How to Choose a Domain Name: 7 Pro Tips for Getting It Right

So you’re ready to grab a domain name and slap your digital flag on the internet. Awesome! But then—ugh—your perfect domain is already taken. Or worse, someone wants $5,999 for it. For just the name. 🙃 And now you’re spiraling, wondering how to choose a domain name that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
Let’s talk about what’s actually going on here, and how to pick a domain without losing your mind (or your wallet).

How to choose a domain name

Best Practices for Choosing a Domain Name

  • Keep it simple.
    No dashes, weird spellings, or 35-character monsters. You want something easy to say and type. If you have to explain how it’s spelled every time… it’s not the one.
  • Make it match your brand.
    Your domain should feel like you. Don’t choose something random just because it’s available. Consistency matters across your socials, logo, brand name, and—yep—your domain too.
  • Stick with .com if you can.
    Yes, .co, .net, and .design are trendy — but .com still reigns supreme for trust and recognition. If it’s available, grab it like the last cookie in the jar.
  • Claim it early.
    Even if you’re not 100% ready, buying your domain is like saving your seat at the table. It’s cheap insurance against someone else swooping in.

Bonus tip: If you’re still figuring out how to choose a domain name, start by writing down the keywords that describe your business and brand vibe. Start there, not in a panic spiral.

When Your Dream Domain is Taken

Okay, so you searched your name and it’s already gone. Annoying. Here’s how to deal:

Try small changes.

Add a word like “get,” “shop,” “studio,” or “hello” in front of it. Example: hellowoliveandbirch.com or getwildroots.com Still on-brand, still memorable.

Check socials too.

If you tweak your domain, make sure your social handles can match (or at least come close). No one wants five different usernames floating around.

Consider a buyout.

If someone owns the name but isn’t using it, you can make an offer. But fair warning: some people treat domains like digital gold bars. Be ready for eye-watering price tags.

Why Are Some Domain Names So Expensive?

Ah yes, the million-dollar question. Or, at least, the $5,999 one.

Here’s the deal:
Some domains are owned by investors or companies that bought them hoping to resell them at a profit. Think of it like real estate. They’re betting someone (like you) will want that exact name, and pay up.

Pro tip: Just because a domain is labeled “premium” doesn’t mean it’s worth it. Unless it’s your exact brand name and you’re scaling big, you can usually get creative and save a chunk of change.

Pro Tips Before You Hit “Buy”

  • Avoid trademarks.Don’t grab anything that sounds like an existing brand. It’s not worth the legal mess (or the cease and desist letter).
  • Lock in for multiple years. Some people say it helps SEO, but more importantly? It keeps you from forgetting to renew and losing it. Which happens more often than you’d think.
  • Snag other versions. If you’re serious about the brand, grab common misspellings and other extensions (.net, .co, etc.) to keep copycats from confusing your customers.

Bottom Line:

Your domain name matters, but it’s not the end of the world if you can’t get the one. Be strategic, stay on brand, and grab it early.
Still stressing about how to choose a domain name that looks good, feels right, and won’t bankrupt you? That’s kinda my thing. 😉

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