How to Choose the Right Domain Name for Your Business

And why it matters more than you think

Your domain name is one of the very first things people see when they discover your business online. It's part of your digital identity — like the shop sign above your front door — and it can make a lasting impression. But how do you choose the right one?

Here’s a quick guide to help you pick a domain name that supports your brand, builds trust, and helps your customers find you.

1. Keep It Simple and Easy to Remember

Shorter is better! Aim for a domain that’s clear, easy to type, and easy to say aloud. Avoid hyphens, numbers, or complex spellings — these only lead to confusion. Think of something your customers could remember and share with ease.

2. Use Your Business Name (or a Clear Variation)

Your domain should reflect your business or what you offer. If your business name is available as a domain, grab it! If not, try adding a relevant word like “studio”, “designs”, “shop”, or your location — e.g. rosiebakes.co.uk or northeastretreats.com.

3. Choose the Right Domain Extension

The part after the dot — like .com or .co.uk — matters.

  • .co.uk is great if your business is local or UK-based

  • .com is ideal if you have international plans or want broader reach

  • .org, .studio, or .store can also work, but we recommend sticking with .co.uk and/or .com for trust and clarity

Tip: If available, we recommend that you buy both the .co.uk and the .com — even if you only use one. It helps protect your brand and gives you flexibility in the future.

4. Avoid Buying Unnecessary Extras

If you're buying a domain through sites like GoDaddy or 123Reg (our usual recommendations), be mindful during checkout. These companies often try to upsell extras you don't need — like email, web hosting, extra security, or web builders.
You just need the domain, ideally for one year, and it should cost between £10–£20.

5. You Should Always Own Your Domain

Make sure the domain is registered under your name or business, and that you write down the login details to your domain registrar account. You should always be in control of your domain — it’s a valuable digital asset.

6. Don’t Worry About Connecting It — That’s On Us

When your new website is ready to go live, we handle the domain connection for you. If you're not sure how to log in to your domain provider or your account is managed by your IT team, no problem — we’ll guide you through it.

In Summary – A Good Domain Name Is:

✅ Short, clear, and easy to type
✅ Relevant to your business name or service
✅ Using the right extension (.co.uk, .com)
✅ Owned by you — and no one else
✅ Free from unnecessary add-ons
✅ An asset that grows with your brand

David & George