How to Choose a Domain Name: Complete Guide (2025)

Quick Answer

Table of Contents

Why Your Domain Name Matters

Your domain name is often the first impression potential customers have of your business. It's your digital address, brand identifier, and a crucial component of your online marketing strategy.

First Impressions Count

Within seconds of seeing your domain name, visitors form opinions about your business. A professional, memorable domain builds trust, while a confusing or unprofessional name can drive people away before they even visit your site.

Impact on Brand Recognition

Your domain name becomes synonymous with your brand. Think of successful companies like Google, Amazon, or Stripe - their domain names are instantly recognizable and memorable. Your domain should work similarly, even at a smaller scale.

SEO and Discoverability

While domain names have less direct SEO impact than they once did, they still matter. A relevant, keyword-rich domain can help with click-through rates in search results and make your site's purpose immediately clear.

Long-Term Investment

Changing your domain name later is expensive and complicated. You'll lose SEO value, confuse existing customers, and need to update all your marketing materials. Getting it right from the start saves significant headaches down the road.

Core Principles of Domain Selection

Before diving into specific strategies, understand these fundamental principles that guide effective domain name selection.

The Three Pillars

1. Memorable: Easy to remember after hearing once 2. Meaningful: Communicates something about your business 3. Marketing-Friendly: Works well across all marketing channels

Balancing Act

You'll rarely find a domain that perfectly satisfies all criteria. The goal is finding the right balance for your specific situation:

• Startups seeking VC funding: Brandable names often work better
• Local businesses: Geographic keywords can be valuable
• E-commerce stores: Descriptive names help with discoverability
• Tech products: Unique, memorable names stand out

Future-Proofing

Consider where your business might be in 5-10 years:

• Will you expand beyond your current niche?
• Might you offer additional services?
• Could you outgrow geographic limitations?

Avoid overly narrow names that might limit future growth.

Length and Simplicity

Domain length significantly impacts memorability and usability.

Optimal Length Guidelines

The Shorter, The Better

Advantages of short domains:

• Easier to remember
• Less prone to typos
• Faster to type
• Better for mobile users
• More professional appearance
• Easier to fit on business cards

Reality check:

Short, premium .com domains are increasingly scarce and expensive. You may need to get creative:

• Use domain name generators
• Combine words creatively
• Consider newer extensions like .io or .ai
• Invent new words (like Google or Spotify)

When Longer Works

Sometimes longer domains are acceptable or even preferable:

• Exact match domains for SEO: "bestchicagoplumber.com" (if targeting local SEO)
• Descriptive e-commerce: "vintagebasebballcards.com"
• Clarity over brevity: "learntocode.com" vs "ltc.com"

The key is ensuring the longer name remains easy to spell and remember.

Memorability and Pronunciation

A domain name should be easy to remember and pronounce, both for word-of-mouth marketing and user recall.

The Spell Test

If someone hears your domain name, can they spell it correctly on the first try?

Good examples:

• Stripe (one intuitive spelling)
• Slack (simple, clear spelling)
• Notion (common English word)

Problematic examples:

• Flickr (missing 'e' confuses people)
• Scribd (silent 'e', unclear pronunciation)
• Tumblr (missing vowels)

Pronunciation Matters

Avoid domains that could be pronounced multiple ways:

• Read: "reed" or "red"?
• Lead: "leed" or "led"?
• Tear: "teer" or "tair"?

Choose words with clear, unambiguous pronunciation.

Phonetic Clarity

Consider how your domain sounds when spoken:

Clear phonetics:

• Zoom (one syllable, distinctive sound)
• Canva (clear syllables, easy to repeat)
• Asana (clear syllables, memorable sound)

Unclear phonetics:

• Xaero (how do you pronounce the X?)
• Qwillery (Q without U seems odd)
• Phytel (phone-tell? fi-tell?)

Cultural Considerations

If operating internationally, verify your domain name doesn't have unintended meanings or negative connotations in other languages. Research before committing.

Keywords vs Brandable Names

One of the biggest decisions in domain selection is choosing between keyword-rich descriptive names and unique brandable names.

Keyword Domains

Definition: Domains that contain words describing your product or service.

