Your domain name is one of the first things people notice about your brand—it’s not just where they’ll find you online but a key part of your identity. The right name can shape first impressions, build trust, and even influence how easily people remember you.
Finding the best domain name for businesses requires more than just choosing something that sounds appealing. For starters, it must match your brand’s personality. You should include keywords for better SEO. Most importantly, try to assess the kind of emotions the name evokes in the reader.
To make the process easier, here are 10 practical tips for choosing a relevant, memorable, and affordable domain name—whether you’re launching a personal blog or starting an online store.
What Is a Business Domain Name?
A business domain name is a unique web address that people use to get to your website. Instead of typing a long string of numbers, known as an IP address, all your users need to do is enter a simple, memorable business domain name (that you get to choose). This domain name will direct them to your site.
In terms of technicality, every domain name has two parts: the unique name representing your business and the extension, known as a top-level domain (TLD), like .com, .org, and so on. Together, these elements create a digital identity that helps customers find and connect with your business online.
How to Choose a Domain Name That Sticks? 10 Expert-approved Domain Name Tips
Here’s what you need to understand: To secure a business domain name, start by choosing a name that fits your brand. Once you’ve decided, you’ll need to register it through a domain registrar like Crazy Domains.
Many web hosting providers also offer domain registration services, so it’s common to handle both steps—buying your domain and setting up hosting—at the same time. In fact, when launching a website, these services often overlap. As you can imagine, this makes it easy to manage everything in one place.
To help you get started, here are 10 domain name tips worth bookmarking:
Tip #1: Keep Your Domain Short + Easy to Remember
Who is this tip useful for: Business owners, solopreneurs, and entrepreneurs who wish to create a strong first impression with a simple, memorable domain.
One common issue for site owners is getting a domain name that’s easy for customers to remember and share. Take, for instance, Oatly’s domain name, which is short, easy to recall, and contextual to the product in question:
Imagine if this was called wwww.oatdrinksforyou.com—it sounds overly long, complex, and confusing, right? Naturally, this can lead to lost traffic and missed revenue opportunities. Whether you’re a solopreneur launching a personal blog or a small business trying to build your brand, your domain is one of the first things people will see—and remember.
Questions to Ask:
- Is my domain name easy to spell and pronounce?
- Does it clearly reflect my business and brand identity?
- Will it fit easily on business cards, social media profiles, and so on?
- Will someone remember it after hearing it only once?
Best Practices:
- Aim for fewer than 15 characters to keep the name memorable.
- If your brand name is long, consider abbreviating it in a way that still makes sense.
- Test your domain name by asking friends and family if they can easily recall and type it.
Tip #2: Don’t Use Hyphens and Numbers
Who is this tip useful for: Marketers, solopreneurs, etc. looking to simplify their domain name and make it user-friendly for everyone.
Getting a domain that’s easy to type is not as easy as it sounds. Mistakes happen all the time—people accidentally put in hyphens. Or they may confuse numbers with words. For business owners, this often translates to lost customers and frustrated visitors.
That said, sometimes, your branding may require you to use numbers as 7-Eleven demonstrates below:
The learning is that if your branding is based on leveraging numbers/hyphens, go for it. Otherwise, stick to simple, everyday words that people use to boost your domain name’s recall quotient.
Questions to Ask:
- Is there any possibility of visitors accidentally adding a hyphen or number when typing my domain name?
- Are there common misspellings that could lead to confusion?
- Would my domain name still make sense without hyphens or numbers?
- Is my domain easy to type on a mobile device?
Best Practices:
- Avoid using numbers and hyphens as people have a hard time remembering these type of special characters.
- Test your domain name on different devices to ensure it’s easy to type.
- Consider a slight variation of your domain if you can’t avoid numbers or hyphens.
- Keep your domain simple for a better mobile experience.
Tip #3: Stick to .com If Your Budget Allows
Who is this tip useful for: Business owners who want more credibility and want to ensure that their website is easy to find.
Reportedly, about 44.4% of global websites use a .com top-level domain. This means, the .com extension is the most recognisable and trustworthy TLD to customers. As a business owner who is just starting out, it might be tempting to use less popular extensions to save money, but doing so will only cost you customers who may get confused or worse, type the wrong URL.
Questions to Ask:
- Do most of my competitors use a .com extension?
- Is my target audience familiar with the .com extension, or could a different TLD be more recognisable?
- Could my visitors mistakenly add a different extension (like .net) if I use something else?
- Will my domain be easy to remember if it has an unfamiliar extension?
Best Practices:
- Stick to .com if it’s available. It’s the most widely recognised and trusted extension.
- If the .com version is taken, carefully consider other popular TLDs like .net or .co.
- Avoid using obscure or niche extensions unless they’re relevant to your business.
- Double-check that your desired extension doesn’t conflict with common misspellings or competitors.
