How to choose a domain name: Easy 10-step guide

Learning how to choose a domain name is important because it has a lasting impact on your brand. But you need to be objective when picking a domain name for your business.

Spend too much time finding the perfect domain name, and you’ll slow down your website-building process. Spend too much money on the domain name, and you’ll take away precious capital from other, more critical aspects of building an online business.

The truth is that choosing a domain name isn’t rocket science. It’s the opposite.

Here’s my 10-step process that’ll help you choose a domain name in under 1-hour. And stick around until the end because I’ll share some valuable tips to help you pick the best domain name for your brand.

So, let’s get started!

How to choose a domain name: 10 steps to select the best domain name for your website

Domain names make it easy for people to find your website online. But they also contribute to your brand identity.

Here’s how you can choose a domain name that will help establish your online presence and attract visitors.

1. Think beyond traditional TLDs

TLD, or Top-Level Domain, is the part that comes after the “dot” symbol in a domain name, such as “.com” in our case.

While the classic TLDs (.com, .net, and .org) are the most common, there are hundreds of different extensions available, including new TLDs (.biz, .store, .ai, etc.) that cater to specific industries or business interests.

Choosing a TLD for your website can be confusing, especially with country-specific TLDs like .co.uk, .ca, .com.au also in the mix.

But it’s important to remember that the TLD you choose should work with your domain name to create a cohesive brand for your website.

While the .com extension is the safest choice, it may not always be available, so other options besides traditional TLDs are worth considering.

Some TLDs are perfect for particular industries, such as .io, .ly, and .technology for SaaS and tech sites, .travel for tourism, and .biz, .shop, and .store if you’re creating an online store.

So don’t be afraid to think outside the box and consider alternative TLDs that could help make your domain name more memorable and unique.

However, tread carefully with new TLDs, as it might suggest to more tech-savvy visitors that your website is relatively new. Consider your target audience and the location of your business before choosing your domain extension.

2. Choose a short and brandable domain name

When choosing a domain name for your online store, you want something short, memorable, and easy to spell.

A domain name that’s too long, complicated, or difficult to pronounce may be prone to typos.

Think about some of the most popular marketplaces, like Amazon or eBay. Their domain names are short, simple, and instantly recognizable.

Another benefit of a short and clear domain name is that it’s easier to include in your marketing materials, like business cards or advertisements. 

So keep it short and sweet and stick to a domain name with a maximum of 10 to 15 characters or 2 to 3 terms.

3. Avoid keyword-stuffing

It can be tempting to include as many keywords as possible in hopes of ranking higher in search engine results. However, this tactic, known as keyword stuffing, is outdated and doesn’t help you rank on Google.

Instead, choose a domain name that accurately represents your brand and is easy to remember.

Think about your target audience and the message you want your brand to convey.

If you want to use one or two keywords to convey what your website is about, that’s totally fine. But avoid using keywords unnecessarily.

For example, if you’re selling organic skincare products, a domain name like “NaturaOrganics.com” would be better than “OrganicSkincareProductsOnline.com,” which feels overly generic and keyword-stuffed.

4. Avoid double letters and hyphens

Double letters and hyphens in a domain name may seem like a minor issue, but they can have a big impact on how easy it is for customers to find and remember your website.

For example, domain names like “cheffreshdips.com” or  “shopppe.com” are confusing and difficult to type.

In addition, hyphens can make your domain name look spammy and unprofessional.

Think about it 一 have you ever come across a website with hyphens and decided not to click on the link? 

And just like double letters, domain names with hyphens are prone to typos and can confuse customers who may forget to include the hyphen when typing in your domain name.

So choose a domain name without double letters, hyphens, or special characters to improve the readability and memorability of your website.

5. Check for hidden words

When you combine two or more words to form a domain name, the resulting combination can create unintended words or phrases.

For example, a domain name like “chefshat.com” may seem clever, but it can be read as “chef shat” instead of “chef’s hat.”

Embarrassing, right? Choosing such a domain name can change how customers perceive your domain name entirely.

And it’s easy to overlook hidden words within a domain name. That’s why make sure to type out your potential domain name, read it aloud, and even seek feedback from others.

6. Check for trademarks and copyrights

Choosing a domain name that infringes on a trademark or copyright can lead to serious legal trouble.

For example, if you choose a domain name like “www.doritosburritos.com,” you risk infringing on the Doritos trademark.

Even if the domain name is available for purchase, the word “Doritos” is trademarked worldwide, which could result in a DMCA takedown.

So before you make your final decision, you must do your due diligence and check for any existing trademarks or copyrights.

You can start by searching the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website. This will help you ensure your chosen domain name isn’t too similar to an existing trademark or copyright.

7. Use a domain name generator

If you’re having a hard time thinking of a domain name for your website, don’t worry! There are many domain name generators available online that can help.

These domain name generators allow you to enter keywords related to your business or website and suggest available domain names based on those keywords.

Using a domain name generator can help you save time and find unique domain names you may not have considered.

Plus, many of these generators can check for the availability of the suggested domain names, making it easy for you to purchase the domain name directly from the generator

8. Check the domain name history

Checking the history of a domain name can give you a better understanding of its past and any associated risks.

You can use online tools to check a domain’s history, such as Whoxy.org and Archive.org.

Look for any previous usage, including spammy content or unethical practices that might affect your website’s reputation.

You should also check if the domain name was involved in any legal disputes or trademark issues that could lead to potential legal challenges in the future.

That said, knowing the age of the domain can also be beneficial since older domains may have more authority and better search engine rankings.

9. Check social media handle availability

Checking the availability of your preferred social media handles should be on your domain name checklist, but most people overlook it.

Don’t be one of them!

Having a consistent handle across all social media platforms can help establish brand recognition and make it easier for customers to find you.

To check for handle availability, you can use tools like Namecheckr, which allow you to search for available handles across various social media platforms simultaneously.

Don’t worry if your preferred social media handle isn’t available! Instead, get creative with variations.

For instance, if “EcommerceLauncher” is already in use across several platforms, you can opt for a unique variation like “EcommerceLauncherHQ” that sets you apart and reinforces your brand identity.

But be sure to use the same handle across all social media platforms because consistent handles across platforms can increase brand recognition and engagement by up to 23%, according to Marq (formerly Lucidpress).

10. Think long term

When choosing a domain name for your website, thinking long-term is essential. Your domain name should be timeless and flexible enough to grow with your business.

For example, suppose you plan to expand your business globally. In that case, ensure your domain name isn’t specific to a particular location or demographic.

A location-specific domain name can limit your business’s potential growth and hinder your brand’s recognition.

Selecting a domain name is a critical decision that can impact your online success in the long run.

So, take your time to choose the perfect name that aligns with your brand’s vision and goals.

Choosing a domain name: Next steps

Choosing the perfect domain name can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, it’s one of the most exciting parts of building an online presence.

Your domain name is the first impression your website makes on potential visitors and customers. It’s an extension of your brand, and it’s important to get it right.

This 10-step checklist will simplify finding the perfect domain name for your website and help you avoid common mistakes.

And when you’ve found the perfect domain name, be sure to register it with a reliable domain name registrar like Namecheap.

If you need help, feel free to leave a comment below. And make sure you sign up for our newsletter so you don’t miss out on the latest developments in the ecommerce industry.

Frequently asked questions about choosing a domain name