Examples:

• BestRunningShoes.com
• NYCPlumber.com
• AffordableCarInsurance.com

Advantages:

• Immediate clarity about your business
• Can help with SEO (especially for local businesses)
• Higher click-through rates in search results
• Works well for affiliate and niche sites

Disadvantages:

• Harder to build unique brand identity
• Often already taken or expensive
• Can sound generic or spammy
• May limit business expansion
• Less memorable than unique names

Best for:

• Local businesses (DenverRoofing.com)
• Niche e-commerce (VintageWatches.com)
• Affiliate marketing sites
• Service-based businesses

Brandable Domains

Definition: Unique, invented, or creative names that don't directly describe the business.

Examples:

• Google (invented word)
• Amazon (metaphor for vast selection)
• Stripe (abstract concept)
• Spotify (combination of "spot" + "identify")

Advantages:

• Unique identity in the market
• More memorable and distinctive
• Easier to trademark
• Room for business evolution
• Professional and modern feel
• Better for building brand equity

Disadvantages:

• Requires more marketing to establish meaning
• No inherent SEO value
• May need to explain what you do
• Can be harder to remember initially

Best for:

• Startups seeking VC funding
• Tech companies and SaaS products
• Companies planning to scale
• Businesses wanting strong brand identity

The Hybrid Approach

Many successful businesses use semi-brandable names that hint at their purpose while remaining unique:

• Mailchimp: Mail + playful brand
• Dropbox: Describes function + memorable
• PayPal: Payment + friendly
• YouTube: "You" + "tube" (TV reference)

This approach offers the best of both worlds.

Decision Framework

Choose keyword domain if:

• Local or niche business
• Strong competition requires clarity
• Operating in traditional industry
• Limited marketing budget
• SEO is primary customer acquisition channel

Choose brandable domain if:

• Building a tech product or SaaS
• Planning to scale nationally/globally
• Seeking venture capital
• Want strong trademark protection
• Have budget for brand awareness

The Radio Test

The radio test is a simple but powerful way to evaluate domain names.

What Is The Radio Test?

Imagine you're telling someone your domain name over the radio or phone. Could they:

1. Understand the name clearly?
2. Spell it correctly without seeing it?
3. Remember it 10 minutes later?
4. Type it into a browser without errors?

If the answer to any of these is "no," your domain may not pass the radio test.

How to Conduct The Radio Test

Step 1: Find a partner who hasn't heard your domain name before.

Step 2: Say the domain once, clearly but not slowly (normal speaking pace).

Step 3: Have them write it down without asking for clarification.

Step 4: Check accuracy - did they get it right?

Step 5: Wait 10 minutes and ask them to recall it.

Examples: Pass vs Fail

Domains that pass:

• Stripe.com (stripe - one way to spell it)
• Zoom.us (zoom - clear and simple)
• Square.com (square - common word)

Domains that fail:

• 4castweather.com (is it "four" or "4"?)
• xpressdelivery.com (express or xpress?)
• kwikklean.com (quick? how many k's?)

Red Flags

Your domain likely fails the radio test if it includes:

• Numbers (4 vs four)
• Unconventional spellings (xpress, kwik)
• Hyphens (hard to communicate verbally)
• Uncommon words
• Multiple ways to spell
• Confusing pronunciation

Why This Matters

Word-of-mouth marketing is powerful. If customers can't easily tell their friends about your site, you're missing valuable organic growth.

Avoiding Hyphens and Numbers

Hyphens and numbers in domain names create confusion and look unprofessional.

The Case Against Hyphens

Problems with hyphens:

1. Memory burden: People forget whether to include them
2. Verbal communication: Impossible to convey naturally in speech
3. Trust signals: Hyphenated domains often look spammy
4. Traffic leakage: Users often forget the hyphen and visit competitor
5. Professional appearance: Legitimate businesses rarely use hyphens

Example scenario: You register "best-pizza-chicago.com" but users type "bestpizzachicago.com" - your competitor owns the non-hyphenated version and gets your traffic.

When hyphens might be acceptable:

• Personal websites (john-smith.com if johnsmith.com is taken)
• Non-commercial projects
• Very specific niche sites

Even then, it's better to choose a completely different name.

The Case Against Numbers

Problems with numbers:

1. Ambiguity: Is it "4" or "four"?
2. Confusion: Users try both versions
3. Unprofessional: Looks like a compromise choice
4. Memorability: People forget which version you use
5. Traffic loss: Both versions should ideally be owned

Example:

• 4runners.com vs fourrunners.com
• top10blogs.com vs toptenblogs.com

Very rare exceptions:

• Established brands (37signals.com, before they became Basecamp)
• Year-specific content (olympics2024.com)
• Numeric brands (8x8.com)

Even successful exceptions often eventually rebrand to remove numbers (37signals → Basecamp).

