Choosing a domain name is one of the first – and most important – steps in building your online presence. Whether you're launching a personal blog or an ecommerce site, your domain name sets the tone for your brand, influences how people perceive you, and even affects how easily you're found online.

But how exactly do you pick the perfect domain name? We’ve got the answers.

How to choose a good domain name

A great domain name strikes a balance between being memorable, relevant, and easy to find – here are some key tips to help you choose one that stands out.

1. Choose something easy to spell

Avoid using unusual spellings, numbers in place of words, or slang – these can easily confuse people. If someone hears your website name out loud, they should be able to type it in without second-guessing how it’s spelt.

2. Keep it short and simple

The shorter your domain name, the easier it is to remember, type, and share. Long names increase the chances of typos and are just harder to recall – less is more.

3. Use relevant keywords

If it makes sense, include a keyword that reflects your business or what you offer. For instance, if you run a bike repair shop, something like BikeFixLondon.co.uk instantly communicates what you do and where you are.

The benefit of including keywords in your domain is that it tells Google more about your site and may contribute to your rankings. Learn more about how to choose an SEO-friendly domain name.

4. Add your location if you’re a local business

If you primarily serve a specific town, city, or region, consider including that location in your domain. For example, GlasgowPlumbingServices.co.uk gives local customers a clear idea of who you are and where you operate.

You could also look into geographic domain extensions like .london or country-specific ones like .co.uk, .ie, or .scot to reinforce your local presence.

5. Avoid numbers and hyphens

Dashes and numbers can lead to confusion. People won’t know whether to type the numeral or spell it out, or they might forget the hyphen entirely. If you absolutely need to use them, consider registering alternative versions to cover your bases.

6. Make it memorable

You want something that sticks in people’s minds. A catchy, brandable domain name will help you stand out and be remembered. Run your ideas past a few people – if they can recall it later, that’s a good sign.

7. Do a background check

Before buying, double-check that your chosen name isn’t already trademarked or in use by another business. You don’t want to land in legal trouble down the line.

Also, look into the domain’s history – it might have been owned before, and that history can impact how search engines view it.

8. Pick the right domain extension (TLD)

The TLD (Top-Level Domain) is the bit at the end of the URL – like .com or .co.uk. While .com is globally recognised, it can be hard to find a short, available one.

Here are a few other popular options:

  • .co.uk – the go-to for UK businesses.
  • .org – ideal for charities and non-profits.
  • .store – for online shops.
  • .tech – perfect for tech startups.
  • .design, .art, or .photography – great for creatives.
  • .ai – increasingly popular with AI or tech-driven companies.

You can also consider country-specific domains, like .ie for Ireland or .eu for businesses working across Europe.

9. Register multiple domains

At the time of choosing your domain name, it might be beneficial to consider registering multiple domains. Many sites snap up domains that are similar to their own, with differentiations including typos or misspellings. 

They do this to protect their sites from typosquatting, which is when other sites take advantage of a typo someone may enter into a search engine. This can lead to these sites stealing traffic and customers from your site.

10. Think long-term

Your domain should be able to grow with your business. Avoid names that limit your future direction. For instance, if you’re starting off selling books but may branch into stationery or gifts, don’t box yourself in with a name like JustBooksOnline.co.uk.

11. Register your domain quickly

Domain names are snapped up fast, and the good ones don’t stick around. If you’ve found one that ticks all the boxes, register it as soon as possible – especially if it works across your website and social media channels.

12. Secure variations to protect your brand

To safeguard your brand, it’s smart to register different versions of your domain – common misspellings, hyphenated versions, or different extensions. This stops competitors or opportunists from buying similar names and redirecting traffic away from you.

13. Check for social media availability

If your domain name is going to be part of your brand identity, make sure it’s available on the social platforms you’ll use. Consistency makes it easier for people to find you. If the name is taken, you could add “UK” or “official” to your handle for a tidy workaround.

We hope that you’ve been able to choose a good domain name through our helpful tips. Changing your domain name is possible, so don’t worry too much if you don’t get it right the first time.

Want help choosing the best domain name or have questions? Reach out to our team or check out more expert tips on our blog.