Blogging 101: Choosing the Right Domain Name

Whether you’re using a free plan or paying for a full domain name, choosing the right one can be daunting. This is the name that people are going to remember you for, this is what people will be searching, and for the most part this is going to be your blog name as well as your domain. So how do you know whether you’re choosing the right domain name for you?

Why You Need To Choose The Right Domain Name?

A key reason why you need to choose the right domain name at the start of your blog is the memorability factor. Whilst some bloggers have successfully changed their domain names and re-branded their blogs, it can make it harder for some readers to remember the change. This is especially problematic for your readers who may only visit a couple of times a month, or who don’t engage as much. 

Another reason is the SEO implications. Some factors that affect your domain authority in search engine rankings are backlinks and also age of the domain. If you decide to switch to a different domain, you do end up losing the authority you’ve already built up which can reduce views if you depend on search engines. 

Questions to Ask Yourself about Your Domain Name

What are common keywords used in the niche I want to write in?

When thinking about a domain name, you can make a list of keywords that you think are linked to the niche you want to write about. For example, for book blogs these words could be books, reading, reads, fantasy etc. I know multiple book bloggers who have these words in their domains because it’s linked to their topic. 

On top of this you can go through your favourite bloggers to see what they use, and if multiples use the same phrases and words, you could cross those off as they may be too saturated/you don’t want to risk copying another blogger. 

What words describe me?

Whether you’re elegant, quirky, positive or anything else, write down what words could be used to describe you. These words can be attached to different words to create a domain name that represents both you and the topic. This works especially well if your tone of voice is going to be very personable and how you would normally talk. 

What words describe the content I will be creating?

A little bit different to your keywords as this is non-topic specific. So think about what kind of content you have in mind and think of the different adjectives that could be used to describe it, but not the keywords that will be in it. For example, if you want to create hype reviews or rant reviews then hype and/or rant could be words that apply. 

What words do you like?

The least technical question ever is what words do you just like. There’s some words that you do just prefer for some unknown reason, and these could be merged together to create a domain name that fits. For example, I just liked the word Oracle and I wrote down lots of other words and Uptown Oracle is just what happened to stick. 

Do I want to be known as a brand or as a person?

Alternatively, you may want to create a blog that is more focused on you as a person depending on the reasons why you want to blog. In this case, you may want to see if your name is available as a domain. In some cases you may need to use shortened versions of your name, or use your middle name or initial. 

Do I have any nicknames that could work as a domain name?

If you have an extremely common first and last name, a nickname may be easier to use for a domain. What do your friends and family call you? Did you have a nickname in a sports team or society at school? Think of different ways you could incorporate your nicknames into other aspects I mentioned above too. 

6 Tips for Choosing a Domain Name

1. Stick to a .com domain extension

As a general rule .com extensions are more memorable because most websites use this and it’s more familiar to users of the internet. If you create an amazing blog with a memorable name and then people forget what your domain extension is, they’re most likely going to type in .com. It’s kind of the default extension for most english-speaking sites. 

Because of this familiarity, if your blog is actually .abc or .blog or anything different to the norm, it may prevent people returning because they can’t remember. If your domain with .com is already taken, first you need to check what that website is! If it’s anywhere near similar to your niche, you may need to change – and if it’s a business there’s a possibility that later on you’ll face legal issues. If it’s just a bought domain, but has no content, and you’re set on that particular domain then try using .co.uk or .net which still seem credible and are often the next most used. 

Alternatively, you can use your country domain extension, especially if you’re blogging in that language or about the country itself as it’s easily relatable. Plus, I believe those would be  more familiar to others in your country too.

2. Keep it Short and Easy to Spell

Keeping your domain shorter can help keep it more memorable. Think about all the sites you currently use, how many of them have long names? I’m guessing not many. Unless it’s an extremely catchy phrase, people are more likely to remember a short and snappy URL. 

Being memorable is also aided by your domain being easy to spell. If there’s strange spellings for words, you use numbers, alternate numbers and letters etc. there’s higher chances for typos. If typos keep occuring it may reduce your traffic due to people not getting to your blog and becoming frustrated so going somewhere else. 

3. Keep it Brandable

A key part about your domain is that it needs to be unique and it needs to be brandable. Even if your blog is a hobby and not a stream of income for you, you don’t want to risk being close to a trademark or copyrighted name. You also want any of your readers to easily remember your name. 

Often “brand names” don’t have a specific meaning, they’re short but catchy but most of all they’re easily made for readers to remember and return. Getting a brandable domain should also make it easier for your branding efforts as a whole. 

4. Avoid Hyphens and other Punctuation

Similar to keeping it short and memorable, hyphens and punctuation can often lead to typos as people are less likely to remember them. On top of this, often spam sites and other uncredible sites use hyphens which could make your blog look like one of those sites. 

5. Research Your Domain Name

Before you register your domain name do some research around it. Use Google search to find out if there’s already businesses using that name or even if it’s been trademarked! Don’t forget to check Social Media sites to see if the handle matching your domain is available too. 

Having a similar name to something else (whether it’s a similar industry or not!) can be problematic, especially when copyright and trademark laws start to apply. This could cost your money later on. 

6. Use Keywords in your Domain Name Search

A key way of telling search engines like Google what your blog is about is your domain name (as well as multiple other factors!). If you use a keyword (Say books, beauty, blogger etc) it could actually help you in the long run to rank in search engines for that keyword. To be honest, you’d have to be extremely creative to get most keywords nowadays, but it’s always something to keep an eye on. 

Best Places to Purchase a Domain Name

One of the easiest ways to purchase a domain name is to get it with your hosting plan. Places like BlueHost and Lyrical Host often include a free domain purchase with their plans for the first year. You would then continue to re-new your purchase through them alongside your hosting plan. 

Alternatively here’s some places you can purchase a domain:

• GoDaddy
• 123-Reg
• Names
• Namecheap
• Domain