Your website domain name is like the signpost for your online space. It’s what people type in to find you on the internet.
Finding a good domain name for a new website is growing more complex and complicated as time goes on, but as the saying goes, if you look at things from a different angle, there’s no shortage of possibilities.
You don’t need a better domain name to stand out from the competition. All you need is a different name.
When creating a website, choosing a domain name is crucial since it not only represents your business to the public but also helps you rank higher in search engine results.
So here I’ll share a few tips with you to assist you in selecting an appropriate domain name, as well as to help you develop your website.
Top 10 Characteristics of a Good Website Domain Name
1. It is Better to Have Shorter Domain Names
Short domain names are a sign of quality. According to the rules, a legal domain name can have up to 63 characters (excluding the domain extension, such as .com, .org, or .net).
However, you want to be as visible as possible to your clientele. Shorter names make it easier to type, remember, and share your name with others.
According to a Gaebler study on domain name length, the average domain length for the top 10,000 most popular websites is only 8 characters.
All domain names with fewer than six characters are either unavailable or prohibitively expensive. Prioritize the shortest, most accessible, and least costly name you can choose.
Try to reduce your domain name to a maximum of 20 characters. Even better, keep your domain name to three words or less.
Although brevity is an essential factor, it is not the sole one. To choose the best selection, balance the length of the name against other factors.
2. Simple to Keep in Mind
Somewhat more significant than “mbnrew.com” can seem like “mobilerev.com,” but it’s easier to remember. If a domain is difficult to remember, a short one is useless.
Another example is the preference for “businesstime.com” over “theworldbusinesstimes.com” when narrowing your knowledge.
The latter is not only dull and time-consuming, but it is also challenging to recall. If a visitor gets one letter wrong, they will be redirected to a whole new website, and they will then give preference to any other portal above yours.
3. Domain names need to be Simple to Spell and Pronounce
A memorable domain name is easy to spell, pronounce, and share. Making it easy for people to find your website is your main objective.
Avoid using unusual or difficult spellings. Avoid spellings like “carz” instead of “cars,” which substitute a “s” with a “z.”
Similarly, don’t use “xtreme” instead of “extreme” when replacing an “ex” with a “x.” Because of these poor spelling choices, people may have difficulty recalling or typing your company name correctly.
You should avoid using words like “u” for “you” and “4” for “for” in your domain name, which are slang terms for you or your target demographic.
Similarly, be aware of terms having many spellings (e.g., sweet/suite, for/four, there/their, where/wear, and so on). Also, unless your abbreviations are simply understood and integral to your brand, avoid using them.
When a domain name is misunderstood, another possible spelling hazard arises. “AmigoneFuneralHome.com,” for example, can be read as “AmIGoneFuneralHome.com” or “OldMansHaven.com,” which can be read as “OldManShaven.com.”
To avoid this blunder, check your name for alternative word combinations hidden inside it.
4. Use Keywords
It’s far easier for visitors to guess your website’s content if your keyword includes the term for which your entire site is a blog. It’s a win-win situation because it benefits both visitors and search engines.
If I offered business solutions, my domain name would be something like “businesshelp.com” or “abcbusiness.com,” where “ABC” is the abbreviated name of the company. This method is often used on gadgets and automotive review websites.
5. Make Use of the Relevant Extension
The .com extension is the most reliable option for businesses. Buy other extensions like .net, .org, or .guru and redirect them to your .com site. Avoid extensions like .biz, .info, and .review, as they are often associated with spam.
There are other viable options besides .com, and your search results will show you a range of extensions to consider when looking for available domain names.
Using these extensions is easy if you use strong search engine optimization (SEO) strategies and provide relevant content.
The top-level domain name (ccTLD) in the United Kingdom is.co.uk. Select the.ca country-code top-level domain for Canada.
Use the Mx extension if you’re targeting Mexican customers. Review a list of country codes to find your country’s ccTLD. Search engine geotargeting may help your site rank higher if you use a ccTLD for your primary market.
Another choice is to use a domain that is specific to your industry. Top-level domains (TLDs) are reserved for special purposes, such as government, military, and educational institutions (EDUs).
However, specialized domain extensions distinguish some businesses, such as film and movies. Regarding technological sites, the tech top-level domain gives visitors the impression that the site is authoritative.
6. Is it Okay to Use Hyphens?
When their preferred domain name is unavailable, people frequently turn to hyphenated domain names to fill in the gap.
This is a logical approach, although it has become less prevalent recently. Even though hyphenated domain names appear to be concentrated and easy to recall, they do not generate the same level of curiosity as single-word domain names.
A similar variant with an extra “s” can be requested at the liking if your first pick isn’t available. Because the domain name “house.com” is already used, I’d use “houses.com” or “housez.com” instead of another hyphenated name.
7. Stay Away from Dumb Spelling Errors
The other day, I came upon the URL “expertsexchange.com,” which I thought was about “experts exchange,” but I was absolutely mistaken. A hyphen was then added to the domain name to fix the problems.
You must take precautions to avoid falling into another pit that resembles it.
8. Make them Capable of Representing a Brand
The words “Orkut,” “Omegle,” and “ibibo” have no definition in a dictionary, yet they are well-known online.
These names demonstrate how a creative name can appeal to the visitors’ interests and aid in the creation of a brand’s identity.
9. Magic Number is Useless Here
The use of numerals in domain names is rarely a wise decision. Any time you mention “abc2d.com” in response to someone asking about your website, they’re going to think you meant “abctod.com,” “abctwod.com,” or just “abc2d.com”.
Ultimately, you would be the loser if you tried to visit all three domains simultaneously.
10. Check for Trademark and Copyright Issues
So, you’ve managed to secure an available and affordable short, memorable, on-brand domain name.
Verify a potential site name’s trademark and copyright status before committing to it. A fast look can swiftly filter out a potential candidate’s name.
Go to the website of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and search the trademark database, then go to the website of the U.S. Copyright Office and search the copyright database.
Before you spend a lot of time and money on your domain name, brand, and website, speak with an attorney about any names that are still on your list to be sure they aren’t subject to intellectual property difficulties.
Consider registering your domain name as a trademark once you decide. This will prevent people from using your name without your permission.
FAQs
🤔 What is a domain name, and why is it important for my website?
A domain name is like your website's address. It's important because it's how people find and remember your site.
đź“Ź Is it better to choose a short or long domain name?
Short domain names are usually easier to remember and type, but longer ones can work if they're clear and relevant.
🔍 Should I include keywords in my domain name for SEO purposes?
Including relevant keywords can help with SEO, but it's not the only factor to consider.
đź’Ľ Is it essential to choose a domain name that matches my business name exactly?
While it's a good idea, variations can work as long as they're related to your brand.
♻️ Can I change my domain name later if needed?
Yes, you can change it, but it can affect your website's SEO and branding, so choose wisely from the start.
Quick Links
- How to Register Domain With Host Armada?
- Buy Web Hosting With A Free Domain Name For Your WordPress Blog
- How To Register a Domain Name For Your Business: Do’s and Don’ts
- How to Pick A Great Domain Name For Your Blog: Detailed Guide
Final Thoughts | Top Characteristics of a Good Website Domain Name In 2024
If you follow the advice in this article, you should be able to get the domain name of your dreams. But just as there is no limit to new ideas and creativity, there is no limit to the diverse thoughts that can be had.
Good programmers, designers, and writers don’t accomplish anything particularly unique, but they do the same thing in a distinctive way.
An area where you can focus on your creativity is essential. Don’t forget to record the thoughts that cross your head throughout the day.
Many ideas come to the human mind each day, only last for a few seconds before they disappear into the darkness.
