How to Choose a Domain Name – Beginner’s Guide
If you’re just starting your online journey, one of the very first and most important steps is choosing your domain name. Think of it like picking the address for your business – it’s how people will find you, remember you, and recommend you to others. At Janric Limited, we’ve helped countless beginners get this right from the start, and I want to share my best tips with you today.
Why Your Domain Name Matters
Your domain name isn’t just a URL. It’s part of your brand, your marketing, and even your SEO (search engine optimisation). A good domain name can:
- Make your website easier to find and remember
- Build trust with visitors
- Boost your visibility in search results
- Help you stand out from competitors
Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Right Domain Name
Step 1: Keep it Short and Simple
The best domain names are short, easy to type, and easy to remember. Long or complicated names increase the risk of typos and make it harder for people to share your website verbally.
Step 2: Make it Easy to Spell and Pronounce
If someone hears your domain name, they should be able to type it without asking for clarification. Avoid tricky spellings, slang, or unusual words unless they are part of your established brand.
Step 3: Use Keywords Where Possible
Including a relevant keyword in your domain can help search engines understand what your site is about. For example, if you’re a web designer in Southport, something like SouthportWebDesign.co.uk could work well. However, don’t overstuff – it should still sound natural.
Step 4: Choose the Right Domain Extension
The extension is the bit after the dot (like .com, .co.uk, .org). For UK-based small businesses, .co.uk is often the best choice. If you’re aiming for a global audience, .com is still the most recognised. Other extensions like .net or .online can work but may not be as trusted by customers.
Step 5: Avoid Numbers and Hyphens
Numbers and hyphens make domains harder to say and remember. They’re also easy to confuse – is it “5” or “five”? If you need them because your chosen name is taken, consider finding a new name instead.
Step 6: Think Long-Term
Your domain should be able to grow with your business. If you choose something too specific, you might outgrow it. For example, “BestCupcakesLiverpool.co.uk” could be limiting if you later expand into cakes and catering in Manchester.
Step 7: Check Availability on Social Media
Brand consistency matters. If possible, your social media handles should match your domain. This makes it easier for customers to find and follow you across platforms.
Step 8: Protect Your Brand
If your budget allows, consider buying similar domains (for example, both the .co.uk and .com versions) to stop competitors from using them. You might also grab common misspellings to redirect visitors to your site.
Quick Comparison Table – Good vs Bad Domain Names
| Good Example | Why It Works | Bad Example | Why It Fails |
|---|---|---|---|
| SouthportBakery.co.uk | Clear, local, easy to remember | Best-bakery-in-southport123.com | Too long, confusing, hard to type |
| JanricWebDesign.com | Brand + service, professional | JNRKWBDZN.co.uk | Unrecognisable and unmemorable |
| CoastalCottages.com | Descriptive and broad enough to grow | CoastalCottagesInNorthCornwall.co.uk | Too specific, limits expansion |
How Domain Names Affect SEO
Your domain name plays a small but important role in SEO. While search engines no longer rely heavily on exact match domains, having a relevant and trustworthy name can still make a difference. Here’s how:
- Trustworthiness: Short, professional domains are more likely to be clicked in search results.
- Relevance: Including a keyword can help signal your topic to Google.
- Brand Recognition: People are more likely to click on names they recognise.
How to Register Your Domain
Once you’ve chosen your perfect domain, you’ll need to register it with a domain registrar. Popular choices include:
- GoDaddy
- Namecheap
- 123 Reg
- IONOS
At Janric Limited, we can help you register your domain and connect it to your website hosting so you don’t have to worry about the technical details.
Final Tips Before You Decide
- Say it out loud – does it sound good?
- Type it quickly – is it easy to get right first time?
- Ask a friend – do they understand what your site is about from the name alone?
Ready to Get Started?
Choosing a domain name is a big step, but don’t overthink it – the most important thing is to pick something you’re happy with and start building your online presence. If you want personal help choosing and registering your perfect domain, get in touch with Janric Limited today and we’ll guide you every step of the way.