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How to Choose a Domain Name for Your Business

Your domain will end up on your business cards, your van, your invoices and every email you send. It costs next to nothing to register and it's a pain to change later, so spend ten minutes on it now rather than ten hours on it in two years.

By the ideas2pixels team

4 min read

A website address bar with a magnifying glass, showing how to choose a domain name.

01

The phone test

Imagine saying your domain to someone over the phone. If you'd have to spell it out, add "with a zero, not an O", or explain the hyphen, it's too clever. The best domains are the ones people can type correctly after hearing them once. That usually means short, no hyphens, no numbers, and as close to your actual business name as you can get.

02

.com or something else?

A .com is still what most people type by default, so it's the safest bet. If you only serve customers in one country, a local ending like .ca or .in can look reassuring. The newer endings, such as .studio or .shop, are fine for creative brands, but expect some visitors to type .com and land somewhere else.

03

When the name you wanted is taken

It happens constantly. Add a word that says what you do (a bakery's name plus "bakes", a dentist's plus "dental") or your town if you're a local business. What you shouldn't do is register a name that's one letter off a bigger brand. It confuses customers and can end in a dispute you don't need.

04

Before you buy

Check the name isn't someone else's trademark, and see whether the same name is free on the social platforms you care about. Then make sure the domain is registered in your name, not your web designer's or your nephew's. It's a business asset. You should be able to take it with you if you ever move.

And if you already own a domain, keep it. It can be connected to a new website with a couple of changes.

Common questions

How much does a domain cost?

A .com is usually a modest yearly fee, though prices vary by ending. It's a recurring cost, because you renew it every year or two.

Can I change it later?

You can, but you'll need to update your email, cards and links, and search engines take a while to catch up. Easier to choose well first time.

I have a Facebook page. Do I still need a domain?

Most businesses want both. A domain gives you an address you control and a proper email, and a social page can change its rules or disappear.

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