Domain registration is easy, but selecting the correct domain name can be challenging. In the blog below, we will be taking you through 10 steps to follow when choosing your domain name.
Leaseweb offers a wide selection of popular extensions that you can choose between when you register a domain. Our domain name registration service allows you to protect your valuable domain names. A registered domain name establishes your unique presence on the web, and it belongs to you exclusively. Well-chosen domain names can impact brand recognition and online success.
1. Easy to Type
When choosing a domain name, it is important to ensure your domain is easy to type. Your users should be able to type it accurately without errors. Therefore, you should avoid complex spelling or long phrases. Keep it simple and familiar.
2. Keep It Short
Keeping your domain name short will ensure that your audience remembers it easier than they would for a longer name. Keeping it on the shorter side will also allow for less typos or mistakes. The ideal length for your domain name would be between 6-14 characters. If you are planning on using a longer domain name, make sure it is catchy and memorable.
3. Use Keywords
It is important to incorporate relevant keywords where possible. This will increase visibility. The inclusion of keywords in your domain will also help with your SEO ranking. Try to pin down your niche or unique offering and Brainstorm keywords around this for your domain name.
4. Target Your Area
When coming up with your domain name, it is important to consider your location. Even if you are not planning on going global one day, it is important to claim these domain names for the future. This allows you flexibility in the future and security knowing you are the only one out there with your domain.
5. Avoid Numbers and Hyphens
Try to avoid numbers, hyphens or any other types of punctuation. These elements can be problematic as they are hard to remember and prone to typos. Rather choose a clean, alphanumeric domain that users will remember.
6. Be Memorable
Memorable domains stand out in the users’ minds and increase the brands’ recall. Try to be creative when coming up with a domain name. Often clever and creative names that are relevant to your brand stick in the users’ minds.
7. Research It
We would advise that you research your chosen domain name before buying it. Research to see what comes up when searching the name. You want to check for existing trademarks, and this would make a high ranking difficult to gain. Look out for verified social media handles and any legal conflicts you may come across. Make sure that your domain name is available, you can do this by searching the domain name on our website.
8. Choose the Right Extension
It is important to choose the right extension when buying your domain. You can just buy one extension, although this limits your growth. It is important to make sure you cover all your bases, e.g. if you start as a bakery and then one day open an app, you may need the extension .app, although because you didn’t buy it at the beginning, the extension may be taken. This is a small add–on in terms of price, to ensure that you have covered all your bases and allow your business to grow to its full potential.
9. Protect and Build Your Brand
To protect and build your brand, you may need to purchase more than just your domain. We recommend purchasing the common misspellings too. This will ensure that you are covered. It is also important to secure variations of the domain, this protects you from other businesses taking on a similar or the same domain.
10. Act Fast
Once you have decided on a domain name and made sure that the name is available, it is important to act fast. Domain names are purchased quickly so once you have chosen, it is important to register it soonest. Thus, you can avoid losing your domain name to someone else.
Conclusion
If you follow the above 10 steps, you will be sure to pick the correct domain name and set up your business for growth. Secure your domain name easily with Leaseweb and our easy-to-use domain service.