Choosing your perfect domain name

Finding the right name for your business is challenging. Finding a name that perfectly suits your business and is available as a domain is even more difficult. When we were choosing a domain for Hellokea, we had over 10 names on our shortlist. We rejected numerous options simply because owning a domain with that exact name was much harder than we anticipated. After all, domain names are more than just web addresses - they’re an identity for your business. This guide is part of our resources section, focusing on choosing the perfect domain name for your business.

We’re emphasizing domain names because they’re not just your business identity; they’re also a core part of communicating with your customers through Hellokea.

Why your domain name matters more than you think

Let’s consider a simple example of an online bouquet store. The first thing you share with potential customers is your website address (domain name). Once you’ve decided on a name, try registering it immediately. It doesn’t matter whether you’re ready to host a website yet - you have plenty of time to figure that out later.

Your domain name is more than just a web address; it’s a crucial part of your brand identity. When you share links on social media, people click on them, redirecting to your website. If your domain is memorable, it’s much easier for customers to find you. The right name can also facilitate easier marketing efforts.

Matching your domain to your business

How do you choose a domain name that truly reflects your business identity? It’s not just about picking something that sounds cool (although that doesn’t hurt). Your domain name should align with your brand values, products or services, and target audience.

Consider your long-term goals too – will this domain name still make sense if your business expands or pivots in the future? Remember, your domain name is a key part of your brand identity, so it should be something you’re proud to share and that resonates with your ideal customers.

Take Hellokea as an example. Our initial idea was to create a robust tool that helps with communication and marketing for small businesses. We decided to start by tackling one of the hardest problems for any business - helpdesk functionality. However, Hellokea isn’t just about helpdesk solutions. We aim to make it a perfect tool for indie hackers and businesses of all sizes.

Keeping your domain name short and sweet

If we were writing this post in the ’90s or even early 2000s, this subheading might have seemed more achievable. Now, it’s quite challenging to find any domain with fewer than 8-9 characters in proper English that ends with .com. Try to find that sweet spot where your domain is concise but still conveys something about your business. The goal is to create a domain name that’s easy for your customers to recall and type into their browser without making mistakes.

Making it easy to spell and pronounce

When finalizing the Hellokea name, we asked our friends to repeat it over the phone. This might sound silly, but hearing people pronounce the name can give you valuable second thoughts. We did this with people from different language backgrounds, which helped us eliminate some of our initial choices.

Avoid using homophones (words that sound the same but are spelled differently) as they can lead to confusion. For example, “write” and “right” sound the same, but using “write” in your domain name might lead people to misspell it. Similarly, be cautious with made-up words. While they can be unique and memorable, they might also be harder for people to spell correctly.

The great domain extension debate: .com vs. the rest

Now, let’s talk about those letters that come after the dot in your domain name. While .com is still the most popular choice, don’t be afraid to explore other options. The right domain extension can add meaning to your domain name and help differentiate your business. However, it’s important to consider the implications of different extensions. Some extensions might be less familiar to users and could affect how they perceive your business. Others might be restricted to certain types of organizations or locations.

The classic .com

It’s popular for a reason. People trust .com domains, and they’re easier to remember. If you can secure a .com that matches your business name, go for it! The .com extension is the most widely recognized and is often associated with established, reputable businesses. It’s a safe choice that works well for most types of businesses. However, because .com is so popular, it can be challenging to find available domains with this extension, especially if you’re looking for something short and memorable. If your ideal .com domain is taken, you might need to get creative or consider other extensions.

Country-specific extensions

If your business primarily serves a specific country, consider using that country’s extension. For instance, .co.uk for the UK or .com.au for Australia. These extensions can help signal to visitors where your business is based or where it primarily operates. This can be particularly useful if you’re targeting a local market or if your business is closely tied to a specific country or culture. Country-specific extensions can also help with local SEO, potentially boosting your visibility in searches from that country. However, keep in mind that using a country-specific extension might make your site seem less relevant to visitors from other countries, which could be a drawback if you plan to expand internationally in the future.

