Your domain name - the yourbusiness.com part - is the address people type, the name they remember, and a quiet signal of how legitimate you are. It's worth choosing well. Here are the rules that matter.
Keep it short and memorable
Shorter is better. Aim for something people can hear once and type correctly. If it takes explaining ("that's with two Ns"), it's costing you visitors.
Make it easy to spell and say
Avoid clever spellings, hyphens, and numbers - they're a nightmare to say out loud and easy to get wrong. The test: could you tell someone your domain over the phone and trust they'd type it right?
Favour a brandable name
A made-up or distinctive word (think most tech brands) is easier to own, trademark, and rank for than a generic phrase. It also grows with you if your services change.
Choose the right extension
.com is still the most trusted and expected - get it if you reasonably can. Country domains (.co.uk, .de, .ro) are great if you serve a specific country. Newer extensions (.io, .store, .studio) can work well for the right brand, but many people still default to typing .com.
Check it's actually available - everywhere
Before you commit, check that:
- the domain itself is free to register,
- the matching social handles are available,
- and no established business already uses the name (a quick search saves you a costly rebrand - or a trademark problem).
Don't overthink it into paralysis
A good, available name today beats a perfect, taken name you'll never get. Pick something solid, register it, and move on to building.
Connecting your domain
Once you've registered your domain (from any registrar), you connect it to your site by adding a couple of DNS records. A good website builder shows you exactly what to add and handles HTTPS automatically - so your site loads securely at your own address without any technical fuss.
Got your name in mind? Build your site and connect your domain - start free and go live at your own address.
FAQ
What makes a good domain name?
Short, easy to say out loud, and easy to spell after hearing it once. If you have to spell it for someone on the phone, it is the wrong name.
Should I use a .com or a local extension?
A local extension is a strong signal if you serve one country, and is often available when the .com is not. Both work; consistency with your brand matters more.
Do keywords in the domain help SEO?
Barely, these days. A memorable brand name is worth more than an exact-match domain nobody can recall.