When you’re starting your website, choosing the right domain name can feel like picking the perfect name for a baby—it’s exciting but also a little nerve-wracking. It’s one of the first things people notice about your site, so you want to get it right. But don’t stress!
Here are 3 easy tips to help you choose a domain name that’s memorable, meaningful, and works for your goals.
Keep It Short and Sweet
When you’re brainstorming domain names, shorter is usually better. Long, complicated names are harder to remember and more likely to get misspelled. You want something that sticks in people’s minds and rolls off the tongue. Think about websites you visit often—they’re usually short, snappy, and to the point.
For example, if you’re starting a travel blog, something like WanderWay.com is more appealing and memorable than TravelTheWorldWithMeEverywhere.com. Keep it concise, and you’ll make it easier for people to find and revisit your site. Plus, shorter names look cleaner when you share your link on social media or business cards.
Make It Easy to Spell and Say
Speaking of, a great domain name should be easy to spell, easy to pronounce, and impossible to confuse with something else. This isn’t the time to get overly fancy with wordplay or obscure references. If people can’t spell it or say it, they’re more likely to give up searching for it.
Like say you’re starting an online bakery. A name like SweetTreats.com is simple and clear. But something like SwyteTreets.com might seem creative, but it’ll leave people scratching their heads. The goal is to remove any barriers between your audience and your site.
Also, avoid numbers and hyphens if you can. Saying “It’s Sweet-Treats-123-dot-com” over the phone gets frustrating fast.
Make It Meaningful to Your Audience
Your domain name should give people an idea of what your site is about or at least connect to your brand. While creative names are fun, don’t sacrifice clarity for cleverness. If someone sees your domain, they should have a rough idea of what they’ll find there.
For example, if you’re starting a site for fitness tips, a name like FitGoals.com works better than something vague like 123Power.com. It ties into your niche and feels relevant to the audience you’re trying to attract.
That said, don’t box yourself in too tightly. If there’s a chance your blog on yoga might expand to cover all kinds of wellness topics later – from senior fitness to men’s mental health-, choose something broader like ZenJourney.com instead of Yoga101Tips.com. This gives your site room to grow.
Picking the right domain name is a mix of creativity and practicality. Keep it short, simple, and relevant to what you’re offering. Take your time, brainstorm a bit, and you’ll find the perfect fit!