Industry-specific extensions

Some extensions are tailored to specific industries. For example, .tech for technology companies or .photography for photographers. These can help instantly communicate what your business is about. Industry-specific extensions can be a great way to stand out and immediately convey the nature of your business. They can also help you find a shorter, more memorable domain name if your preferred .com is already taken. However, be aware that some of these newer extensions might not be as familiar to all users, which could potentially affect your website’s perceived credibility or professionalism. Before choosing an industry-specific extension, consider your target audience and whether they’re likely to be familiar and comfortable with these newer domain types.

Avoiding legal troubles: Don’t step on anyone’s toes

Before you get too attached to a domain name, make sure it’s not already taken or trademarked. The last thing you want is a cease and desist letter landing in your inbox. Do your homework and check if the name is available across all social media platforms too. This step is crucial to avoid potential legal issues down the line.

Start by doing a thorough search of existing trademarks in your country and any other countries where you plan to do business. Remember that trademarks can apply to more than just exact matches – similar names that could cause confusion might also be protected. After checking trademarks, search for the name on major social media platforms. Even if the domain is available, you’ll want to make sure you can use the same name consistently across all your online presence. Consider using a service that checks domain and social media availability simultaneously to streamline this process.

Thinking about your business’s future

When choosing your domain name, think about where your business might be in 5, 10, or even 20 years. Will the name still be relevant? Will it limit your ability to expand into new products or services? Choose a name that gives you room to grow.

It’s tempting to pick a very specific domain name that perfectly describes your current business, but this can backfire if your business evolves over time. For example, if you’re starting a business selling handmade soaps, “amazinghandmadesoaps.com” might seem perfect now, but what if you later expand into other bath and body products? A more general name like “luxurybathessentials.com” might serve you better in the long run.

Consider potential pivots or expansions your business might make, and try to choose a domain name that’s flexible enough to accommodate these changes. It’s also worth thinking about potential negative connotations or alternate meanings your domain name might have in other languages or cultures, especially if you have plans for international expansion.

The power of branding

Remember, your domain name is just one piece of the puzzle. It should work in harmony with your overall branding strategy. Make sure it aligns with your logo, color scheme, and the overall vibe of your business. Your domain name is often the first interaction potential customers have with your brand, so it needs to set the right tone.

Think about the personality you want your brand to convey – is it professional and serious, or fun and quirky? Your domain name should reflect this personality. Consider how your domain name will look on business cards, in email signatures, and on marketing materials. Will it be easy to incorporate into your logo design? Does it complement your slogan or tagline?

A strong brand identity is cohesive across all touchpoints, and your domain name plays a crucial role in this cohesion. Don’t be afraid to get feedback on your domain name ideas from potential customers or industry peers. Sometimes an outside perspective can provide valuable insights you might have overlooked.

Ready to make your mark in the digital world?

Choosing the right domain name is a crucial step in establishing your business’s online presence. It’s the foundation upon which you’ll build your digital empire. Take your time, brainstorm plenty of ideas, and don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from friends, family, or potential customers. Your domain name is an investment in your brand’s future, so it’s worth putting in the effort to get it right.

Consider purchasing multiple variations of your chosen domain name (including common misspellings) to protect your brand and catch any misdirected traffic. Once you’ve chosen your perfect domain name, make sure to register it as soon as possible. Good domain names can go quickly, and you don’t want to lose out on your ideal choice.

Remember, your perfect domain name is out there waiting for you. Happy hunting!

P.S. Already have a domain name but not sure if it’s the right fit? Don’t panic! Many successful businesses have rebranded and changed their domain names as they’ve grown. It’s never too late to make a change if you feel it’s necessary for your business’s success. However, changing your domain name does come with challenges, including potential loss of SEO rankings and customer confusion. If you’re considering a domain change for an established business, it’s wise to plan the transition carefully and consider seeking advice from a branding or digital marketing expert. Whether you’re choosing your first domain name or contemplating a change, remember that your domain is a key part of your online identity – choose wisely, and it will serve your business well for years to come.

How can Hellokea help?

Once you’ve finalized your domain, you need a way to handle customer inquiries, personal email accounts, and an email account to manage your potential suppliers. There are certain email accounts which need to be shared among your team to make communication with users easier. This is where Hellokea can help you get started quickly and efficiently.

We’ve designed our free plan to ensure it covers most of your daily workloads. Start using Hellokea for free and experience the difference in managing your business communications.