How to Choose the Perfect Domain Name
Your domain name is your online identity. It affects how people find you, remember you and perceive your brand. Here is what makes a great domain and how to pick one.
What Makes a Good Domain Name
- Short - Under 15 characters is ideal. Every extra character increases typos and reduces memorability.
- Easy to spell - If you have to spell it out every time you say it aloud, it is too complicated.
- No hyphens or numbers - People forget them. "best-deals-4-u.com" is a nightmare.
- Brandable - Made-up words (Google, Spotify) are more memorable than descriptive phrases.
- Easy to say - The "radio test": can someone hear it and type it correctly first time?
TLD Comparison
The TLD (top-level domain) is the bit after the dot. Here is how they compare:
| TLD | Best For | Typical Cost/Year |
|---|---|---|
| .com | Global businesses, default choice | 8 - 15 |
| .co.uk | UK-focused businesses | 5 - 10 |
| .io | Tech startups, SaaS products | 30 - 50 |
| .dev | Developer tools and portfolios | 10 - 15 |
| .org | Non-profits, communities | 8 - 12 |
| .app | Mobile apps, web apps | 12 - 18 |
Domain Name Ideas by Category
Compound Words
Combine two short words: MailChimp, YouTube, FaceBook, WordPress
Invented Words
Create something new: Spotify, Zillow, Kodak, Xerox
Modified Spellings
Tweak existing words: Lyft, Fiverr, Tumblr, Flickr
Prefix/Suffix
Add common affixes: Shopify, Grammarly, Canva, Trello
Common Mistakes
- Choosing a name too similar to an existing brand (trademark risk)
- Picking a trendy TLD that confuses older audiences
- Not checking social media availability before committing
- Using your personal name for a business you might sell later
- Registering only one TLD and letting competitors grab the others