Choosing a domain name is one of the most important steps in starting your online journey. It is your digital address and the first thing people see when they find you. A good name helps you build trust, while a poor one can make your site hard to find.
Here is a guide to help you pick the perfect domain name for your WordPress website.
1. Keep It Short and Simple
When it comes to domain names, shorter is almost always better. You want a name that is easy to type and easy to remember. Aim for one to three words at most.
If your domain name is too long, users are more likely to make a typo. For example, “https://www.google.com/search?q=BestCookingTips.com” is much better than “https://www.google.com/search?q=ThePlaceWhereYouCanFindTheBestCookingTips.com.”
2. Use the Right Extension
The extension is the part that comes after your name, like .com, .net, or .org. While there are many new options today like .blog or .photography, the .com extension is still the best choice.
Most people assume every website ends in .com. It is the most recognized and trusted extension in the world. If your desired .com is taken, try to find a different name rather than switching to a confusing extension.
3. Make It Easy to Pronounce and Spell
You should be able to share your domain name easily during a conversation. If you have to spell it out every time you say it, it is probably too complicated.
Avoid using “unique” spellings of common words. If your brand is about “Express Coffee,” don’t name it “https://www.google.com/search?q=XpressCoffee.com.” People will naturally type the correct spelling and end up on someone else’s website.
4. Avoid Hyphens and Double Letters
Hyphens are often a sign of “spammy” websites. They are also hard to communicate verbally. If you tell someone your site is “https://www.google.com/search?q=cooking-tips.com,” they might forget the dash and type “https://www.google.com/search?q=cookingtips.com” instead.
Double letters are another common trap. A name like “https://www.google.com/search?q=Fitnesssetup.com” is hard to read because of the triple “s” in the middle. This leads to typos and lost traffic.
5. Use Keywords Wisely
Keywords tell search engines and visitors what your website is about. If you are starting a photography blog, having the word “photo” or “camera” in your domain can be helpful.
However, do not force it. A brandable name is often better than a name stuffed with keywords. Think about “Amazon” or “Google.” Those names don’t describe what they do, but they are very easy to remember.
6. Research Your Choice
Before you hit the buy button, do a quick search. Make sure the name is not trademarked by another company. You can check social media platforms like Instagram, X, and Facebook to see if the handle is available there too. It is best to have the same name across all your platforms.
7. Act Fast
Domain names sell quickly. Thousands of names are registered every single day. If you find a name that you love and it is available, do not wait too long to buy it. Most domains are very affordable, so it is better to secure it now than to lose it to someone else later.
Summary Checklist
- Is it a .com extension?
- Is it easy to say out loud?
- Is it under 15 characters?
- Does it avoid numbers and hyphens?
- Is it unique and brandable?
Choosing your domain is the foundation of your WordPress site. Once you have the right name, you can focus on creating great content and growing your audience.