, successful websites often have domain names that are under 15 characters long. By following this guideline, you can increase the chances of creating a memorable and effective domain name for your website.
## Avoid Slang and Complex Spellings
To maintain a professional and credible image for your website, it is important to steer clear of using slang and complicated spellings in your domain name. When choosing a domain name, remember these tips:
– **Stick to standard English**: Avoid using slang, jargon, or abbreviations that may confuse your audience.
– **Keep it simple**: Opt for straightforward spellings that are easy to remember and type correctly.
– **Be clear and concise**: Choose a domain name that clearly represents your brand or business without any unnecessary complexity.
– **Consider your target audience**: Ensure that your domain name is easily understandable and relatable to your target market.
## Choose a Pronounceable Domain Name
When selecting a domain name, it is crucial to ensure that it is easily pronounceable for your target audience. A pronounceable domain name can help your brand be more memorable and accessible. To help you understand the importance of choosing a pronounceable domain name, here is a table that showcases the emotional response evoked by different types of domain names:
| Pronounceable Domain Name | Emotional Response |
|—————————|——————–|
| www.brightideas.com | Positive |
| www.zxyqplmstv.com | Confusion |
| www.nostalgiaforyou.com | Nostalgic |
As you can see, a pronounceable domain name like www.brightideas.com creates a positive emotional response, while a difficult-to-pronounce domain name like www.zxyqplmstv.com causes confusion. Consider the emotional impact of your domain name and choose one that resonates with your target audience.
## Be Creative and Relatable to Your Brand
After understanding the importance of choosing a pronounceable domain name, it’s time to get creative and make sure your domain name is relatable to your brand. Here are four tips to help you achieve this:
– **Reflect your brand’s personality**: Your domain name should convey the essence of your brand and what sets it apart from others. Think about the tone, values, and messaging of your brand and incorporate them into your domain name.
– **Use keywords related to your industry**: Including relevant keywords in your domain name can help potential customers understand what your business is about. It can also improve your search engine rankings and visibility.
– **Consider your target audience**: Think about who your ideal customers are and what would resonate with them. Your domain name should appeal to their interests and values, making it easier for them to remember and relate to your brand.
– **Be unique and memorable**: Stand out from the competition by choosing a domain name that is catchy, memorable, and distinct. Avoid generic or generic-sounding names that can easily be confused with other brands.
## Importance of Choosing a .com Domain
Considered the most established and credible extension, choosing a .com domain is essential for your online presence. With over 78% of businesses using .com, it has become the go-to choice for websites. Not only is .com easier to type on smartphones, but it also provides a sense of trust and familiarity to users. When people think of a website, they automatically assume it ends in .com. It has become the default extension for businesses and individuals alike. If the.com domain you desire is already taken, you can consider alternatives like .co or .net. Just make sure to do your due diligence and ensure you are not infringing on any copyright laws. In the end, choosing a.com domain will give your website a professional and reliable image.
## Consider Alternatives Like .Co or .Net
You can explore alternatives like .co or .net when choosing a domain name. Consider these options:
– .co: This domain extension is a global alternative to .com and is often used by startups and tech companies. It is short, memorable, and can give your website a modern and professional look.
– .net: Originally intended for network-related websites, .net is now used by a wide range of businesses and organizations. It can be a good choice if your desired .com domain is already taken or if your website focuses on networking or technology.
These alternative domain extensions can help you find a unique and available domain name that suits your brand and goals. Remember to check for availability and consider the reputation and credibility of the domain extension before making a final decision.
## Reasons to Avoid Hyphens and Numbers
Hyphens and numbers should be avoided in domain names for several reasons. First, they can confuse people and lead to mistypes. Imagine someone trying to remember if a certain word in the domain name is spelled with a hyphen or not, or if a number is written as a numeral or spelled out. This can easily result in lost website traffic. Second, hyphens and numbers make the domain name less mobile-friendly. Typing hyphens and numbers on a smartphone keyboard can be a hassle, and users may prefer to find an alternative domain name that is easier to type. Lastly, combining numbers and words, as well as using hyphens, abbreviations, and doubled letters, can make the domain name look unprofessional. It’s best to choose a domain name that is simple, clear, and easy to remember.
## Other Top-Level Domains to Consider
When choosing a domain name, it’s important to consider other top-level domains that may be a suitable alternative to .com. Here are some other top-level domains to consider:
– .city: Ideal for brick-and-mortar businesses targeting specific cities.
– .country: Perfect for retailers looking to expand into international markets.
– .co: A global alternative to .com, widely recognized and used by businesses.
– .org: Specifically designed for nonprofit organizations, conveying trust and credibility.
