Figuring out how to choose a domain name is similar to figuring out how to choose a company name — it requires a lot of thought and consideration. A domain name is the web address users type into their browser to visit your website, such as yourbusiness.com.

Your domain name is your identity on the web; you want to make sure you choose a domain name that not only fits your business, but is also easy to find and promote.

How to choose a domain name that gets results

Follow the steps below to help you pick the perfect domain name. And if you want to learn even more about domain names, check out "What is a domain name" for in-depth information.

1. Choose a domain name that is easy to type

Selecting a domain name that's easy to type is crucial for online success. Using slang (e.g., `u` instead of `you`) or words with multiple spellings (e.g., `express` vs. `xpress`) can make it harder for customers to find your site.

Apply the "radio test": If someone hears your domain name spoken aloud on a podcast or radio ad, they should be able to spell it correctly without confusion.

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2. Keep it short and easy to remember

A long and complex domain name increases the risk of customers mistyping or misspelling it. Most experts agree that the best domain names are between 6 and 14 characters. Opt for a short and simple name instead.

3. Enrich content with relevant keywords

Incorporate keywords that describe your business and the services you offer. For example, if you're a glass replacement business, consider registering GlassRepair.com or GlassReplacement.com.

Include the keywords that people enter when searching for your products or services.

It helps improve your domain's rank on search engines (which increases traffic) and just makes more sense to your customers.

4. Target your area with localized content

If your business is local, include your city or state in your domain name to make it easy for local customers to find and remember. For example, PhoenixGlassRepair.com.

Editor`s note: From .boston to .vegas, you're likely to find a geographic domain extension that suits your business.

Using a country-specific TLD (top-level domain)—the suffix at the end of a web address like .com or .co.uk—can enhance your local SEO by signaling to search engines that your website is relevant to a particular geographic area, thereby improving your visibility in local search results. Additionally, a localized TLD helps build customer trust by demonstrating your commitment to serving the local community.

5. Avoid characters like numbers and hyphens

Numbers and hyphens are often misunderstood — people who hear your website address don't know if you're using a numeral (5) or it's spelled out (five) or they misplace or forget the dash. If you need these in your domain, register the different variations to be safe.

6. Be memorable and establish a brand

With millions of registered domain names, choosing a catchy and memorable one is essential. Share your ideas with friends to ensure they sound appealing and make sense. Have a great domain idea? Search for a domain name today and attach it to a website or your social media profiles to help build your brand online.

7. Research what's already out there

When you choose a domain name, make sure the domain name you've selected isn't trademarked, copyrighted or being used by another company. It could result in a legal mess that could cost you a fortune, as well as your domain!

Check trademark availability by searching the USPTO database (or your country's trademark office) before finalizing your choice. Also verify that matching social media handles are available across major platforms to maintain brand consistency.

Don't forget to research the value of your possible domain.

As the largest reseller of aftermarket domain names, GoDaddy has access to extensive data that we use to analyze millions of historical domain sales. Try out GoDaddy Domain Appraisals to help you determine the value of your domain, so you can name your business with purpose.

8. Choose a domain name extension that fits

Extensions are suffixes like .com or .net at the end of web addresses. They can have specific uses, so choose one that aligns with your business.

The .com domain extension is far and away the most popular, but it can be tough to get a short and memorable .com domain name because it's been around for so long.

A bevy of new generic top-level domains — like .co, .io, .xyz, .ai, .llc and .me domains offer a great opportunity to register short and highly relevant names.

Domain Extension Comparison:

Extension	Best For
.com	General business, most recognized and trusted
.net	Technical and internet infrastructure sites
.org	Non-profits and organizations
.io	Tech startups and SaaS companies
.tech	Technology companies and startups
.store	E-commerce and retail businesses
.art	Artists and creative professionals
.design	Designers and creative agencies
.health	Healthcare providers and services
.education	Educational institutions
.info	Informational sites
.biz	Business or commercial use

Pro tip: You don't need to build a website for every domain. Just forward additional domains to your primary website.

Editor`s note: Use GoDaddy's promo codes to get discounts on .com domains.

9. Protect and build your brand

To protect your brand, consider purchasing various domain extensions and misspelled versions of your domain name. This prevents competitors from registering similar domains and ensures customers reach your website, even if they mistype it. Use GoDaddy’s bulk domain search tool to register multiple domains at once.

10. Use Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs)

Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) allow users to register domain names in their native language using non-ASCII characters (such as é, ñ, or 中文), enhancing local brand presence. Explore over 1,600+ domain extensions to find the best fit for your global audience.

11. Skip trendy words that won’t stand the test of time

Avoid the cringe. Trendy words and phrases might work while they're popular, but they quickly become laughable once the popularity fades. It can be cool to be edgy, but make sure your choices are in it for the long haul — just like you.

12. Research competition for ideas

While copycatting is never a good idea, checking on your competition from time to time can yield inspiration that might help evolve your brand. Come up with a list of your top competitors, and then run through that list from time to time to ensure your own strategies are keeping you at the top of the heap.

Read more on the topic in our article How much does a domain name cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a website to buy a domain name?
No, you can purchase and own a domain name without building a website. Many people register domains to secure a name for future use or to protect their brand — smart ways to use a domain you just registered.

What if my preferred domain name is already taken?
Try alternative extensions (.net, .io, .co), add a relevant keyword, or consider purchasing the domain from its current owner through a domain marketplace. That's a solid solution if you're left wondering how to buy a domain that is already taken.

How long can I register a domain name for?
Most domain registrars allow you to register a domain for 1–10 years at a time, with the option to renew before expiration.

Can I change my domain name later?
You can register a new domain at any time, but changing your primary domain may affect your SEO and require updating all your marketing materials. Make sure to weigh those risks against the benefits of rebranding with a new domain name.

Should I buy multiple domain extensions?
Purchasing common extensions (.com, .net, .org) and common misspellings of your domain can protect your brand and redirect traffic to your main site. Those are just a couple of the benefits of owning multiple domain variations.

GoDaddy Domain Tools

Looking for help finding or evaluating domain names? Here are tools to assist you: