When launching a new business, the importance of selecting the perfect domain name cannot be overstated. Insights from an experienced owner and a strategic CEO shed light on effective strategies to make this crucial decision. The article begins with the essential advice to prioritize simplicity and memorability, and concludes with the critical step of getting feedback before finalizing the choice, encompassing a total of eleven expert insights. Dive into the collective wisdom to navigate the complexities of domain name selection with confidence.
- Prioritize Simplicity and Memorability
- Consider Search Volume and Brandability
- Start With Keywords and Check Availability
- Identify Keywords and Use AI Generators
- Define Brand Identity and Target Audience
- Keep It Short and Easy to Remember
- Think Like Your Audience
- Prioritize Clarity and Searchability
- Follow a Structured Naming Process
- Get Feedback Before Finalizing
- Ensure Clarity and Brand Alignment
Prioritize Simplicity and Memorability
When choosing a domain name, I prioritize simplicity, memorability, and relevance to the business’s core value. First, I brainstorm keywords that reflect the brand’s mission or services, then combine or tweak them until I find something short and catchy. Ideally, it’s something that’s easy to say, spell, and remember—no complicated or obscure words.
Once I have a few solid options, I check domain availability. If the exact .com isn’t available, I look at variations that keep the name clean, like adding “get” or “try” in front of it, or I might consider alternative extensions if they still feel professional.
Finally, I test it out with others to make sure it resonates and is memorable. You don’t want a name that gets forgotten easily, so feedback can be a lifesaver. The right domain is one that’s as easy to type as it is to trust.
Andrew Lee Jenkins, Owner, Andrew Lee Jenkins
Consider Search Volume and Brandability
When I choose a domain name for my business, I consider search volume to maximize market value. I’ve found that high search volume can lead to more organic traffic, “type-in” visitors, and better SEO through matching anchor text. I use keyword-research tools to find relevant, high-volume terms for exact-match or partial-match domains.
However, I always try to balance search volume with brandability. While I believe search volume is important, I don’t let it be the sole factor in my decision.
Victor Hsi, Founder & Community Manager, UGC Creator Agency
Start With Keywords and Check Availability
When choosing a domain name for a new venture, I begin with a list of keywords tied closely to the product or service. I look for words that not only convey the essence of the business but also stick in the mind. Then, I use a domain registrar to check availability. If the perfect name’s taken, I explore similar versions that still sound clear and professional. A .com domain is my top choice for its credibility, but I stay flexible if it suits the brand.
Brandability and SEO are next. The name should have room to grow and adapt with the business. A concise, memorable name makes the right first impression and gives a boost to organic search. By being selective, I aim to create a domain that feels natural to the brand, grows with it, and strengthens its presence in search rankings.
Dhari Alabdulhadi, CTO and Founder, Ubuy Netherlands
Identify Keywords and Use AI Generators
My first step to selecting a brand is to identify keywords that rank in Google related to my business. This approach helps get our brand some ranking benefit, making it easier for customers to find us over time. Once I have the basic research and ideas, I turn to brand-name generators, which use AI to find names and only show available domain names with the extensions we require. Mostly, we prefer .com or .co.uk, where our business is based.
From the suggested names, we only shortlist the ones that are easy to spell and pronounce, ensuring that our future customers have less chance to misspell them and can remember them as well.
Anam Barkan, CEO, HireGO Minibuses
Define Brand Identity and Target Audience
When selecting a domain name, my process starts by defining the brand’s core identity and target audience. I aim for something simple, memorable, and representative of the business’s value. As an SEO specialist and chatbot founder, I know how crucial it is to find a name that resonates with potential users while being keyword-friendly. A clear, concise domain name not only reflects professionalism but also makes it easy for customers to remember and type.
Once I have a shortlist of potential names, I research their availability on both domain registrars and social media platforms to ensure consistency. It’s important that the name be universally available, as consistency builds trust and makes it easier to establish brand recognition. Additionally, I consider variations of the name to secure alternatives, which can prevent competitors from using similar URLs.
After selecting a name, I test it with colleagues or potential users to gather feedback. This step is essential for ensuring that the name resonates well with the target audience. With these steps, the result is a domain name that is not only optimized for SEO but also helps build a recognizable and memorable brand.
Azam Mohamed Nisamdeen, Founder, Convert Chat
Keep It Short and Easy to Remember
When choosing a domain name for a new business, I learned some valuable lessons the hard way. Initially, I went with my full business name as the URL, but I later found out it was way too long and not search-friendly. Plus, people often couldn’t remember if it was singular or plural, so I ended up buying both versions.