Alternatives to Hyphens and Numbers

Instead of compromising with hyphens or numbers:

1. Use a different extension: bestpizza.nyc instead of best-pizza-chicago.com
2. Add a prefix/suffix: getbestpizza.com, bestpizzahq.com
3. Get creative with words: pizzanation.com, sliceparadise.com
4. Invent a brandable name: pizzoli.com, slicely.com
5. Use domain generators: Find available alternatives

Choosing the Right Extension

The domain extension (TLD) you choose significantly impacts perception, availability, and cost.

The .com Dominance

.com remains the gold standard:

• User expectation: Most users default to typing .com
• Credibility: .com feels more legitimate and professional
• Memorability: People remember .com better than alternatives
• Type-in traffic: Users often just try .com version
• Business standard: .com is expected for serious businesses

Statistics:

• 51% of all websites use .com
• .com domains receive 33% more type-in traffic than other extensions
• 82% of consumers prefer buying from .com businesses

When to prioritize .com:

• E-commerce businesses
• B2B companies
• Professional services
• Businesses targeting older demographics
• Companies seeking investor funding

Alternative Extensions Worth Considering

Popular alternatives with specific use cases:

Geographic Extensions

Country-code TLDs (ccTLDs) work well for location-specific businesses:

• .uk: United Kingdom businesses
• .de: German businesses
• .ca: Canadian businesses
• .au: Australian businesses

Some ccTLDs are used creatively as domain hacks:

• .ly: bit.ly, quick.ly
• .me: about.me, hire.me
• .to: go.to, link.to

New Generic TLDs

Hundreds of new extensions launched in recent years:

Industry-specific:

• .tech, .software, .digital
• .store, .shop, .buy
• .agency, .studio, .consulting
• .law, .attorney, .legal

Pros:

• Better availability
• Descriptive and relevant
• Often cheaper
• Can be memorable

Cons:

• Less familiar to users
• May seem less trustworthy
• Users might default to .com version
• Limited track record

Decision Framework

Get the .com if:

• It's available at reasonable cost
• You're building a long-term business
• Your audience is general consumers
• You want maximum credibility

Consider alternatives if:

• .com is taken or prohibitively expensive
• You're in tech/startup space (.io, .ai, .app)
• You're location-specific (ccTLDs)
• Your audience is tech-savvy
• The alternative perfectly fits your brand

Pro tip: If you use an alternative extension, consider buying the .com version too to prevent confusion and protect your brand.

Trademark and Legal Considerations

Before committing to a domain, verify it won't create legal problems.

Why Trademark Checks Matter

Using a trademarked name can result in:

• Cease and desist letters
• Forced domain transfer
• Legal action and damages
• Loss of brand equity and SEO
• Rebranding costs

Even unintentional infringement can be costly.

How to Check for Trademarks

1. USPTO Search (United States)

• Visit uspto.gov/trademarks
• Search the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS)
• Look for exact matches and similar marks
• Check all relevant classes/categories

2. WIPO Global Brand Database

• Searches international trademarks
• Covers multiple countries
• Free to use

3. Google Search

• Search "[your domain name] trademark"
• Search "[your domain name] company"
• Look for existing businesses using the name

4. Social Media Check

• Search for handles on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook
• Existing presence might indicate trademark rights

5. Domain History

• Use DomainDetails to check domain history
• See if it was previously owned by another business
• Review historical WHOIS data

What to Look For

Red flags:

• Exact match to registered trademark
• Similar name in same industry
• Famous/well-known brand names
• Generic terms that are heavily trademarked (Apple, Amazon, etc.)

Considerations:

• Trademark scope (what categories it covers)
• Geographic limitations (some are country-specific)
• Active vs abandoned trademarks
• Common law rights (unregistered but established brands)

Domain Name Disputes

Understanding UDRP (Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy):

You could lose your domain if:

1. It's identical/confusingly similar to a trademark
2. You have no legitimate rights to the name
3. It was registered in bad faith

Protecting yourself:

• Conduct thorough searches before registering
• Document your legitimate business use
• Avoid targeting known brands
• Don't squat on trademarked names

When to Consult a Lawyer

Seek legal advice if:

• Your domain is similar to a known trademark
• You're investing heavily in the brand
• Operating in a litigious industry
• Planning significant business growth
• Received a cease and desist letter

Trademark lawyers can conduct comprehensive searches and provide clearance opinions.

