Your domain name is an essential element of your website. It’s the first thing people see. It helps with your SEO (Search Engine Optimisation). Moreover, the right domain name can enhance brand recognition.
These are some of the key factors to consider when choosing a good domain name for your business.
Use Keywords
Using keywords in the domain that best describe your business, or the products/services you offer, is a great way to boost your website’s SEO. For instance, if you own a mobile phone repair shop, MobileRepairs.co.uk or iPhoneRepairs.co.uk could be excellent options.
However, refrain from stuffing keywords into the domain name, which can make your domain name seem generic.
Target your Locality
If you are a local business, consider including your region, county or city in the domain name so local customers can find you and remember your domain name. For example, MobileRepairsChester.co.uk.
Keep it Short
When it comes to domain length, short is always better. A long, complex domain name is not only difficult to memorise, it is prone to mistyping. The fewer the characters in your domain name, the easier it is to say, type and share.
Make it Pronounceable
We remember things that are easy to say and think about. That’s known as “processing fluency”. Make sure your domain name is easy to pronounce and memorise. If the name isn’t easy to say, you will lose the benefits of brandability!
As a rule of thumb, steer clear of special characters and numbers as they are confusing when spoken aloud.
The first domain name we used for Designweb contained a hyphen (design-web.co.uk) and we often found ourselves repeating the address over the telephone – “It’s design hyphen web…” and “It’s the minus sign on your keyboard”. Picking up designweb.co.uk a few years later resolved these issues thankfully!
Avoid Trademark Infringement
Before you register your chosen domain name, be sure to check if there are any trademarks registered to the name and if the name is available on social media channels.
When you want to build your brand, it’s a good idea to have the same name across your website and social media platforms.
Use a Domain Name Generator
Once you’ve shortlisted some keywords, take the time to brainstorm ideas to find the right domain name. Using a domain name generator like Domain Wheel can help simplify this process.
Simply plug your keyword in the search box and you will get hundreds of ideas to consider. Take your time and come up with some solid ideas.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right domain name calls for a lot of thought and consideration and it may seem like a daunting task at first. After all, it’s a huge decision. However, a bit of research and the right tools can smoothen the process for you.
If you have any questions about choosing and registering a domain name for your business please get in touch with myself or the team at Designweb.
Paul Lyons
Designweb