We ended up deciding to shorten it to PNWgiftbaskets.com, which was much simpler and aligned better with our brand and niche. So overall, I would recommend keeping it short and easy to remember. Keep with your brand, niche, or part of the name.
Veronica Cockerham, Owner/Founder, Apple Blossom Gift Baskets
Think Like Your Audience
When I choose a domain name, I start by thinking about how I’d explain my business to a friend. It has to be clear and make sense right away. For example, when I was brainstorming for a previous project, I tested ideas by saying them out loud—if it sounded confusing or I had to spell it out, I crossed it off. I also try to keep it short so it’s easy to remember. Once I have a few good options, I’ll double-check that they’re available and not tied to other brands. It’s a simple process, but it always starts with putting myself in the shoes of the person hearing it for the first time.
Dinesh Agarwal, Founder, CEO, RecurPost
Prioritize Clarity and Searchability
When choosing a domain name, I prioritize clarity, relevance, and searchability. For a local SEO agency, it’s key to include keywords related to our services to help potential clients immediately understand what we offer and to improve organic search performance. For example, incorporating terms like “rank” or “SEO” not only strengthens brand identity but can also make it easier for our target audience to find us.
Beyond keywords, I aim for a name that’s easy to remember and type. The shorter, the better, as a clear and concise name helps clients recall it quickly and reduces the chance of mistyping. Availability across social media platforms is another factor; securing a consistent handle reinforces our online presence and makes it easier for clients to connect with us across channels.
Lastly, I do a quick competitor analysis to ensure our domain name stands out and isn’t too close to existing businesses in the industry. This way, we avoid confusion and ensure that our name has a unique presence in local search results.
Ramzy Humsi, Founder & CEO, Vortex Ranker
Follow a Structured Naming Process
When selecting or coming up with a domain name for a new business, I follow a structured process to ensure that the name is both memorable and aligned with the brand’s identity. Here’s the step-by-step approach:
- Define the Brand Identity – Clarify the brand’s values, target audience, and unique selling proposition. This helps in brainstorming domain names that reflect the essence of the business. For example, if the business is tech-focused, incorporating terms that signal innovation or technology may be beneficial.
- Brainstorm Keywords – List relevant keywords related to the business or industry. These can include products, services, or characteristics that describe the brand. Combining or modifying these keywords can help create a unique domain name.
- Keep It Short and Memorable – Aim for a domain name that is easy to spell and remember. Avoid using complex words, hyphens, or numbers, as they can be difficult for users to recall and type correctly.
- Choose the Right Domain Extension – “.com” is the most popular and trusted extension, but considering other options like “.io” for tech startups or “.co” for businesses can work if “.com” is not available. The extension should be aligned with the business’s nature and target audience.
- Check Availability and Avoid Trademarks – Use a domain registration tool (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap) to check if the desired domain is available. Additionally, conduct a trademark search to ensure there are no legal issues with using the chosen name.
- Get Feedback – Share potential domain names with colleagues, friends, or even potential customers to see how they perceive them. Their feedback can help identify any potential confusion or issues with the name.
- Register the Domain – Once the domain name is finalized, register it immediately to prevent others from acquiring it. Consider registering variations to protect the brand (e.g., with different extensions or slight misspellings).
Amrita Dhillon, RCIC-IRB, NNC Immigration Services Inc.
Get Feedback Before Finalizing
Never do it with a glass of wine in your hand. Sleep on it. The domain name you thought was fantastic may not seem like such a good idea the next day with a clear head. Ask your family and friends what they think your potential domain name is selling before you click the “buy now” button. Their opinion is very likely to be the same as your future clients.
Pete Mac, Founder, SEO Consultants London
Ensure Clarity and Brand Alignment
Choosing a domain name for a new business feels like naming a child—it’s a big deal because it sets the tone for your brand. My process always starts with clarity: the domain should reflect what the business does and be easy to remember. I brainstorm names tied to the business’s purpose, its uniqueness, and the emotions it aims to evoke. For example, when helping a startup in eco-friendly products, we focused on keywords like “green,” “sustainable,” and “planet.”
Next, I use tools like Namecheap or GoDaddy’s Domain Search to check availability, experimenting with different extensions (.com is ideal, but .co, .io, or .store can work for niche markets). A trick I’ve used is combining words or using slight tweaks—like adding “get” or “try” before the main keyword (e.g., “GetGreenify.com”) if the exact match is taken. I also ensure the domain is easy to spell and avoids unintentional misreadings.
Before finalizing, I check for trademarks, social media handle availability, and how it looks in lowercase (to avoid accidental words forming). A good domain name should not only resonate with your audience but also align with your brand’s future growth.
Runbo Li, Co-founder & CEO, Magic Hour