Domain Name Brainstorming Techniques

Stuck on finding the perfect domain? Try these creative brainstorming approaches.

Technique 1: Word Combinations

Combine two relevant words to create unique names:

Method:

• List relevant nouns: cloud, team, ship, box, space
• List relevant verbs: ship, track, send, build, create
• List relevant adjectives: fast, easy, smart, simple
• Combine in interesting ways

Examples:

• Dropbox (drop + box)
• Mailchimp (mail + chimp)
• Trello (originally "trellis board")

Technique 2: Prefixes and Suffixes

Add common prefixes or suffixes to your core word:

Prefixes:

• Get- (GetResponse, GetYourGuide)
• My- (MySpace, MyFitnessPal)
• The- (TheAtlantic, TheDailyBeast)
• Go- (GoDaddy, GoFundMe)

Suffixes:

• -ly (Bitly, Feedly, Grammarly)
• -ify (Spotify, Shopify, Stringify)
• -able (Teachable, Thinkable)
• -hub (GitHub, PornHub)
• -base (Crunchbase, Coinbase)

Technique 3: Domain Hacks

Use TLD as part of the word:

Examples:

• del.icio.us (delicious)
• about.me
• insta.live
• startupschool.org

Note: These can be clever but consider memorability trade-offs.

Technique 4: Modified Spellings

Alter spelling for unique, available names:

Approaches:

• Drop vowels: Tumblr, Flickr, Scribd
• Phonetic spelling: Lyft (vs Lift)
• Add/remove letters: Fiverr (vs Fiver)

Caution: Makes radio test harder. Only use if the result is still intuitive.

Technique 5: Metaphors and Imagery

Use evocative imagery related to your business:

Examples:

• Amazon (vast selection like the river)
• Stripe (clean, simple payment flow)
• Oracle (wise, all-knowing)
• Nest (home, comfort)

Technique 6: Made-Up Words

Invent entirely new words:

Approaches:

• Blend words: Microsoft (microcomputer + software)
• Latin/Greek roots: Audible (from Latin "audire")
• Random combinations: Google (misspelling of "googol")

Tools for generation:

• NameMesh
• Namelix
• Lean Domain Search
• Panabee

Technique 7: Abbreviations and Acronyms

Shorten longer phrases:

Examples:

• IBM (International Business Machines)
• IKEA (Ingvar Kamprad Elmtaryd Agunnaryd)
• CVS (Consumer Value Stores)

Warning: Abbreviations lack inherent meaning and require heavy marketing to establish recognition.

Brainstorming Best Practices

Do:

• Generate 50+ ideas before evaluating
• Involve multiple people in brainstorming
• Use domain name generators for inspiration
• Check availability as you go
• Keep a running list over several days

Don't:

• Settle on the first decent option
• Brainstorm alone
• Dismiss ideas too quickly
• Forget to check availability
• Rush the process

Testing Your Domain Name Ideas

Before registering, test your top domain name candidates.

Availability Check

Step 1: Domain registrar check

• Use DomainDetails.com for instant availability
• Check multiple registrars for consistency
• Verify pricing (premium domains cost more)

Step 2: Social media availability

• Check Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn
• Use Namechk.com or KnowEm.com
• Consistency across platforms matters

Step 3: Similar domains

• Check common misspellings
• Check alternative TLDs (.com, .net, .org)
• Consider buying variations to protect brand

The Five-Second Test

Show your domain to 5-10 people for 5 seconds, then ask them to write it down from memory.

Success criteria:

• At least 80% spell it correctly
• They remember it 10 minutes later
• No one asks for clarification

Feedback Collection

Ask for honest feedback from:

• Potential customers
• Industry peers
• Friends outside your industry
• Marketing professionals

Questions to ask:

• What do you think this website does?
• How would you spell this?
• Is it memorable?
• Does it sound professional?
• Would you trust this business?

Search Engine Check

Google your potential domain name:

• Are there existing businesses with the same name?
• Does it have negative associations?
• Are there trademark conflicts?
• Is it being used in another industry?

