A domain name is a web address for your blog. And unlike a blog theme, a domain name can’t be changed once it’s registered. You are basically stuck with it.
Choosing a good domain name is very important for your blog. A simple checklist will save you from lots of hassles and rookie mistakes and ease your blogging journey.
I had also made some really serious newbie mistakes that had cost me a lot of trouble and wasted time.
It’s important that you choose a name that will make your business brandable and easy to remember.
So here is a simple guide I created in which I have stated the 7 rules of thumb for choosing the best domain name for your business website.
7 rules of thumb for choosing the best domain name for your blog or business
Below are the main points that you should keep in mind when selecting a name for your blog.
Choose a .com Domain Extension
Out of all the available options, it’s always the best to choose a .com extension over .org, .blog, .travel, etc.
It’s the most popular and widely used domain extension and not to mention it looks clean and professional for a blog or a business website.
Also, a .com extension is very memorable and since it’s so widely used people have an easier time typing and finding your website.
Many blogs use different extensions and do well too so it is not set in stone but the ideal scenario would be to find a .com one.
Use A Short Name
Don’t use a name that is very long or is a similar-sounding name to your competitor. A short and sweet name is much more brandable and is easy to remember than a long name.
Also, use a name that is easy to spell and pronounce. If your domain name is hard or is difficult to spell or write, you can kiss your potential traffic goodbye.
People will misspell the heck out of your name and will probably land on someone else’s website instead of yours.
It’s best to use a short name that easily rolls off the tongue and is just as easy to write and remember.
For example, Hubspot.com is easier to remember than rockinchillinimacominforyou.com
Use Your Own Name
Or you can use your own name for your blog if it’s available. And if it is then, you can use it to give your blog personal branding. And also you can use it to sell your services.
Using your name for your blog will not hold your blog from changing niches if you want to do so, in the future.
But remember, your blog name should still be easy to read, write and remember.
Using your name can prove to be counter-productive for your blog if you have a very long or difficult name!
For example, sarahblake.com is easier to remember than ovuvuevuevueenyetuenwuevueugbemugbemosas.com
If you do happen to have a long name, get a bit creative and use a shorter version of your name.
Using a long name reminds me:
Avoid Using Hyphens
Don’t use hyphens or any special characters when choosing your domain name. It gets very confusing and not to mention,
Google sometimes even associates your domain URL as spam since most spam websites have hyphens in their web address.
So, nope!
Stick with a name that is easy to read even with no spaces, dots, or hyphens and all letters lowercase.
Now, that is not to say you will be immediately marked as spam. Many websites do have hyphens in their names and they do well, but the ideal scenario is definitely a domain name with no such characters.
Use Niche Keywords
If possible use your niche keywords in your domain name. It will be helpful for your branding and as well as boost your SEO.
For example: “bloggingforpros” or “allabouttravel” or “fitnesschad” etc.
You get the idea.
It also makes it easier for people to get an idea of what your blog or website is about.
But do so only if you are sure that this is the niche you want to pursue since it will be weird when you have a blog named ‘allabouttravel’ and you write about tech startups and businesses.
I know many bloggers that changed their niche AFTER purchasing their domain name. So, if you are sure about what you want to blog about then go down this route
Choose A Unique Name Over A Generic One
Try to use a unique name rather than a generic one. A name that is catchy and easy to remember.
Also, try not to use slang, curse words, trendy or outdated words, and phrases in your name. It will be awkward to downright embarrassing when you have to show your website professionally to your clients.
Not to mention, many GENZs would cringe if you tried to use words like ‘bae’ or ‘swag’ at them. It’s old and outdated.
And that’s the reality of trends. They come and go just like that. Slang or cuss words also don’t pass the vibe check when you blog about professional and serious matters.
But if it’s your personal blog and/or your blog caters to a very specific audience then by all means do so.
Check Name Availability
Lastly, check the availability of your chosen name. Most of the time it’s almost impossible to find a name you choose on the first try.
According to Siteefy, 341.7 million domain names have been registered by the last quarter of 2021 in total.
Also, when you try to buy a domain from just anywhere, you waste time purchasing an already bought domain.
Many domain companies don’t update their databases and they list an already purchased domain as available. You feel relaxed and think it really is and brand all your socials and everything in your unavailable name. But when you try to purchase it, you are horrified to see it taken.
To avoid such tragedies, make sure to check domain availability and immediately purchase your domain name if it’s available.
Wait a bit longer and it’s gone.
Buying A Domain Name
After you have decided on your name, the only thing left is to purchase your domain name from reputable domain registrars so you don’t have to move around back and forth changing domain registrars later and paying transfer fees.
Most domain companies suck at customer support, charge high prices for the domain, and then charge huge domain transfer fees when you are absolutely fed up with them. It’s a scenario all too common.
While purchasing a domain is not a hassle itself, the lack of crucial information when you purchase one is a bit of a problem.
One that you can very easily avoid by buying a domain from a reputable source.
Personally, I would recommend Namecheap for buying all your domains.
They provide amazing customer support and are very helpful in case you are stuck and need some help. They also make it effortless to transfer domain names. Overall, a smooth experience.
Namecheap also provides free WHOIS domain privacy, without which your personal details would be open to the public.
A literal nightmare.
Many domain companies charge for domain privacy which is less than ideal.
Bottom Line…
While choosing a good and brandable domain name is very important for your business, it’s not something that should take you a considerable amount of time.
Buying a domain is a very tiny yet significant aspect of starting your business and there are a lot of challenges that await you ahead. So don’t get trapped in overthinking and remain stuck in the launch phase.
I remember I wasted almost 2 months choosing and buying my very first domain name since I wanted everything to go perfectly. But in the end, I let it expire since my business model just wasn’t it. If only someone had guided me…so much wasted time!
Anyways, this wraps up my 7 rules of thumb for choosing the best domain name for your blog or business website.
I hope this guide was helpful for you to understand how you can choose a perfect name for your blog.
Also read: How to start a blog from scratch
Share this post and help someone who you think is planning to get their own domain name!
*there are some affiliate links in the post. That means if you click through them and purchase something, I will receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Happy blogging!
