As the first thing customers see, a domain is the face of a business on the internet and its digital business card. That’s why many people want to choose a domain that won’t become obsolete in a couple of years, which is no easy task.
When choosing a good domain, you need to consider a lot of things, including your plans, the characteristics of your target audience, and even upcoming trends, such as the anticipated transition to Web3. We offer practical ideas to help you choose a domain that is ready for any challenge and capable of working for the benefit of your online business for years to come.
Choose a Name That Speaks for You
The ideal domain name is one that immediately conveys who you are and what you do. Using platforms such as Namecheap domain checker, you can easily find options that sound good and reflect the essence of your business.
One thing is certain: short domains with up to 15 characters are easier to remember than their cumbersome counterparts. For example, Zoom and Slack contain few letters and are easily associated with their products, and you need something like that.
Think Ahead
Of course, it is impossible to predict all future trends, especially when talking about events decades ahead. But there are a few tips that will help you get it right and choose a domain that will remain relevant for a long time:
- Don’t paint yourself into a corner. Did you know that Amazon started with books? However, its name was not strictly associated with this niche, and that is why it is a retail giant today. So, don’t get tied to a narrow topic or a specific region if you plan to scale your business.
- Give preference to options that are resistant to trends. Although trendy domains such as .co or .tech are in high demand right now, everything can change in the blink of an eye. For example, more versatile options such as .online and the still-leading .com seem more reliable for the long term, albeit more expensive.
- Be ready for new technologies. Although Web3 and blockchain are not developing as quickly as we would like, they are already here. This is confirmed by the popularity of domains such as .eth or .crypto.
For example, you can choose a domain that integrates well with decentralized platforms. As blockchain gains momentum, this could be your strategic move.
Creativity with a Brain
In your quest to create something truly unique, you risk losing the balance between creativity and clarity. In other words, your audience may simply not understand the meaning behind your domain name and turn to your competitors instead.
Also, don’t go overboard with keywords relevant to your niche. For example, CheapWidgetsOnline.com looks too cheap and off-putting, even with the popular .com TLD.
But don’t be afraid to experiment with new domain zones, as they give you room for creativity. Moreover, options such as .app or .shop can perfectly highlight your field of activity, eliminating the need to add keywords to the name.
A Domain Without Unpleasant Surprises
If you want to avoid any problems when using a domain, follow these three simple tips:
- Find out the history of the name. If you are purchasing a domain that has been used before, make sure that it has not been penalized by search engines. Use the Whois service to check its history so you don’t buy a pig in a poke.
- Install SSL certificates and register names in other popular zones. While the importance of encryption is clear to everyone, cybersquatting can strike unexpectedly, taking not only your traffic but also your reputation.
- Voice search and convenience for mobile users. DemandSage claims that over 20% of all search queries worldwide are voice searches. For you, this means choosing a name that is easy to pronounce and unlike any other, as Siri and Alexa are still not perfect.
Analyze your competitors and adopt their best practices, while trying to avoid their mistakes.
Domain as Part of Marketing
If you are lucky enough to choose a short and concise domain, you can use it for business cards and advertising. For example, a clear domain for email campaigns can significantly increase traffic to your web project.
Also, don’t neglect the power of social media – post links on popular platforms. The shorter the domain name, the more memorable and clickable your links will be.
If you are a new brand just entering the market, outreach and collaborations will help you make a name for yourself more quickly. Practice shows that publications on thematic blogs and partnerships with influencers significantly increase the visibility of the domain.
Key Takeaways
If you don’t know how to choose a domain, here’s a practical checklist to finish with:
- Define the essence of your brand so that the name reflects it.
- Check the availability of the domain using a special service.
- Make sure the domain is simple and clear so that it is easy to remember and pronounce.
- Think about the future so that the option you choose does not limit growth.
- Protect your brand from hackers and cybersquatters.
Since a domain can either take off or become an abuse for your project, spend time and effort finding a really good option. The right domain is like your bet on success that will work for years.