Type Test

Typing difficulty matters:

• Type it on mobile keyboard
• Type it on desktop keyboard
• Try typing it fast
• Note any awkward finger movements

Domains with alternating hands (like "typist") are faster to type than same-hand letters.

Future-Proofing Questions

Ask yourself:

• Will this name work in 10 years?
• If we pivot our business, does it still fit?
• Does it scale beyond our current market?
• Will it work internationally?
• Is it professional enough for enterprise clients?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others' domain name mistakes.

Mistake 1: Too Clever By Half

Problem: Names that require explanation defeat their purpose.

Examples:

• Xobni (inbox backwards - confusing)
• Yhome (pronounced "why home" - unclear)

Lesson: Clever wordplay is fun but clarity is more important.

Mistake 2: Limiting Your Scope

Problem: Names that are too narrow prevent business evolution.

Examples:

• Discount DVDs Online (DVDs are obsolete)
• Seattle Wedding Photographer (what if you move?)

Lesson: Think long-term. Leave room to grow.

Mistake 3: Trademark Ignorance

Problem: Not checking trademarks leads to legal issues.

Real example: Nissan Computer owner refused to sell nissan.com to Nissan Motors, resulting in decades of legal battles.

Lesson: Always check trademarks thoroughly.

Mistake 4: Following Trends Blindly

Problem: Trendy suffixes date quickly.

Examples:

• Adding "ster" (Friendster, Napster)
• Dropping vowels (when everyone else does it)

Lesson: Timeless beats trendy.

Mistake 5: Ignoring SEO Completely

Problem: Brandable names with zero keywords may need more marketing budget.

Balance needed: You don't need an exact-match domain, but consider incorporating at least one relevant word.

Examples of good balance:

• HubSpot (hub is relevant, spot is brandable)
• MailChimp (mail is relevant, chimp is memorable)

Mistake 6: Compromising Too Much

Problem: Settling for a mediocre domain because good ones are taken.

Bad compromises:

• Adding numbers or hyphens
• Using obscure TLDs (.biz, .info)
• Accepting confusing spellings

Better approach: Keep brainstorming or invest in a better domain.

Mistake 7: Not Testing It

Problem: What sounds good in your head might not work in practice.

Lesson: Always conduct radio test and get external feedback.

Mistake 8: Analysis Paralysis

Problem: Overthinking and never making a decision.

Reality: No domain is perfect. At some point, you need to commit and build your brand through great products and marketing.

Advice: If you've found a domain that meets 80% of your criteria and passes the key tests, it's probably good enough.

Best Practices

Essential Checklist

Before registering any domain:

✅ Length: Under 15 characters if possible ✅ Spelling: Easy to spell on first try ✅ Pronunciation: Clear and unambiguous ✅ Radio test: Passes when spoken aloud ✅ No hyphens: Avoid unless absolutely necessary ✅ No numbers: Don't use 4 instead of four ✅ Extension: Prefer .com or relevant alternative ✅ Trademark: Checked USPTO and Google ✅ Social media: Handles available ✅ Testing: Got feedback from 5+ people ✅ Memorability: People remember it 10 minutes later ✅ Professional: Appropriate for your industry

Prioritization Framework

Rank these factors for your specific situation:

1. Memorability (always important)
2. Relevance (more important for local/niche businesses)
3. Brandability (more important for startups/tech)
4. SEO value (more important for content/affiliate sites)
5. Extension (more important for traditional businesses)

Investment Considerations

When to spend more on a domain:

• Building a long-term business
• Raising venture capital
• Operating in competitive industry
• Domain is perfect fit for brand
• Premium domain has SEO value

When to save money:

• Testing business ideas
• Operating on tight budget
• Have unique brandable alternative
• Can build brand through other channels

Budget ranges:

• Starter: $10-50 (new registration)
• Growing business: $500-2,500 (aftermarket)
• Established business: $2,500-10,000 (premium)
• Enterprise: $10,000+ (exact-match, short domains)

Protection Strategies

After registering your domain:

1. Buy common variations:

   • Misspellings
   • .net and .org versions
   • Plural/singular versions

2. Enable privacy protection:

   • Prevents spam and harassment
   • Protects personal information
   • Usually $10-15/year extra

3. Set auto-renewal:

   • Never let your domain expire
   • Losing an established domain is devastating

4. Register for multiple years:

   • Shows stability (minor SEO signal)
   • Prevents accidental expiration
   • Sometimes cheaper (bulk discount)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should my domain name be?

