How to Choose a Domain

Choose the Perfect Domain Name for Your Boise Business | Expert Guide

Congratulations on your new website! Now it’s time to choose a website domain for your business, a crucial decision that isn’t easily changeable. Your domain plays a crucial role in making your business easy to find and establishing your brand’s credibility from the start. A great domain should:

1. Be easy to remember
2. Be easy to say out loud
3. Include an industry-relevant keyword
4. Uniquely represent your business

Picking the right name for your domain is as important as naming your business. So let’s get it right! Don’t know where to start? Don’t worry—we at Surge Web Design have walked through this process many times, and we’ll get you through it too.

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Everything You Need to Know About Domains

What is an IP Address?

Every website has its own physical address made up of a series of numbers called an Internet Protocol (IP) address. However, since long strings of numbers are not easy to remember–we know you probably haven’t had to even memorize a phone number since kindergarten–we use domain names to make websites more accessible. Instead of memorizing an IP address like 172.16.565.45, we’ll choose a simple domain name for your website.

What is a Domain Name?

A domain name is the web address users type in to find your site. It is sandwiched between “www.” and “.com” (or .org, .biz, etc.), and can also be used as your business email address after the “@.” 

For instance, Power Rooter Plumbing and Drain’s domain is www.powerrooterusa.com and is linked to the corresponding IP address. Buying a domain name is crucial for establishing your business's identity online, and ensuring website name availability is the first step.

What is the Domain Name System (DNS)

The Domain Name System (DNS) works similarly to the Dewey Decimal System used in libraries. Both systems organize information to make it easy to find. Here’s a quick comparison:

Just like library systems help you find books faster, the DNS translates your domain name into an IP address so users can access your website quickly. 

URL Vs. Domain: What’s the Difference?

Imagine an apartment complex. It has a physical address that encompasses the entire complex, but each unit is then differentiated by apartment numbers. In this analogy, a domain name is the umbrella address for the entire complex (website), while the URL tells you which specific unit (webpage) to go to. If you're wondering, "What is a URL?" it's the complete web address for any page on a site.

For example, the URL for Power Rooter’s blog is https://www.powerrooterusa.com/blog.

Here’s the breakdown:

1. Domain Name: powerrooterusa

2. Domain Category: .com

3. Subdomain: /blog

Top 8 Tips for Naming Your Domain

Now we need to dig in and find the right name for your website that will work as a quick, easily remembered access point for the DNS to translate into your IP address, direct people to your site, and rank in search engine results pages.

1. SEO Keywords:

Choosing SEO keywords is an important consideration for a strong domain, especially for a small business. Keywords are what potential customers type into the search bar of their favorite search engine. Keyword research tools can help identify which keywords are most searched in your area, and including these can help your site rank higher and get more organic traffic.

2. Business Name:

Consider using your business name in the domain if it includes strong keywords. Customers may not know your business name yet, but they will find you if you're ranking for what they're searching for. This has worked well for Big Boy Movers with their domain, thebigboymovers.com.

3. Location:

Adding a location to your domain can help target your service area. For instance, Lone Pine Dermatology chose the domain logandermatology.com, which includes both a keyword and their location. Be careful, though, if you're planning for future business expansion to multiple locations.

4. Keep it Short and Simple:

Short, simple domain names are easier to remember and less likely to be mistyped. You want potential customers to easily find you without confusing elements like abbreviations or hyphens.

5. Say it Out Loud:

Test your domain by saying it out loud to someone who isn’t familiar with your business. Say it out loud to multiple people—different accents and dialects can sometimes interpret words differently, so be sure your domain works for everyone.

Is it easy to understand? Do they need clarification on spelling? Avoid abbreviations, hyphens, or double letters that could cause confusion. You want to be able to tell your customers “Find us online at example.com” and know they will be able to get there. We don’t want small-town directions that leave questions like “Tell me again, which cow marks my third left turn?”

6. Write it:

Before finalizing your domain, write it out to make sure it doesn’t contain any unintended or embarrassing meanings. Avoid situations like Mayer’s Hit Records, which could look problematic as a domain name.

7. Search it:

A quick search will help ensure your domain isn’t already taken or infringing on trademarks.

8. Social Media:

Consistent branding is key, so check that your domain name is available across social media platforms and claim those handles early.

By following these domain tips you will be well on your way to establishing your brand in prominent search engine rankings to drive traffic to your business. 

Purchasing Your Domain 

Choosing the right domain name is one of the most important decisions you'll make when launching your website. It’s more than just a web address—it’s a key part of your brand’s identity and will influence your online visibility. By following these tips, you can create a memorable, effective domain name that works for your business now and in the future. 

Take your time, consider your options, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Are you ready to buy your business domain in Boise? Surge Web Design will take care of all the details, including finding the website name availability and the registration process. We proudly serve businesses in Boise, Idaho, and throughout the United States. Call (208) 391-3413 today. We're here to guide you every step of the way!