Finding the Perfect Domain for Your Website

 

When starting a website, one of the most important early decisions you need to make is what domain name to register. Your domain is your address on the web – it’s what people will type in to access your site. A good domain name can make your site more memorable, build brand recognition, and look more professional. 

 

So how do you go about finding that perfect domain name for your website? With so many sites competing for good domains, it can seem like an impossible task. But follow this guide and you’ll be able to brainstorm, research and register the ideal domain name for your online presence.

Start by Brainstorming Ideas 

 

The first step is coming up with a list of potential domain names. You’ll want to have a decent selection to choose from later on when researching availability.

When brainstorming, leverage these strategies to generate domain ideas:

• Choose a Brand Name for Your Domain 
• Use relevant keywords and phrases 
• Try variations like adding “my”, “the”, or abbreviations
• Get creative with compound words or clever puns
• Add location names if you offer local services

 

Ideally the domains should give site visitors an idea of what you offer or what you’re about. Having keywords in the name can also help with SEO down the road.  

 

Aim to brainstorm 10-20 potential names at this initial stage. Avoid judging or limiting yourself at this phase – you want as wide a selection as possible. Write down all ideas for consideration.

Research Domain Availability

 

Next, you’ll want to see if the domains you brainstormed are actually available for registration. There are over 300 million registered domains, so chances are many of your ideal names are taken.  

 

Start by researching domains individually through registry sites like GoDaddy or Namecheap. You simply enter the domain name and they’ll instantly check availability. 

 

If the first few you research aren’t available as .com domains, try alternate extensions like .net or .org. Sometimes you can acquire domains even if the .com is taken.

 

You can also utilize domain recommendation tools that automate availability checks. Just enter keyword phrases and these tools will assess hundreds of combinations, filtering out unavailable names. This method casts a wider net for finding viable domains.

Evaluate the Available Options

 

With the list of available domains in hand, now compare your favorites side by side. Assess them based on these criteria:  

 

• Brand alignment: Does it match your company name or convey what you do?
• Memorability: Is it easy and catchy enough to remember? Shorter is better.  
• Spellability: Can people guess the spelling when hearing it aloud?
• Scalability: Does it allow growth into other brand extensions?
• SEO value: Do relevant keywords appear in the domain?

 

Also double check there are no trademark conflicts or other legal concerns over intellectual property rights.  

 

Prioritize names that fit your brand identity and products or services. The domain will make a first impression on visitors, so pick something aligned with your positioning.  

 

For example, if you run an eco-friendly cleaning products shop called “CleanScene”, domains like CleanSceneSupplies.com or MyCleanScene.com would match nicely.

Secure the Best Domain 

 

With your top domain options ranked, it’s time to register your favorite pick. When registering:

 

• Stick to reputable registrars like GoDaddy, Google Domains or Namecheap 
• Opt for 1-2 year registration terms initially in case you want to switch later
• Configure domain privacy and protection to hide your info  
• Create a professional email with your domain to build credibility  

 

A few extra dollars spent here goes a long way in projecting legitimacy and brand image.

 

Once purchased, remember to link your domain to your hosting account and setup the name servers needed to connect the dots. This enables visitors to your domain to actually reach your site.

Consider Alternate Domain Extensions

 

Although .com domains remain ideal, they are harder to acquire nowadays. In many instances, alternatives like .net, .org or regional extensions like .co or .io work perfectly fine.

 

Some startups even strategically utilize multiple domains pointing to the same site. For example, a cloud storage company could own both CloudStorage.net (for SEO value) and BoxHub.io (for branding) showing the same site content. 

 

Just secure the permissions before forwarding domains you don’t own to avoid legal issues down the road. 

Revisiting Your Domain Selection 

 

One benefit of registering domains for short 1-2 year terms initially is you can change your website address later if needed. Many major sites actually launched under different domain names.

 

As your business evolves, you may find your original domain no longer fits your positioning or direction. At renewal time, consider whether alternatives now make more sense long-term.  

 

Just be aware changing domains will impact SEO, email addresses and brand consistency. Have a migration plan to smoothly guide customers and search traffic to the updated domain.

Creative Domain Hacks and Ideas

 

Beyond straight .com purchases, savvy entrepreneurs utilize other techniques to secure memorable domains:

 

• Find viable domains hiding in longer dot phrase extensions e.g. best.pizza 
• Short misspelled domains can be more available (and brandable) e.g. Fliq.com
• Generic single dictionary word domains can be molded to many uses e.g. OrderLab.com 
• High-value expired domains have existing authority if content fits e.g. BlogMaster.com

 

Domainers also snap up high-potential generic names during drop cycles and then relist at higher values. While this domain investing can pay off, valuations are highly speculative. 

 

Proceed with caution before spending big money to buy second-hand domains. The premium will only make sense if it’s a perfect match for your brand.

Keep Your Eyes on Expiring Domains

 

With over 5 million domains set to expire annually, there are always gems suddenly becoming available. Domains generally expire when owners forget to renew them.

 

Sign up at expiry registrars like Expireddomains.net to stay on top of newly-dropped domains in your niche. Be ready to scoop up any names perfectly suited to your site if they become available. 

 

You can set up alerts for wishlist domains or even “backorder” names you want, though there’s no guarantee you’ll win in the auction process when it expires.

 

By regularly checking listings of newly-deleted domains, you may uncover the perfect domain for your website the second time around.  

 

Choosing that right domain lays the foundation for establishing your brand’s home on the web. While finding one perfect name can be a challenge, following this guide will set you on the path to domain success.