Tip #4: Consider Other Extensions
Who is this tip useful for: Anyone starting an online store that has a unique angle or specific location
When the perfect .com domain is taken, many site owners don’t know what to do next. While .com is often the go-to, other extensions can work just as well for the right business, particularly if you’re trying to reflect your niche or location as PureBaby showcases below:
Questions to Ask:
- Does my business have a specific niche or location that a different TLD could highlight?
- Is there a more affordable TLD available that still suits my brand?
- Could using an alternative TLD help me stand out in my industry?
- Will the extension I choose make sense to my target audience?
Best Practices:
- Choose a TLD that aligns with your business, like .store for e-commerce or .org for nonprofits.
- If targeting a specific region, consider using a country-specific domain (like .ca or .au).
- Avoid using obscure or unfamiliar extensions unless they genuinely add value to your business.
- Ensure the extension complements your overall brand messaging.
Tip #5: Use Keywords If Possible
Who is this tip useful for? Businesses that want to improve their search rankings and ensure potential customers can easily find them online.
Many business owners overlook the importance of SEO in their domain name. Using relevant keywords in your domain can help customers easily understand what your business offers and boost search engine visibility.
For instance, the following brand leverages the right keywords to showcase their food products: “Australia,” “Food,” and “Shop:”
Questions to Ask:
- What is the main product my business offers?
- Can I include a relevant keyword that my customers are likely to search for?
- Will adding a keyword improve my domain name without making it feel too forced?
- How competitive is my industry, and do I need that extra SEO boost?
Best Practices:
- Incorporate 1 or 2 relevant keywords into your domain, but don’t overdo it.
- Keep the domain short even with the added keyword.
- Be specific about your niche to help customers immediately know what you do.
- Don’t sacrifice branding for keywords—balance them carefully.
Tip #6: Get Ideas with a Domain Name Generator
Who is this tip useful for: Small business owners who need help brainstorming domain names that are creative, memorable, and available.
Struggling to come up with the right domain name? It’s common for business owners to hit a mental block when brainstorming names. A domain name generator, like the one provided by Crazy Domains, can offer quick inspiration and help you avoid hours of frustration:
Questions to Ask:
- Can I find creative combinations of words that reflect my brand?
- Will the generated names align with my overall business strategy?
- Are there available domains that fit my brand and SEO goals?
Best Practices:
- Try mixing and matching words to see if new combinations spark fresh ideas.
- Don’t settle for the first idea—use the generator to explore different variations.
- Ensure that any name you choose aligns with your brand’s vision and identity.
Tip #7: Research Your Domain Name Extensively
Who is this tip useful for: Business owners who don’t want to invest time and energy into a domain that’s already in use or potentially problematic.
Once you think you’ve found the perfect domain, you might be excited to register it—but finding out it’s already taken or too similar to another brand can be a major setback.
Questions to Ask:
- Is my desired domain already registered by someone else?
- Could the name I’ve chosen be too similar to an existing trademark or business?
- Are there any social media accounts already using this name?
- Could I face legal issues if I use this domain name?
Best Practices:
- Use WHOIS to verify business domain name availability:
- Run a trademark search to ensure the name isn’t already in use.
- Check social media platforms to see if the name is being used elsewhere.
- Google the domain name to see if any similar names could cause confusion.
Tip #8: Plan for Future Growth
Who is this tip useful for: Businesses that anticipate expanding or diversifying their offerings in the future.
It’s easy to focus on your current offerings, but as your business grows, you’ll want a domain name that still fits. Don’t box yourself in with a name that limits your potential.
Questions to Ask:
- Will my domain name still make sense if my business diversifies?
- Am I limiting myself by choosing a domain that focuses too heavily on a specific product/service?
- Does the domain name reflect my long-term vision for the business?
Best Practices:
- Pick a domain that leaves room for expansion and new products.
- Avoid overly niche names that could box you into one market.
- Choose a name that reflects your brand’s core values, not just one specific offering.
- Think 3–5 years ahead when choosing your domain.
Tip #9: Make Sure Your Domain Is Secure
Who is this tip useful for: Site owners, especially those handling sensitive customer data or running e-commerce stores.
There’s no need to give primers on the importance of website security. IBM research claims that the global average cost of a data breach in 2024 was $4.88 million, a 10% increase over 2023 and the highest ever! Needless to say, without the proper site protection, your domain remains vulnerable to cyber threats.
Questions to Ask:
- Does my domain registrar offer privacy protection for my personal details?
- Is my website protected with SSL encryption to ensure secure connections?
- Have I set up two-factor authentication for added security?
Best Practices:
- Use a reputable registrar who is known for secure domain management.
Tip #10: Be Aware of Renewal Fees
Who is this tip useful for: Budget-conscious business owners who want to avoid unexpected costs down the line.
Some business owners find themselves shocked by renewal fees that are much higher than the initial registration price. Make sure you’re prepared for long-term costs.