These alternative domain extensions can help you create a unique online presence that aligns with your business goals and target audience. Remember to choose a domain name that is memorable, brandable, and relevant to your brand. By considering these alternative top-level domains, you can find the perfect domain name that sets you apart from the competition.
## Researching and Choosing a Domain Name
To effectively choose a domain name, start by conducting thorough research and considering various options that align with your brand and target audience. Begin by using tools like Shopify’s Domain Search tool to check the availability of your desired domain name. Conduct a WHOIS lookup and trademark search to ensure that the domain is not already taken or infringing on any copyrights. It’s also important to check social media platforms and search engines for any brand associations that may affect your choice. If your desired domain is already taken, you can try contacting the domain owner or brainstorming alternatives. Additionally, explore different top-level domains such as .city, .country, .co, .org, .shop, or .store to find the most suitable one for your website. Once you have found the perfect domain name, register it when setting up your Shopify store.
## Use Shopify’s Domain Search Tool
You can easily find the availability of your desired domain name by using Shopify’s Domain Search tool. This tool allows you to quickly search for domain names and see if they are available for registration. Here are four reasons why you should use Shopify’s Domain Search tool:
– **It provides instant results**: Shopify’s Domain Search tool is fast and efficient, giving you instant results on the availability of your desired domain name.
– **It suggests alternative options**: If your desired domain name is already taken, the tool will offer alternative suggestions that are related to your brand or business.
– **It shows pricing information**: The tool displays the pricing for each domain name, making it easy for you to compare and choose the most affordable option.
– **It integrates seamlessly with Shopify**: Once you find the perfect domain name, you can easily register it directly through Shopify’s platform.
## Registering the Domain Name
After using Shopify’s Domain Search tool to find the availability of your desired domain name, the next step is to register it for your Shopify store. Registration is a crucial process that secures your chosen domain name and prevents others from using it. When setting up your Shopify store, you will have the option to register your domain name directly through the platform. Simply follow the prompts and provide the necessary information, such as your contact details and payment method. Shopify will handle the registration process for you, ensuring a seamless experience. It’s important to note that registering a domain name typically requires an annual fee, so be prepared to make the necessary payments. Once registered, your chosen domain name will be officially yours, allowing you to establish a strong online presence for your business.
## Frequently Asked Questions
### How Can I Check if a Desired Domain Name Is Available?
To check if a desired domain name is available, you can use tools like Shopify’s Domain Search tool. Conduct a WHOIS lookup and trademark search to ensure there are no conflicts. Also, check social media platforms and search engines for any brand associations. If the desired domain is taken, you can contact the domain owner or brainstorm alternative options. Consider exploring different top-level domains to find the most suitable one for your website.
### What Should I Do if My Desired Domain Name Is Already Taken?
If your desired domain name is already taken, there are a few steps you can take. First, try reaching out to the domain owner to see if they are willing to sell it. If that doesn’t work, consider brainstorming alternative domain names that still align with your brand. You can also explore different top-level domains, such as .co or .net, if your preferred .com domain is unavailable. Lastly, make sure to conduct a trademark search to avoid any potential legal issues.
### Are There Any Legal Considerations When Choosing a Domain Name?
When choosing a domain name, it’s important to consider any legal considerations. Ensure that you are not infringing on any copyright laws and avoid using trademarks or brand names that belong to someone else. Conduct a trademark search and WHOIS lookup to check for any existing associations. If your desired domain name is already taken, contact the domain owner or brainstorm alternatives. It’s crucial to choose a domain name that is unique and legally sound for your business.
### What Are the Benefits of Choosing a .Com Domain Name?
Choosing a .com domain name has several benefits. First, it’s the most established and credible extension, used by over 78% of businesses. Second, .com is easier to type on smartphones. If .com isn’t available, consider alternatives like .co or .net. However, make sure you’re not infringing on any copyright laws. Having a .com domain name gives your brand more credibility and makes it easier for customers to find you online.
### How Can I Ensure That My Domain Name Is Memorable and Brandable?
To ensure your domain name is memorable and brandable, keep it short and avoid complex spellings or slang. Make it relatable to your brand and include relevant keywords if possible. Choose a name that is pronounceable and easy to remember. Avoid hyphens and numbers as they can confuse people and make your domain less mobile-friendly. Be creative and select a domain name that represents your brand effectively.
## Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right domain name is essential for the success of your website or online business in 2024. By keeping it short, brandable, and memorable, avoiding hyphens and numbers, and including SEO keywords, you can improve your online presence. Registering your brand name as the domain and keeping it under 15 characters is also crucial. Consider top-level domains like .com, .co, or .net, and use tools like Shopify’s Domain Search to research and register your domain name. Start your online venture on the right foot by following these tips and tools.
