What’s a Domain Name: Tips for choosing your website’s URL
What’s so important about a domain name? When it comes to your website – everything!
Choosing a domain name isn’t just picking an address for your website—it’s securing the real estate to build your online business kingdom! It’s the digital “hello” that can make or break first impressions, set the tone for your brand, and even impact your search rankings.
But finding the right one? That can feel like naming a pet - fun at first, then suddenly overwhelming when nothing feels right. Will it be too long to remember? Does it scream “you”? Is it available, or did someone just beat you to it? (Cue sad-dramatic music!).
Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about domain names: what they are, why they matter, and how to pick one that’s as unforgettable as your brand. Let’s snag that perfect web address and get your website off to a strong start.
What is a Domain name?
In our best Julie Andrews impression… 🎶 Let’s start at the very beginning 🎶- for those who might not know what a domain name even is. Often called by many names, such as URL, web address or simply your ‘website’, it can be easy for business owners who haven’t yet dived into the realm of website building to get confused.
Simply put, a domain name is your website's address on the internet—what users type into their browser to find your site. For example, in "www.Example.com," "example.com" is the domain name.
Why are domain names important?
Domain names are essential for establishing your online identity. They not only make your site accessible but also act as a vital branding tool. Your domain name is often the first impression potential visitors have of your brand. A professional and memorable domain name can build trust, enhance credibility, and make your site easier to find and share.
Choosing the best Domain Name for your brand
Think of your domain name as your brand's welcome mat—clear, catchy, and setting the tone for what’s inside the doors of your online business’ digital presence – your website. But let’s be real: finding the perfect one can feel like chasing a rainbow. You’ve FINALLY nailed your brand name and landed on one you love, only to go to purchase your domain name and discover the domain’s been snatched. (Rude, right?).
Whilst we’ll always advocate for owning the domain name for your business (e.g. YourBusinessName.com), and using a domain name availability checker before you go ahead and brand your business, if that’s just not possible, don’t panic. All is not lost.
This is your chance to flex those creative muscles! Instead of sticking strictly to your business name, consider what your brand stands for. For example, a Pilates studio might go with something like "InnerPeacePilates.com", focusing on its mission and values while still being clear, catchy and straight to the point.
A dazzling domain isn’t just catchy—it’s strategic. Short, memorable, and relevant domain names stick in your customers' minds, making them more likely to remember to visit and easily re-tell to their friends. Translation? More traffic, repeat visitors, and free word-of-mouth marketing. Boom.
Tips for Choosing Domain Names:
Ideally, you’ll first and foremost want to have your “YourBusinessName.com”, but if your ideal domain is unavailable, these tips apply to selecting both business domain names and ‘cute or vanity’ domain names.
Simplicity: Avoiding complex words and spellings
Avoid tricky spellings, hyphens, or numbers that can confuse users. Let’s be honest—nobody’s got time to type out longwinded or complicated domains such as “365fitness-for-all.com” without tripping over the hyphens or forgetting which numbers go where. Overcomplicating your domain with hyphens, numbers, or weird spellings is like giving someone directions with way too many turns—confusing, frustrating, and a fast track to nowhere. A clean, straightforward domain is simple to remember and saves your audience from a guessing game (or worse, giving up entirely).
KEY TAKEAWAY: Keep your domain snappy, sleek, and typo-proof.
Once you’ve got a short list of possible names, say them aloud. If you’ve got to explain any part of the domain name, for example, having to say the word ‘hyphen’ or ‘the number 4, not f-o-r, or f-o-u-r’, then you’re already confusing things for your customer. Remember, your domain name is the first experience and interaction someone has with your website; you want that to be a good experience and not begin with customer confusion.Checking Domain Name availability
Once you’ve decided on some potential domain names, it’s time to check if they’re available.
How to check if a Domain Name is available:
You can check domain availability using registrars like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Australian providers like Crazy Domains. Many tools also show similar available alternatives.
What to do if your preferred Domain is takenIf your ideal name is unavailable, consider:
Slight variations, like adding a word that reflects your location or brand mission and values (".com").Trying a different TLD (.net or .org. online).
Use a domain generator tool and see what variations might be available. Lean Domain Generator is a great places to begin for inspiration.
Contacting the current owner to negotiate a purchase.
Uniqueness: Standing out in a crowded market
Ensure your domain name is distinctive to avoid being overshadowed by competitors. Use a name that resonates with your audience and aligns with your brand's tone.Length: Why shorter is better
Relevant, short and catchy domain names that customers can remember and share help increase traffic, repeat visitors, and word-of-mouth promotion. For example, "LipsLaserSkin.com" is more user-friendly than "AdvanceFacialsAndCosmeticInjectables.com." Shorter domain names are easier to remember, type, and display on marketing materials. Try to keep it to no more than three words, as people find it more challenging to remember things accurately when things are in groups larger than three.Using Keywords in Your Domain Name
Including relevant keywords in your domain name can boost your site's search engine rankings. For example, names like "GoldCoastPilates.com" or "StrongerCoreNow.com" include keywords that align with what users might type into a search bar.
That said, don’t let keywords overshadow your brand’s personality. A blend of creativity and strategic keywords—like "StrengthenItPilates.com"—keeps your domain unique while still being SEO-friendly. It’s all about finding that sweet spot for your domain name ideas between standing out and being searchable!The role of social media in Domain Name selection
Consistency isn’t just cute; it’s crucial for your brand. Imagine the chaos if your website is “healthyhabits.com,” but your Insta handle is “@SuperYummyTreats”—confusion, much? Save yourself headaches and heartaches using tools like NameCheck.com to determine the domain and social availability in one go. It’s like speed dating for your brand identity—quick, efficient, and worth it.
Should you get the .com or .com.au or .au?
Now that you’ve chosen your memorable and brand-building domain name, it’s time for the next crucial decision – whether you purchase the .com or go with your country's equivalent of .com.au (or even the newly available .au).
This end part of your domain name is called the TLD – not to be confused with TLDR (too long didn’t read!). So what are TLD’s and which one is right for your business.
Understanding Domain Extensions (TLDs)
TLD stands for top-level domain, but the most straightforward answer is the domain name endings or the part of the domain name that comes after the last dot, such as .com, .net, or .org. Each serves different purposes—.com is the most common and versatile, while nonprofits typically use .org.
How to choose the best TLD for your website
For most businesses, .com is the safest choice due to its familiarity. However, niche or country-specific TLDs, like .shop or .au, can be valuable depending on your target audience.
A .com.au domain helps establish local credibility and improve regional SEO if your business operates primarily in Australia.
Our take? If the .com is available, you should definitely grab it, along with your relevant country’s TLD. Why? Your website address is one of your brand’s most important assets – you wouldn’t let a competitor setup a stall in front of your storefront, so don’t let someone build their site on a similar domain.
Grabbing multiple extensions—like .com, .com.au .net, .online. and .org—helps keep copycats at bay and ensures your brand stays yours.
Landing Page & Sales Page Domains
If you’re launching a signature course or sub-brand, consider purchasing the domain name specific to that offer. For example, we own TheCopyWritingMethod.com, TheWebsiteMethod.com and SalonMarketingTemplates.com – all sub-brands of our business, The Brand Method. These url’s are called ‘vanity URL’s’ and can be linked and redirected to a single page on your existing website.
Should You Buy a Pre-Owned Domain?
You’ve decided on your brand name, and completed the availability check, only to find it’s for sale. What does this mean? It means that someone has already bought the domain name previously and it’s now available for purchase.
Pros and Cons of buying a previously owned Domain name
Pros:
Pre-owned domains may have established traffic or SEO value. However, this is only valuable if it aligns with your intended audience and the type of traffic you are after.
They often include premium, short, or keyword-rich names.
You get exactly what you want, and the domain’s value will likely increase.
Cons:
They can be expensive.
Their history may include penalties or unwanted associations.
There are risks to purchasing pre-owned domains from certain providers - always use a reputable reseller.
If you’re shopping for a pre-owned domain, don’t just swipe right on the first one that catches your eye! Stick to reputable marketplaces like GoDaddy.com , and always do your homework. When digging into a domain's history, tools like Google’s Safe Browsing Tool are your friends, giving you the inside scoop on the quality of your potential domain name purchase.
There are plenty of shady characters out there who’ll slide into your inbox with “too-good-to-be-true” offers. Sure, it sounds like the perfect match for your business, but if you don’t do your due diligence, you could be giving your hard-earned cash away and get nothing in return. Protect your wallet, and don’t let a dodgy domain name hustle you!
The Importance of Trademark Considerations and Infringement
Before locking in your dream domain, do some detective work to avoid stepping on anyone’s toes—or worse, getting slapped with a lawsuit. Tools like IP Australia’s search database are your go-to for spotting potential trademark conflicts.
Securing a Trademark for Your Domain
If your domain is the crown jewel of your brand, why not go the extra mile and trademark it? It’s like putting a “hands off” sign on your intellectual property—because your brand deserves that level of boss-level protection.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Failing to research competitors’ Domains
Think you’ve struck gold with your domain name? Hold up! If it sounds too much like your competitor's, you’re asking for a headache—think confused customers, embarrassing mix-ups, or even possible legal problems. Trust us; your brand deserves to shine, not play "Spot the Difference" with someone else. Do your homework and make it uniquely yours.
Ignoring future growth plans
Picture this: today, you're the darling of the Gold Coast with "GoldCoastPilates.com," but tomorrow, you’re ready to conquer the nation. Oops—your domain is now cramping your style! If you’re thinking you’ll possibly grow big from the get-go, choose a name that can grow with you, so when you're ready to expand nationally—or globally—you won’t have to leave your brand identity behind, or pivot, and risk losing or confusing people.
Not purchasing Domain Name Privacy Protection.
Ever heard of WHOIS privacy? It’s like an unlisted number for your online presence. Without it, anyone with internet access can snoop on your personal details from public databases. Creepy, right? Protect yourself from spammers, scammers, and stalkers by using domain privacy protection. Think of it as locking the blinds on your digital house—because not everyone needs to know your business.
Domain Name Renewal and Management
Why Domain Name renewal is crucial
Letting your domain expire is like leaving your front door open—someone else could swoop in, take it, and either steal your traffic or make you pay through the nose to get it back. Avoid the drama by enabling “auto-renew” with your domain provider, ensuring no lapse in domain ownership, or risk of losing your precious online real estate. Most providers will even give you a heads-up if your payment method needs updating, so keep those contact details current to dodge any hiccups. A little proactive management goes a long way in keeping your domain—and your sanity—secure.
Choosing the perfect domain name takes thought and strategy. Keep it simple, memorable, and relevant to your brand. Always check domain availability, consider trademark issues and likeness with competitors, and prioritise long-term goals. With these tips, you’re well-equipped to master the art of domain name selection! If you’d like help branding your business, schedule a Free 15-minute Brand Discovery Call today.
