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The journey to getting online begins with choosing the right domain name; it’s like a digital fingerprint for your brand. No one else can own the same one. While it may seem like a simple task, your domain name is actually the cornerstone of your brand’s web presence. Without a well-chosen domain, success can be hard to reach.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from understanding what a domain is to finding the perfect name that represents your brand. Let’s dive in!
What is a domain name?
A domain name is the part of a URL that comes after “www.” and before the top-level domain (TLD), such as “.com” or “.net.”
For example, in “thamara.cloud” “Thamara” is the domain name, and “.cloud” is the TLD.
The domain name can also appear after the “@” in your professional email address, as seen in our email “contacts@thamara.com.”
As we’ve already mentioned, your domain name is essentially your website’s address. When someone types it into their browser, the Domain Name System (DNS) translates it into an IP address, which then directs them to your website or online store.
That’s the basic idea behind what a domain name is. Now, let’s move on to why choosing the right domain name is so important.
Domain name importance
Before we go any further, take a moment to put yourself in your customer’s shoes.
If you came across a domain name like ChatGPT.com, your brain would instantly connect it with the brand’s structure, features, and identity. That’s what a great domain name does: it acts like a mirror of your brand. The moment someone sees it, they remember you.
which makes us reach the first benefit. “Make your brand identity always memorable,” which helps in your marketing purposes
Now, imagine seeing a domain or TLD that doesn’t align with the brand name or the industry. Doesn’t it make you question how professional or trustworthy that brand is? And that is the second benefit, “building your customer trust.“
The more steps people have to take to reach your website, the more likely they are to give up or lose interest.
Yes, it is the third benefit, “improving SEO,“ as a well-chosen name that reflects your niche can help boost visibility in search engine rankings and drive more organic traffic.
So, after exploring domain name importance, it’s time to choose the domain name.
Choosing a domain name tips
Take your notebook and pen and start to write down any words that come to mind when thinking about your brand. Then, use the following tips to narrow down your list and choose the best domain name. Let’s begin!
1. Make it short, easy to read, and memorable
Keep your domain name under 15 characters to make it easy to remember and reduce the risk of typos or misspellings. A shorter name is also more visually appealing and easier to share.
And don’t forget, your customers will help spread your brand. That’s why it’s crucial to choose a name that’s easy to pronounce and recall. For example, Google, Nike, Shein, and X
2. Avoid numbers and hyphens
Studies show that 60.4% of all web traffic comes from mobile phones.
This highlights why using hyphens or numbers in your domain name might cause unnecessary problems. On mobile devices, typing a dash or a number means switching between keyboards, from letters to numeric and back, increasing the risk of typos.
It also creates confusion:
Should your users type “one” or “1”?
Such small obstacles can slow users down and hurt your brand’s accessibility.
However, some numbers can work well, especially when they’re part of the brand identity or widely recognized, like in Formula 1.
3. Grab “.com” as much as possible
As you know, “.com” is the most popular and trusted domain extension, with over 44% of websites using it.
So, when searching for your domain, always check if the .com version is available.
If it is, go for it without hesitation.
If not, no worries, the next tip will guide you on what to do.
4. TLD related to your industry
If “.com” is already taken or too expensive to purchase, don’t worry.
There are plenty of domain extensions that suit different industries. Here are some alternatives worth considering:
- .net: The second most common TLD, often used by internet service providers and database-related platforms.
- .shop or .store: Perfect for e-commerce and retail businesses.
- .org: Commonly used by non-profit organizations such as Wikipedia.org
- tech: Ideal for tech startups and IT companies.
- .co: A globally popular alternative to “.com,” modern and brandable.
- .edu: Reserved for educational institutions, for example: harvard.edu
- .info: Best for informational and resource-based websites, “whois.info” as an example.
And that’s just a few!
So if “.com” isn’t an option, take a deep breath, explore the possibilities, and you’ll definitely find a TLD that fits your brand perfectly.
5. Use a suitable keyword.
Including keywords that clearly describe what your business does and the services you provide can help in two key areas.
First, it boosts your SEO ranking, making your website more discoverable to potential customers. Second, it gives immediate clarity to anyone seeing your domain; they instantly know what you offer without having to guess. Such as booking.com and mailchimp.com.
However, it’s not a must. You can still rank well without it, especially if the name affects other essential factors like simplicity, memorability, or branding. So, if using keywords harms those elements, don’t force it; balance is key.
6. Get inspired by domain generator tools
If you haven’t created your list of recommended domain names yet, or if you simply want to expand your options, you can use tools to generate suggestions for you, whether it’s a domain name generator or AI tools like ChatGPT and its alternatives.
