Choosing a Domain Name
The choice of a domain name (e.g. mysite.com) from those names not already registered can effect the memorability of your site address (e.g. www.mysite.com), its usability in terms of typing it into a browser, the search results achieved by your site and - if your site name is the same as your domain name (e.g. Yahoo/www.yahoo.com) - be an important branding element.
Use the form below to check if your domain name ideas are available for various extensions (e.g. co.uk) - if 'Check all domain types' is selected, you may need to wait a few moments before the results are returned
There are a number of approaches to choosing a domain name:
- Your/your organisation's name (e.g. johnsmith.com, londoncommunityoutreach.org)
- Your/your organisation's name + a description (e.g. johnsmithphotography.com, acmepilatestraining.co.uk)
- An entirely descriptive name (e.g. liverpool-art-classes.net)
- Your site name (e.g. google.com)
- A product name (e.g. toyotavans.biz)
It is generally thought that the shorter the domain name, the more desirable, memorable and usable it is. However, very few domain names of 4 - 6 letters are available (except at an often substantial premium on 'domain names for sale' sites)
There can be no spaces in a domain name - hyphens (-) or underscores (_) can be used between words and, although this will make a name slightly longer to type and harder to remember, this method can often identify an available domain ame where the 'one word' name is unavailable - e.g. if welshvalleyharps.co.uk has already been registered, welsh-valley-harps.co.uk may be available).
There can often be an advantage in choosing a domain name that will appear near the top in alphabetic listings - e.g. aardvarktravels.info.
For individuals or organisations who do not want to be country-specific, the global domains .com, .org, .net are the best choice.
For individuals/organisations who target users in the UK, a .uk (.co.uk, .org.uk etc) will produce the most UK-centric search results - similarly with other country-specific markets (e.g. .de, .fr, .ru)
We will gladly help research available domain names and recommend a shortlist of the best of those available for all our web design clients.
See also
