Recently, we had a client ask us how to select the perfect domain name. We thought, it was a good question and wrote the following to help anyone else looking for the ideal URL for their new or newly revamped website. We hope this will be of some help…
Selecting the best URL:
Selecting the best domain starts with clarity and simplicity. Your domain should be easy to read, easy to spell, and easy to remember—ideally something a person can hear once and type correctly without thinking twice. Shorter is almost always better, and avoiding hyphens, numbers, or quirky spellings will save you from confusion later. If possible, choose a name that clearly hints at what your brand, business, or project is about, so visitors instantly get context before they even land on your site.
Next, think about branding and long-term growth. A great domain isn’t just descriptive—it’s flexible. Picking something too narrow can box you in if your offerings expand, while something too generic can be forgettable. Look for a name that feels distinctive, aligns with your tone (professional, creative, playful, etc.), and stands out from competitors. It’s also smart to do a quick search to make sure your domain doesn’t closely resemble an established brand, which could create legal or credibility issues down the road.
Finally, consider the domain extension and availability across platforms. While .com is still the gold standard for trust and recognition, newer extensions like .io, .co, or .studio can work well if they fit your audience and industry. Ideally, your domain should match your social media handles to keep your online presence consistent. Before locking anything in, say the domain out loud, imagine it on a business card, and picture it five years from now—if it still feels right, you’re probably onto a strong choice.
Focus on optimizing one single domain:
Purchasing multiple domains can create unnecessary cost and complexity without delivering real value, especially for small businesses or individuals just getting started. Managing renewals, security settings, and redirects across many domains increases the risk of accidental expiration or misconfiguration, which can harm your credibility or traffic. Spreading your brand across multiple domains can also dilute recognition and confuse users about which site is the official one. In most cases, focusing on a single, strong domain allows you to concentrate your resources on building quality content, improving visibility, and establishing a clear, trustworthy online presence.
Protect your domain:
You can protect ownership of your website domain by registering it through a reputable domain registrar and keeping all registration details accurate and up to date in your name or business entity. Enable auto-renewal so the domain doesn’t accidentally expire, and use strong account security like unique passwords and two-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized access. It’s also wise to keep proof of purchase, monitor renewal dates, and consider registering your domain for multiple years. Remember that this is a central component to your online brand and should ownership control should remain with you or your business. If your domain is central to your brand, taking these precautions to safeguard the domain name can provide additional legal protection against misuse or disputes.
Final tip:
Want to know how to find out if a domain is available? You don’t need a web developer. Simply visit an domain name registrar like godaddy or network solutions and type your favorites into the search bar.
