It all starts with a name. A domain is the starting point for your website - something that visitors hear and read even before they reach you.
1. Does it pass the radio test?
If someone heard your domain name on the radio or on a podcast, will they be able to reach your website on the first attempt? An easy-to-type domain name is essential to your online success.
Steer away from slang, words with multiple spellings, or a domain with numbers and hyphens. These increase the risk of typos. Keep it simple to prevent spelling mistakes and confusion.
If you want people to tell their friends about your website and business, make sure your name sounds good and can be pronounced with ease.
Pro Tip: To test the spelling, write down your domain name and ask people to pronounce it. If more than a few fail or struggle - simplify it.
2. Is it authentic and true to your brand?
Your customers will probably hear or see your name before actually getting to your brand. With a descriptive name the listener can immediately imagine what you stand for.
To get some ideas for an authentic name:
- Write down who you are, how you differ from others, and what you want to achieve.
- Think of keywords people would type into Google when searching for your business and industry-related words.
- Think about the feelings you want to be associated with.
Tip: Get inspiration by looking at your ideas in a foreign language. At the same time, be mindful of cultural sensitivities and that names can have different meanings in other countries.
3. Is your domain name available?
Well, you may have a great name but the matching .com domain may be taken. To give it a fair shot consider different domain extensions.
If gretasgarden.com is already taken, why not go with greatsgarden.de? In case your business focuses on the local market, you can also use geographical domains gretasgarden.berlin or gretasgarden.nyc.
4. Is it timeless?
Pick a name that works for all phases of your brand’s lifecycle. Your domain will define your business for years to come.
Your domain name is a decisive first impression of your business and builds credibility among your visitors. Our advice is to ask friends and family for their ideas and opinions. Also, inspiration may hit you when you’re talking to a friend or in the shower :)
Pro Tip: If this seems tough, just follow Don Draper’s advice “Peggy, just think about it deeply. Then forget it. And an idea will… jump up in your face.”
Once you’ve got the perfect name, register it before someone else snaps it away. Good luck!