Choosing the perfect domain name is crucial for establishing your online presence. Whether you’re starting a business or personal website, your domain name is more than just a web address — it represents your brand, helps with SEO, and can influence how people perceive you online. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential tips for picking a domain name that works for you.
Our tips on how to choose a new domain name
1. Brainstorming Different Domain Names
One of the most exciting steps in choosing a domain name is brainstorming creative ideas. Start by writing down keywords related to your business or website. Think about the services you offer, the values you want to convey, or the feelings you want your brand to evoke. For example, if you’re starting a coffee business, terms like “brew,” “beans,” “roast,” or “cafe” could be a good starting point.
Tips for Brainstorming:
- Combine Words: Try combining two relevant words to create something unique. For instance, blending “coffee” and “flavour” could give you “BrewFlavours” or “JavaTaste.”
- Use Synonyms: Look up synonyms or related words to generate different ideas. For example, instead of “shop,” you could use “market” or “emporium.”
- Think About Long-Term: Consider names that can evolve with your business. If you’re starting small but plan to grow, use a name that won’t box you into a specific niche.
- Get Feedback: Ask friends, family, or colleagues for their opinion. An outsider’s perspective can sometimes lead to creative ideas or highlight issues you hadn’t considered.
- Use Online Tools: Domain name generators are useful for sparking inspiration. Enter a keyword, and they’ll suggest different available combinations to register.
Brainstorming is a fun and creative process that can lead you to a name representing your brand. Once you’ve narrowed it down, check for availability and ensure it aligns with your brand’s identity.
2. Keep it simple and memorable
When selecting a domain name, simplicity is key. A short, easy-to-remember domain helps your audience find you quickly and prevents misspellings. Think about the top websites you visit daily — most of them have straightforward, easy-to-spell names. Avoid using hyphens, numbers, or special characters, as these can confuse users and make it harder to share your website verbally. For example, if you tell someone your website is “example-123.com,” there’s a higher chance they might misinterpret it or forget it.
Tip: Use words or phrases that people will easily associate with your brand or industry, making them memorable and easy to spell.
3. Choose the right domain extension
One of the key decisions you’ll make is picking the right domain extension (the “.com” or “.com.au” at the end of your domain). If you’re targeting an international audience, a .com domain is a great choice, as it’s globally recognised. However, for Australian businesses, using .com.au is a smart move. It adds local credibility and trust, signalling to users that you’re based in Australia.
If you’re unsure which extension is best for you, check out our post on .com vs. .com.au to learn more about the pros and cons of each.
4. Pick a brandable domain name
Your domain name should reflect your brand. This might mean using your business name directly or creating something unique that captures your identity. Consider how big brands have names that instantly stand out, are easy to remember, and tie directly to their products or services. Make sure the domain name you choose can grow with your brand — something flexible enough to fit your business now and in the future.
5. Keywords in your domain name (But don’t overdo it)
Using relevant keywords in your domain name can help with search engine optimisation (SEO), making it easier for people to find you. For example, if you run a plumbing business in Sydney, a domain like “sydneyplumbing.com.au” could improve your chances of showing up in local search results. However, don’t go overboard with keywords or use complicated combinations just to rank higher in search results. A name like “bestsydneylocalplumbingservice.com.au” might help SEO slightly, but it will likely hurt your branding and memorability.
6. Check availability and trademarks
Before you fall in love with a domain name, make sure it’s available. You can easily check domain name availability through our website. If your desired domain is taken, you might consider alternative names or different domain extensions.
Additionally, make sure another business doesn’t already trademark the domain name. This will help you avoid potential legal issues down the road. A quick search through Australia’s IP database can save you trouble later.
7. Check for Social Media Availability
Once you’ve found a domain name you love, ensuring consistency across all platforms is important. Check if your chosen name (or a close variation) is available on major social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Having the same name on your website and social profiles helps build brand recognition and trust, making it easier for people to find and follow you online.
Why it Matters:
- Brand Consistency: Using the same name across your website and social channels strengthens your brand identity.
- Improves Searchability: It makes it easier for people to find your business on different platforms.
- Avoid Confusion: Inconsistent names on different platforms can confuse potential customers.
8. Think Locally for Australian Websites
Consider incorporating location-based keywords in your domain name if you’re targeting local Australian customers. For instance, adding your city or region (like “Melbourne,” “Sydney,” or “Perth”) can help boost local search rankings and make it clear that your business is geographically relevant to potential customers.
For example, if you’re running a cafe in Melbourne, “MelbourneCoffee.com.au” or “BestCoffeeMelbourne.com.au” would signal to visitors and search engines that you’re a local business.
9. Consider Future-Proofing your domain
While you might start with a single product or service, always consider your future growth. Avoid overly specific domain names that could limit you later. For example, if you start with the name “SydneyPlumbingPipes.com.au” but later expand your services to heating and drainage, your domain might feel too narrow.
Additionally, consider buying multiple domain extensions (like “.com” and “.com.au”) to protect your brand and prevent others from using a similar domain name.
10. Make Sure It’s Easy to Say and Type
You’ll want a domain that’s easy to say aloud and type into a browser. If people frequently mishear or misspell your domain, they’ll have difficulty finding your site. For example, a domain like “YourBusiness.com.au” is straightforward, whereas something like “UrbizNess-123.com.au” might confuse people when they visit your site.
Register your domain name
Once you’ve decided on a domain name, it’s time to register it. You can easily register your domain through trusted domain registration services. Be sure to register your domain for at least a year, though many businesses choose to lock in their domain for longer periods to avoid lapses.
If you’re ready to register your domain, visit our domain registration page to get started.
