When you want to start an online project and build a website you need to choose the domain that will make the site reachable. The choice of the domain must not be made by “gut” but must be the result of long reasoning and also of an accurate analysis of the naming of the brand. Choosing the right domain name is therefore the first step to being able to bring optimal benefits to your online project! But how to choose the right one? Let’s find out!
What is a domain and how to choose the right one?
A domain, or domain name, is essentially the address of your website on the Internet. It’s what people type into their browser’s address bar to reach your site.
The domain is important for various reasons , first of all it provides a unique identity to the website and brand on the Internet. You can choose a domain that reflects your brand name, making it recognizable and easy for your visitors to remember.
Having a custom domain increases the credibility and professionalism of the website. A free domain or subdomain, on the other hand, gives the impression that the site is not professional or that it is not a serious business.
We often wonder whether the choice of domain influences SEO positioning or not? There has been an endless debate on this topic for a long time . So is the answer yes or no? In reality there is no definitive answer and many often say that it “depends” on various factors, including the market in which you operate.
In general, however, it is better to avoid choosing the domain thinking only about SEO, but it is advisable to instead evaluate the most suitable name for your brand.
In fact, it is much more important that this is easy to remember, easy to type, and that it reflects your company or brand, being the first contact people have with your website or online business.
Choose a domain that is easy to remember and type
The first tip is to choose a domain that is easy to type, reducing the risk that visitors may make mistakes when trying to access the website directly. A complex domain will not stick inside the minds of potential customers and they will most likely type it incorrectly.
An easy-to-remember domain also increases the chances of visitors returning to your site. If users can’t remember your domain, they may not be able to find it again even if they liked the content or services you offered.
The domain must represent the brand, therefore as for the creation of the right naming of the brand, the address of the website or e-commerce should also be simple and immediately bring to mind the activity we are dealing with.
Finally, an easy-to-remember domain also helps facilitate word-of-mouth and sharing the website name with other people in both online and offline conversations.
Do not include numbers or hyphens in the domain name
Unless numbers are an integral part of the brand name , their inclusion is generally not recommended.
In fact, including numbers and hyphens in domain names can create a number of potential problems that are best avoided.
For one thing, numbers and hyphens can make a domain more difficult to type, especially if users don’t remember exactly where they go. This can lead to typing errors and difficulty accessing your site.
When you communicate your domain verbally, for example in a telephone conversation or in a radio ad, it can be difficult to explain where the numbers or hyphens should be placed.
For example, if your domain is “my-shop3.com,” you’ll need to explain that there is a hyphen between “my” and “shop” and a number 3 at the end. This can create confusion and increase the likelihood that people will make mistakes or not remember the domain.
In some cases, using numbers and hyphens in a domain can give the impression that your site is unprofessional or of lower quality. This could damage your brand image and user trust in your site.
Some SEO experts argue that using hyphens could have a negative impact on your site’s visibility in search engine results.
Choose the right domain extension
The extension of a domain, or Top-Level Domain (TLD), is the last part of the domain name, such as .it, .com, .net, .org, etc. Choosing the right extension is crucial to being able to create a functional and strategic domain.
Your choice of extension may vary depending on your goals. For example, a .com domain could be useful to be able to appropriately identify the geographic location you are addressing.
However, if you were a non-profit organization you could choose a .org extension. Which allows you to better identify the field in which you operate. For commercial activities, but not only, the .com extension must be used . This is certainly one of the most common and recognizable. However, it is often considered more reliable than lesser-known extensions.
For some websites such as educational and government ones, dedicated extensions are used which are .edu and .gov , these are tacitly respected by everyone, as they are reserved for institutions.
Often, to be able to better identify your business it is possible to evaluate the use of peculiar extensions, such as, for example, .shop, or .blog . These can help communicate what visitors can and cannot expect from the domain and its related content.
Check that the name has not already been used for other activities
Before proceeding with the acquisition of a domain name for your website, it is advisable to verify that the desired domain can be purchased.
Every domain on the Internet must be unique, so if the name you choose is already used by someone else, you won’t be able to register it. Checking domain availability allows you to be sure that the name you want is actually indicated for use.
Additionally, if the domain name you want is already registered by another company or individual, using that domain may violate their trademark rights. This could lead to legal disputes or the need to change your name in the future.
Knowing if your domain is available helps you plan and build your online brand. If the name you want has already been used, you will have the opportunity to consider alternatives or changes to the original name.
Checking that a domain is free is an essential step to ensure you can use the name you want for your website without running into legal or branding issues.
This check can be carried out through numerous online services that offer verification of domain availability.
By taking these factors into consideration you will be able to accurately choose the domain of your website or digital project.