Ideally 6-12 characters, definitely under 15. Shorter domains are easier to remember, type, and share. However, don't sacrifice clarity for brevity - "best.com" doesn't help if people don't know what you do.

Should I use keywords in my domain name?

It depends on your business type. Local businesses, affiliate sites, and niche e-commerce often benefit from keyword domains (ChicagoPlumber.com). Tech startups and companies seeking VC funding typically do better with brandable names (Stripe, Slack). Keywords provide clarity; brandable names provide uniqueness.

Is .com really necessary, or can I use .io or .co?

.com is still the gold standard for credibility and memorability, especially for traditional businesses and older demographics. However, .io works well for tech startups, .co is increasingly accepted, and industry-specific extensions (.design, .tech) can work in context. If your .com is unavailable or prohibitively expensive, alternatives are viable - just ensure consistency in marketing.

What if my ideal domain is already taken?

You have several options: 1) Contact the owner about purchasing it, 2) Add a prefix/suffix (GetXYZ.com, XYZhq.com), 3) Try a different extension, 4) Get creative with combinations or invented words, 5) Use domain name generators for alternatives. Don't compromise by adding hyphens or numbers.

Should I buy multiple domain variations?

Yes, especially as your business grows. At minimum, buy common misspellings and the .net/.org versions of your .com. This prevents competitors from benefiting from your brand recognition and protects against typos. Budget $50-200 annually for defensive registrations.

How do I check if my domain name has trademark issues?

Search the USPTO database (uspto.gov), Google the name extensively, check for existing businesses with the same name, and search social media. For high-stakes situations, hire an intellectual property attorney to conduct a comprehensive trademark clearance search.

Can I change my domain name later?

Yes, but it's expensive and complicated. You'll lose SEO value, confuse existing customers, need to update all marketing materials, and risk losing traffic. Spend the time to choose correctly now rather than rebranding later.

What's the difference between premium and regular domain pricing?

Regular domains cost $10-15/year for new registrations. Premium domains (previously owned or designated as valuable by registries) can cost hundreds to millions. Premium pricing reflects demand, length, keywords, and historical value. Most small businesses don't need premium domains.

Should I use my personal name or a business name?

For personal brands (consultants, authors, speakers), use your personal name. For businesses that might outlast you, be sold, or have multiple people, use a business name. Consider long-term goals: will this brand exist without you?

How important is the domain extension for SEO?

Google treats all TLDs equally in rankings, but user behavior differs. .com domains get higher click-through rates in search results due to familiarity and trust. Geographic TLDs (.uk, .de) can help with local SEO. The indirect SEO benefits of .com (trust, CTR) often outweigh direct ranking factors.

Key Takeaways

• Keep it short: Under 15 characters if possible, definitely under 20
• Make it memorable: Use the radio test - if you can't easily communicate it verbally, reconsider
• Avoid hyphens and numbers: They create confusion and look unprofessional
• Choose .com when possible: It's still the most credible and memorable extension
• Check trademarks: Protect yourself from legal issues by searching USPTO and Google
• Balance keywords and brandability: Consider your business type and growth plans
• Test before buying: Get feedback from potential users and check social media availability
• Think long-term: Choose a name that will work for your business in 5-10 years
• Don't settle: A mediocre domain with hyphens or numbers isn't better than a great alternative name
• Protect your choice: Buy variations, enable privacy protection, and set auto-renewal

Next Steps

Ready to check domain availability?

Use DomainDetails.com to instantly check if your chosen domain is available and view comprehensive WHOIS information, registration details, and historical data.

Need help generating domain ideas?

Read our companion guide: Domain Name Generators: How to Find Available Names

Ready to register?

Check out our guide: Domain Registration Guide: How to Register a Domain Name

Want to understand domain extensions better?

Learn more: Understanding Domain Extensions: TLDs, gTLDs, and ccTLDs Explained

Looking for premium domains?

Read: Premium Domains Explained: What They Are & Why They Cost More

Research Sources

This article is based on industry best practices, domain registration data, and trademark guidelines from:

• Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)
• United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
• Domain name research from Verisign's Domain Name Industry Brief
• SEO best practices from Google Search Central
• Branding research from Nielsen Norman Group
• Domain industry data from NameBio and DNJournal
• Case studies from successful domain strategies across industries

Last updated: December 1, 2025