How to choose a domain name

Your domain name is your address on the web and a big part of your brand. A good one is easy to say, easy to spell and easy to remember. Here is how to pick one you will be happy with for years.

Keep it short and clear

Shorter names are easier to type and share. Avoid hyphens and numbers where you can, since they get lost when a name is spoken aloud. If your ideal name is taken, a small tweak often reads better than a long, awkward string.

Choose the right extension

• .com is the most familiar extension in the US and worldwide, and .net is a common alternative when the .com you want is taken.
• .us signals a US business and is a good fit when your audience is mainly in the United States.
• Newer extensions such as .store, .online and .tech can work well when they fit your brand.

Many businesses register more than one extension, for example the .com and the .us, to protect the brand and catch visitors who guess. You can compare and register extensions on our domains page.

Check before you commit

Make sure the name is not already trademarked by another business, and check that a matching handle is free on the social platforms you plan to use. It is much easier to keep one name consistent everywhere than to change it later.

Register and point it at your site

Once you have chosen, register the domain and connect it to your hosting. Every domain with us includes a full DNS management panel, so you can point it at your website, email or any other service yourself. New to hosting? Start with what is web hosting.