Picking the right domain name for your website is vital for your business’s success. If you do not select the right domain name initially, it can cause a lot of hassle if you have to switch to a new domain later. Moreover, there is no way to make any change without hampering your search rankings and brand. Here are some tips to help you select the best domain name.

Opt for “.com”

Whenever possible, opt for the domain with a “.com.” There are several domain name extensions available such as “.blog,” “.shop,” “.biz,” “.edu,” “.org,” “.co,” and “.net.” Regardless of how fancy (or cheap) these extensions might be, it is always best to opt for “.com.” This is because:

• The “.com” variant is more prevalent among people. Hence, they are more likely to remember it.
• “.com” is an extension used by approximately 47% of websites; this is enough proof to justify its popularity.

If you’re wondering what you should do if “.com” is taken, experts suggest either consider changing the name or contact the owner to sell the domain name to you.

Brandable, not generic

With regards to a domain name, brandable and creative is better than generic. Your domain name is how people locate you online, and it is how they will remember you. Thus, the domain name is the foundation of your brand. The primary difference between a brandable and generic domain name is that the brandable domain is unique and stands out from the competition. On the other hand, the generic domain name is unmemorable and stuffed with keywords.

Avoid trademark infringement

A good domain name is distinctive. As a result, it is essential to ensure that it is not confused with any other brand or site, as nobody wishes to get involved in a lawsuit. In any case, if the domain name infringes on a trademark, you might be sued and forced to give up on that domain. Thus, before registering the domain name, check if your domain violates any existing trademarks.

Keep it short

As for the length of the domain, it is best to keep it short. The most popular and preferred length for domain names is 12 characters. Here, popularity refers to the traffic on the website. You can opt for anything between six to fourteen characters, but the shorter it is, the better.