Your domain name is one of the first decisions you'll make when building your online presence — and it's one of the hardest to change later. Here's how to choose wisely.
Keep It Short and Simple
The best domain names are easy to type, easy to say, and easy to remember. Aim for three words or fewer. If you have to spell it out every time you tell someone, it's too complicated.
Good: brightsideplumbing.com Avoid: bright-side-plumbing-services-llc.com
Use .com When Possible
While there are hundreds of domain extensions available (.io, .co, .biz, .shop), .com is still the most trusted and recognizable. If the .com version of your name is taken, it's usually better to adjust the name than switch to an obscure extension.
Include Your Business Name or Keywords
Ideally, your domain matches your business name. If that's not available, consider including a keyword related to what you do or where you're located.
For example: smithroofingdenver.com tells both visitors and search engines exactly what you do and where.
Avoid Numbers and Hyphens
Numbers and hyphens create confusion. When someone hears "best-4-you-cleaning.com," they won't know whether to type "four" or "4," and they'll probably forget the hyphens. Keep it clean.
Check for Trademark Conflicts
Before you commit, do a quick search to make sure your domain name doesn't infringe on an existing trademark. You don't want legal trouble down the road. A quick search on the USPTO website can save you headaches.
Secure Your Domain Early
Even if you're not ready to build your website yet, register your domain as soon as you've decided on a name. Domains cost as little as $10–$15 per year, and you don't want someone else snagging it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Making it too long — Every extra character is a chance for a typo. - Using slang or trendy spellings — "Kool" instead of "Cool" feels dated fast. - Forgetting to renew — Set your domain to auto-renew. Losing your domain can mean losing your email, your search rankings, and your brand identity. - Not checking how it reads — Some names run together in unfortunate ways. Always read your domain as one continuous string of letters before committing.
Need Help Getting Started?
Choosing a domain is just the first step. If you're ready to build a website that makes a strong impression, let's talk. We'll help you get the domain, the design, and the strategy right from day one.