Introduction
In 2025, there are currently over 368 million domain names registered worldwide, with the total number continuing to grow. This makes it quite difficult for newcomers to find the name that they want, especially if they’re looking for a short, relevant, and brandable domain in an already crowded industry.
But choosing the perfect domain needn’t be overwhelming. With the right strategy and understanding of modern domain extensions, it’s possible to secure a name that not only reflects your brand, but helps you to stand out online, giving you the best chance possible of success. All you need to do is follow 7 golden rules.
1. Get A Lay of the Land
Number one, before you do anything, you should conduct a domain name search to see what’s taken and what isn’t. Even if you don’t have a solid idea of what you want your domain name to be yet, have a think and start experimenting with words, phrases, and combinations that relate to your brand or niche. Wix provides a good search tool for this. Not only can you see if a name is already out there, but it’ll also give you smart alternatives to use if your optimal choice isn’t available, helping you to save time and perhaps spark some creativity.
2. Keep it Simple
When you’re thinking of a domain name, the most important thing to do is to keep it short and simple. The reason domain names exist is because they’re easier to remember than the long strings of numbers in web addresses, so if your name is too long or tricky to spell, you’re not really helping the customer experience or living up to the domain’s core purpose.
Just think, it’s not ‘Googlewebbrowswer.com’, it’s just ‘Google.com’. It’s not ‘thefacebook.com’, it’s just ‘facebook.com’. By shedding unnecessary words, extra characters, or complicated spellings, you create a name that’s easier to type, share, and far more likely to stick in someone’s mind.
3. Utilise the Domain Name Search Effectively
Another reason to use a perfect domain name search is because it gives you an idea of available extensions, as well as domain names. On Wix, specifically, you can type in a keyword or phrase, and the tool will not only show you matches, but suggest extensions that you might not have considered yet. This is important, because the extension is going to be a key part of your brand’s identity and how users perceive your website. To give you a few examples:
- .com
This is the most recognised and trusted extension, ideal for businesses and commercial websites.
- .org
This is traditionally used by non-profits, charities, and open-source projects.
- .net
This extension was originally for network-related services, but is now used as a common alternative when the desired ‘.com’ is taken.
- .io
This is popular with startups and software companies.
- .co
This is often used as an alternative to .com, associated with ‘company’ or ‘corporation’.
- .info
This is used for informational sites, such as resources or guides.
- .me
This is often used for personal branding or blogs, giving the domain a unique, personal touch.
4. Think About Branding
You’re trying to find the right name. The right catchy, short, and memorable name – but you’re also trying to be coherent with your branding. Your domain is often the first interaction someone has with your business online, so it should reflect your brand’s tone, values, and personality. How can you do that with a single name? Simple: you’re telling a one-word story. That story might be bold and innovative, playful and creative, or trustworthy and professional. The key is to choose a word – or a short phrase – that instantly communicates something about who you are and what you offer, and feels coherent with the rest of your brand ethos.
5. Check For Trademarks
Just as you’d use a domain name search to check for availability, you should also be checking for trademarks and social media availability before you commit. Even if a domain is available, it could still be legally protected under someone else’s trademark, which could lead to disputes or even force you to give up the name later. When it comes to social media, too, there’s every chance your chosen domain name might be someone else’s handle on Instagram or TikTok. This will prove to be a problem as – like we mentioned before – coherence and consistency are key to making an impact.
6. Avoid Numbers or Hyphens
This might seem like a small point, but it’s important to remember that numbers and symbols can confuse people when spoken. Let’s say, for instance, you want a perfect domain name with the word ‘five’ in it. For some users, that could be ‘5’ rather than ‘five’, although they won’t know this until they try to type it out and, potentially, get taken to the wrong site. The same goes for hyphens: while they might make sense visually, they’re often forgotten when people share a domain verbally. Keep your domain free of numbers, dashes, and other special characters, and by doing so, you’ll make it far less prone to error.
7. Think Long-Term
Lastly, you need to think long-term. If your domain name is free but valuable, consider buying similar domains – with different spellings or extensions – to protect it. This will then prevent competitors or impersonators from capitalising on your brand name, and will help you to maintain your internet space for the foreseeable future.
FAQs
If you need further help in naming your domain, find below some of the most frequently asked questions, as well as the answers you’ll need to make a good decision.
Can I Change My Domain Name Later?
The decision you make now isn’t permanent. With that being said, changing your domain name later might affect your branding and search rankings, so it’s best to choose carefully from the start.
Do Keywords in My Domain Help With SEO?
They can, but branding and memorability are often more important than keyword stuffing. You can save keywords for the website itself, using them consistently throughout your blog.
What if the Best Domain Name is Taken?
Don’t panic! You might think it’s the best domain name now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find another one that is just as good. Consider creative variations or some new extensions, and keep your mind as open as possible.
What’s the Difference Between a Domain Name and Web Hosting?
A domain name is your website’s address – what people type to find you – while hosting is the service that stores your website’s files and makes them accessible online.
How Long Should I Register A Domain For?
Most people start with one year, but registering for multiple years can be a strong sign of commitment and could potentially provide a small SEO advantage. If you’re sure about the name and you’re confident in the future, there’s nothing stopping you from going the extra mile and nailing the perfect domain name down for the long term.
Conclusion
Sometimes, the perfect domain name is the simplest option – the one that’s clear, memorable, and perfectly aligned with your brand. So while it might feel challenging to find the right fit in a crowded marketplace, try to follow the golden rules and answers to those FAQs to narrow your choices and find a name that perfectly defines your personality!
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