Questions to Ask:
- What will the renewal cost for my domain be?
- Is the renewal fee reasonable compared to other providers?
- Do I have a system in place to keep track of renewal dates?
- Am I using auto-renewal to prevent losing my domain?
Best Practices:
- Check renewal fees before purchasing a domain.
- Set reminders for domain renewal dates to avoid missing them.
- Compare providers to ensure you’re getting the best price for your domain.
Get Your Business Domain Name Right with Crazy Domains
Choosing the right domain name for your business not only impacts your brand identity but also influences your online visibility and credibility.
With Crazy Domains, you’re in great hands. You get a user-friendly platform, exceptional customer support, and a wide range of services that make it easy for you to find the perfect domain.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refresh your online presence, Crazy Domains provides the tools and expertise you need to make the right choice.
Get in touch with the team to start creating the right impression online, from day one of your successful ecommerce journey!
FAQs
Do you need to match your domain name with your business name?
While it’s not mandatory, aligning your domain name closely with your business name is a good idea for brand consistency.
A domain name that mirrors your business helps customers easily connect the dots. It also makes your brand more recognisable across platforms. If your business name is unique, securing a matching domain is ideal, but if it’s common, find a domain that’s still relevant and simple.
What’s the best domain extension to use?
The best choice is usually .com, as it’s the most trusted and widely recognised by consumers.
If it’s unavailable, .net is a solid backup, and for local businesses, consider country-specific extensions like .co.uk or .ca. Avoid less common extensions that could confuse potential customers (think: .biz or .xyz). These might work in certain cases, but they can appear unprofessional to some users. Stick with what’s familiar unless you have a compelling reason to choose something else.
Does your domain name affect SEO?
The impact of a domain name on SEO is minimal compared to factors such as content quality, site speed, and backlinks.
A short, memorable, and relevant domain name can give you a slight edge, especially if it includes keywords related to your business. However, avoid keyword stuffing—this doesn’t help much with rankings and can hurt the user experience. Instead, focus on creating great content, and the SEO benefits will follow.
Should you use hyphens or numbers in your domain?
Avoid hyphens and numbers at all costs. They can confuse users and are more difficult to remember.
Numbers, in particular, can lead to miscommunication—does someone type “5” or spell it out? Hyphens are often associated with spammy sites and could even make your website appear less professional. In the end, stick to simple, easy-to-type names to keep things user-friendly.
How do you avoid copyright or trademark issues?
Trademark infringement is a serious issue. Before settling on a domain, always check whether the name is already trademarked, especially if it’s close to a well-known brand.
To avoid legal problems, run a trademark search via the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (or your country’s equivalent). If the name is available, register it early. It’s better to be safe than risk future conflicts that could cost you your domain or lead to expensive legal fees.
What is domain squatting, and should you be concerned?
Domain squatting occurs when individuals buy domain names similar to established brands with the intent to sell them at a higher price.
To protect yourself, secure your domain as soon as possible and purchase common variations and misspellings of your domain name, if relevant. This prevents squatters from capitalising on your brand and ensures your online presence stays secure.
How do you connect your domain to your website?
Once you’ve registered your domain, the next step is connecting it to your web hosting service. This usually requires updating your domain’s DNS (Domain Name System) settings to direct it to your hosting provider’s servers.
Most hosting providers offer simple instructions for this. If you own multiple domains, you can set up forwarding so all of them point to your main website. This way, you’ll ensure a unified brand experience for users.
What’s the ideal domain name length?
The shorter, the better. A good rule of thumb is to keep your domain under 15 characters. This ensures it’s easy to remember, type, and share. Avoid long, complex names with multiple words or complicated spelling. If you’re using a phrase or combination of words, try to keep it as concise as possible without sacrificing clarity or relevance to your business.
What privacy concerns come with domain names?
When you register a domain, your personal contact information (name, email, phone number, etc.) is often publicly available through the WHOIS database. This opens you up to spam or even potential harassment.
To protect your privacy, consider purchasing WHOIS privacy protection from your registrar. This service replaces your personal details with the registrar’s contact information. Additionally, if you handle customer data, an SSL certificate is a must to secure sensitive information.
Can you buy a domain name forever?
No, it’s not possible to purchase a domain name permanently. Domain name registration is done on a recurring basis, typically for one year, but you can opt to pay in advance for a longer term if preferred.
How much does a domain name cost?
The price of a domain name can vary based on factors like the domain extension, keyword demand, and the registrar’s pricing. On average, a standard .com domain typically costs between $10 and $20 a year. However, premium domains with popular keywords can be much more expensive, sometimes reaching thousands or even millions of dollars!
How long does domain registration last?
Domains are typically registered for one year, but you can choose to register them for a longer period (up to 10 years). It’s wise to enable auto-renewal to avoid accidentally losing your domain. Remember, losing your domain, even for a day, can cause significant damage to your business’s online presence.