7. Do your research on the chosen domain name
Congratulations, you’ve reached your domain name!
Now it’s time to check if it’s truly available and safe to use. Here are three important steps:
1. Ask Google
Search the name on Google to see if there are any existing websites or businesses using it.
This helps you avoid confusion, potential competition, or legal issues. If a brand already uses that name or a very similar one, it might not be the right choice.
2. Check Social Media Platforms
Make sure the name is available across major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, etc.
Consistency across your domain and social profiles strengthens your brand identity and makes it easier for your audience to find you.
3. Do a Trademark Search
Go to USPTO.gov and search the trademark database to check if someone has already registered the name.
If you’re operating internationally, you can also check through WIPO.
This step protects your business from future legal trouble.
8. Check domain privacy and security
Most domain registrars offer built-in security tools, such as WHOIS privacy protection, which hides your personal information from public databases. Instead of showing your real contact details, this feature displays the info of a proxy service, helping you stay private and protected.
It’s also important to choose a domain that includes SSL encryption. SSL secures the connection between your website and your visitors, protecting sensitive data and building trust with your audience.
Some registrars, like Thamara, provide these security features by default to strengthen your website’s protection from day one.
9. Don’t Let Your Domain Slip Away
While some registrars may attract you with low upfront prices, they often charge much higher fees when it’s time to renew. To avoid unexpected costs, always review the renewal terms and understand the pricing structure before committing.
To stay protected:
- Set calendar reminders for your renewal dates so you never risk losing ownership of your domain, a mistake that could harm your business presence.
- Opt for registrars that offer auto-renewal features, ensuring your domain remains active even if you forget the deadline.
Taking a few extra precautions now can save you from major setbacks later.
10. Make sure of the domain name history
If a domain name isn’t renewed, it eventually becomes available for others to purchase, and this can happen to any domain. That’s why it’s crucial to check the history of the domain you want to use.
Make sure the domain
- Hasn’t been previously used for spam or malicious activities.
- It isn’t linked to a bad reputation, which could harm your brand or SEO ranking.
Several tools can help you investigate the domain’s past, such as:
- Wayback Machine: to see how the domain was used before
- WHOIS Lookup: for ownership and activity records
- Spamhaus: to check for spam or blacklisting issues
Taking a few minutes to research can save you from serious problems down the line.
11. Think about the future
Every startup owner dreams of building a brand that lasts for decades, maybe even centuries. That’s why you must think long-term when choosing your domain name. Your domain will either stay in your customers’ minds for years to come or
feel outdated and force you to rebrand, which is a bad scenario for any brand.
And it’s not just about avoiding an old-fashioned name. You also need to consider future growth. For example, if you start with a hair care brand but plan to expand into skincare later, choosing a domain name that only refers to “hair” could limit you and may require a full domain change down the line. Don’t you agree?
12. Don’t take forever to decide
In today’s internet era, good domain names get snatched up fast. Don’t waste valuable time hesitating or overthinking. Once you find the right domain name and confirm its availability, buy it immediately before someone else does.
If you want to check your desired domain’s availability or need help purchasing it, Thamara is here to assist you. Find your perfect domain today.
By now, you’ve probably come up with one or two ideal domain names, haven’t you?
But then comes the unfortunate part: you find out they’re already taken.
So… what should you do next?
That’s exactly what we’ll explore in the next section.
What is your next step if the chosen domain name is not available
Oops! example.com is taken; You’ve probably seen this message, but don’t worry, every problem has a solution.
Here’s Thamara’s advice to help you claim your perfect domain without going back to square one:
1. Check the WHOIS Record
Look up the domain using a WHOIS tool to see when it’s set to expire. If the owner doesn’t renew it, you might have a chance to grab it. Set a reminder!
2. Reach Out to the Current Owner
If you don’t have time to wait until the domain name expires, try contacting the domain owner to ask if they’re willing to sell it. While not always possible, it’s worth a try; some owners are open to negotiation.
3. Try a Different TLD
Your desired domain name might be taken under “.com” but available under “.net,” “.co,” “.store,” or other TLDs. Explore all the options.
4. Get Creative with Variations
Consider:
- Using synonyms of your domain name
- Translating it into another language
- Adding relevant verbs or adjectives
- Trying other industry-related expressions
Final Thoughts:
In the end, I must say that every rule has its exceptions.
Many successful brands have made it without following all the tips mentioned, but they’ve relied on creativity and uniqueness to make their names stick in customers’ minds. And that’s what matters most.
So, with a little flexibility and imagination, you’ll find the perfect fit, and we’re here to help! Your perfect domain name is just a click away. Visit Thamara and grab your domain name now!
