Choosing a domain name for your business is exciting – but it can also feel overwhelming. This will be the unique web address that you choose for your website so you’ll use it often. But before you assume that you can just add a .com after your business name, you’ll probably need to do some more planning. Your domain name should be easy to spell and remember and it must be available.
Below are seven tips for selecting a domain name that will do your business justice. (Also be sure to check out our earlier post on domain listing service scams to watch out for.)
1. Start Brainstorming
The first step is to start brainstorming the domains you would like to use for your business. To expand on your options, browse the web, look through the thesaurus for similar words, etc. By writing down all of your ideas, you’re more likely to land on the perfect domain name.
2. Describe Your Work
Ideally, your business name should hint at the type of work you do. “Lisa’s Pet Shop” is better than “Lisa’s.” Also consider the tone of your domain name. If your business is serious and professional, you’ll want to give off that tone. If your business is laidback, you can choose a tone that’s more relaxed.
3. Be Unique and Memorable
With so many businesses these days, you might find that many of your ideas are already taken! But try to find ways to be unique and memorable without confusing what you do. “Dan’s Auto Body” is common and overused. To differentiate yourself, you might choose “Dan’s Collision Repair Crew” instead.
4. Check Domain Availability
Once you have some ideas in mind, the next step is to check and see if they’re available. If the name is available, you can move onto the next part of the process. We do encourage our clients to check and make sure their name is unique and won’t get mixed up with another similar business.
5. Research Trademark Availability
Even if the domain name is available, it may be trademarked through the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Run the name through the Search Trademark Database to make sure there will be no conflicts.
6. Avoid Complicated Spellings
We know that some people are tempted to change the spelling of their name (swapping out an “s” for a “z” for instance), but we often advise against this. While this may get you the domain name you want, your business might forever be confused with another, and you’ll end up sending traffic to their site instead.
7. Ask for Feedback
One last bit of advice is to get feedback from others. Choose several unbiased people who can tell you what they think of your domain name and if they spot any potential problems. If everything checks out, you can go ahead and register your domain name.
If you need help with any part of the domain selection process, contact WSI Internet Partners today. We are a full-service digital marketing company that can handle all of your marketing needs!