HOW DO I CHOOSE A DOMAIN NAME?

Short answer: Choose a domain that's short, memorable, easy to spell, and represents your brand. Aim for .com if possible, avoid hyphens and numbers, and make sure it's not trademarked.

Key Criteria for a Great Domain

• ✓ Short & Memorable: 6-14 characters is ideal. Shorter is easier to remember and type.
• ✓ Easy to Spell: If people can't spell it after hearing it once, it's too complicated.
• ✓ Easy to Pronounce: You'll say it out loud. Make sure it's clear and unambiguous.
• ✓ Brandable: Unique and distinctive, not generic. "Acme Coffee" beats "Best Coffee Shop."
• ✓ Use .com: Still the gold standard. If unavailable, consider .co, .io, .net, or .org.
• ✓ Avoid Hyphens & Numbers: They're confusing and look unprofessional.
• ✓ Think Long-Term: Will this name still work if you expand? Avoid overly narrow names.

The "Radio Test"

Imagine explaining your domain on the radio. If someone hears it once, can they spell it correctly and find your site? If not, simplify.

Check for Trademark Issues

Before registering, search the USPTO trademark database. Using a trademarked name can lead to legal battles and forced domain transfers. Not worth the risk.

Examples

Good: acmecoffee.com, quickbooks.com, stripe.com

Avoid: best-cheap-coffee-shop-2026.com, kwik-bks4u.com