It’s a pretty big deal, choosing a new domain name. If your website is successful, that name you’ve selected might be with you for years — perhaps even decades. Choosing the wrong name could hurt your chances of success before you’ve even got started.

With many of the best domain names already taken, you may not be able to grab your dream domain name. This guide will help you choose a domain name that works for you. By the end of it, you should have a good idea of how to find a name that aligns with your vision.

 

1. Keep it short and easy to spell

Short domains are easier to remember and quicker to type. If your domain is longer than about 12 characters (including the extension), people are less likely to remember it after their first visit.

Avoid unusual spellings—they can confuse people. For example, a baking blogger might think “thebreadryeter.com” is clever, but anyone hearing it could easily end up on “thebreadwriter.com.” If a domain could be mistaken for something else, it’s probably best to pick another.

 

2. Find the right extension for your domain

What’s a domain extension? It’s the .com in example.com, the .co.uk in example.co.uk, and the .london in example .london.

There are loads of domain extensions to choose from. Some are general, like .com, some are business-oriented like, .ltd and .biz domain extensions, some are location-specific, like .co.uk or .in, and some are industry-specific, like .coffee or .ai. Alternatively, some location-specific options can offer a general name that any self starter or business can benefit from, like .co domain extensions.

As .com has been around so long and is so popular, you might struggle to find your ideal domain on a .com extension. Because of that, you may need to be flexible about your domain or your extension, or even both.

See more in our guide: What is a Top-Level Domain (TLD)?

 

3. Pick a domain name that’s brandable

These days, a domain that’s brandable is often better than one stuffed with keywords. Think Amazon.com—it used to be just a river, now it’s a huge brand. If you’re unsure how to brand your domain, this guide is a good place to start.

 

4. The right keywords can help

Keyword-focused domains aren’t the SEO magic they once were, but a keyword can still help people understand what you do. For instance, a plumber could benefit from having “plumber” or “plumbing” in their domain.

 

5. Avoid needless hyphens and numbers

Okay, yes. 123-reg.co.uk breaks both those rules, but… While some domains break this rule, in general, numbers can cause confusion (is it example8.com or exampleeight.com?), and hyphens are an extra thing for people to remember. If someone types your domain without a hyphen, they could get an error message or end up on a completely different website.

 

6. Include a location (or go global)

Adding a location to your domain can help people know where your business is based. Combining this with a keyword works well too — like oxfordplumber.com, for example. It makes your website feel local and relevant to customers in your area.

Another way to signal your location is through country code top-level domains (ccTLDs), like .co.uk for the UK or .fr for France. A ccTLD shows visitors where your business operates and can also help with local search visibility.

Of course, if you’re aiming for a global audience, you can stick with .com, .net, or another extension that works anywhere in the world.

 

7. Don’t use someone else’s trademark

If your perfect domain name includes someone else’s trademark, you could face legal issues. You may have to rebrand your website after launch, which can be costly and time-consuming. It makes sense to check that you won’t be infringing anyone else’s intellectual property before you buy. You can search a global brand database and a UK trademark database.  

Note: Intellectual property laws are tricky. If you’re unsure, get professional advice.

See also: Domain Names and Trademarks: A Guide for Your Online Brand 

 

8. Use a domain generator for ideas

Finding the right domain name can be tough, so use a domain generator to help get you inspired. A good domain generator should provide you with suggestions based on varying extensions and synonyms.

For example, if you search for a domain name with 123 Reg you get a whole host of alternative examples. In the below example, we’ve searched for bigdogs.com (which is taken) and the screenshot shows just some of the alternatives suggested.

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9. Check availability early

Once you know what domain name you want to buy, search for it using a domain name registrar like 123 Reg and see if it’s available. If it isn’t, you’ll need to try something else. It’s a good idea to make a list of options before you start searching.

See also: Names That Click — How to Choose the Right Domain Name

 

10. Register your domain right away

Once you’ve found a domain name you like and is available, register it as soon as you can. If you delay, you run the risk of losing your domain to someone else. If it’s available, you can buy your domain name with 123 Reg now.

 

11. Protect your domain

Domains are valuable. Protection services keep your domain safe from hackers and prevent unsanctioned changes. Full Domain Protection adds two-factor approval for important changes, and Ultimate Domain Protection gives extra hold in case of payment issues.

Domain privacy also keeps your personal info hidden in WHOIS records. Our Domain Privacy + Protection package handles this for you.

 

12. Check social media handles

Your domain isn’t the only thing people will see. Ideally, your social handles match your domain. While checking availability, see if your preferred handles are free too.

 

13. Protect your brand with multiple domains 

Even after securing the perfect .com, consider other TLD variations and common misspellings. Redirect them to your main site to avoid losing traffic from user mistakes. The same goes for social media handles—grab them now to prevent someone else taking them.

 

Wrap up

Choosing a good domain name takes planning and the willingness to compromise. Remember, the domain you choose doesn’t have to be perfect; it just needs to be suitable for your needs. 

You can search for and register a domain here, and then explore our UK web hosting plans. Once you’ve picked a domain name, take a look at this guide to help you get your business online.