The launch of a new website is always a fascinating event. However, to set it up, you must first select a domain name. Finding a suitable domain name may seem complex but relatively simple.

This guide will provide you with all the tools you need to find the right domain name for your business and walk you through the steps necessary to register it. Let’s first find out what a domain name is to all readers, particularly those unfamiliar with technology.

What is a domain name, and how does it work?

A domain name is your address on the world wide web (www). The domain of your website is what users type into their browser’s address bar to gain access to it.

If your website’s IP address is like its GPS coordinates, then its domain is like its street address.

The IP (Internet Protocol) addresses consist of a set of numbers that look something like this:

8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1

Remembering those digits is akin to recalling a covert operation’s secret code in a spy movie. As a result, making a domain name makes everything easier.

When you enter a domain name into your browser, a DNS server receives it. This server translates your domain name into IP addresses. Then, it retrieves website information and sends it to the browser. This quick technique lets you find and visit a website.

In 2019, Verisign conducted a survey and discovered 24 million new domain registrations. There are 0.9 million more domain names registered since the last quarter, which is a four percent increase. Also, the number of TLDs went up by 0.6 million, a 2.4% increase from the year prior.

To choose the best domain for your business, you need to know how the domain name works. A domain has two main parts: a second-level domain (SLD) and a top-level domain (TLD).

Most Popular Domains (TLDs)

Domain extensions are another name for top-level domains or TLDs. They are the group of letters to the right of the dot on your SLD. Some of the most popular are:

  • .com—which stands for “commercial.” It was the first release intended for business or commercial use.
  • .net – It is mainly for technological firms, but it has since become another popular option for commercial website owners of all types.
  • .edu- This TLD, which stands for “education,” was designed for universities, colleges, and other educational institutions.
  • .org—Short for “organization,” this was created for non-profit organizations but quickly spread to schools, neighborhoods, and for-profit businesses.
  • .gov-Stands for “government,” predominantly for government agencies.
  • Domains at the country level (ccTLDs) Some TLDs are specific to a country, like. ca,.ad,.ae.

There are about 1,500 TLDs, and the number is growing.

How do you decide on a good domain name when starting a business?

  1. Make it remarkable and brandable.
    Domain names that fail to stand out or are difficult to remember will never succeed. It is far preferable to have a domain name that corresponds to your brand rather than simply a collection of random terms. It is how people will find your company online, remember it, and spread the word about it.
  2. Make sure that it is easy to type and spell.
    Getting ahead online means picking a domain name that is easy to type. Customers might have a tough time finding or remembering your site if you use slang like “wots” instead of “what” or words with more than one spelling, such as Izzy and “easy,” “express,” and “Xpress.”
    Take note that the world’s most popular websites are simple to spell. They leave a lasting impression.
  3. Keep it short but unique.
    Having a short domain name makes it easy to remember. Try to keep the number of characters in your domain name to 15 or less. Domain names that are longer than this will be hard for users to remember. You risk customers mistyping or misspelling it. It’s best to keep things short and easy.
  4. Don’t use numbers or hyphens.
    A lot of times, numbers and hyphens throw people off. If you choose a domain name with numbers and hyphens, you will probably lose traffic from people who can’t remember it or tell someone else how to find it.
  5. Investigate the domain name.
    When selecting a domain name, ensure it is not a company’s trademark. Your business can land you in hot water with the law and cost you a fortune. 

    Atlaq can help you discover the history, availability, and ownership, provide a cost estimate, and propose possible domain names.

    Namecheap, GoDaddy, and Bluehost are some companies that sell domain names after the fact. As a result, they have access to a treasure trove of data, which they use to look at history, and prices. You can use their review or appraisal feature to get an idea.
  6. Protect your domain name for the future.
    View your websites and domain names as long-term assets. Consider your company’s or brand’s potential success over the next five to 10 years.
  7. Use a domain generator tool for brilliant name ideas.
    If you’re not too imaginative, you can receive suggestions from a domain name generator. Atlaq.com has this feature. Just enter some words or phrases that characterize your brand or website, and these tools will provide you with a selection of options to check to see if they are available.
  8. Avoid double letters.
    It’s best to avoid domains with double letters because people are more likely to misspell them, like assess.com or presssetup.com, to stop losing web traffic.
  9. Leave room for growth.
    It’s a good idea to pick a domain name that relates to your business or niche. It will demonstrate the purpose of your website. However, you don’t want to make things too difficult for yourself in the long run.
  10. Check if your domain name is available as a social handle.
    If you want to talk to your visitors or customers, you’ll need to link your website and domain name to social media accounts. So it’s always a good idea to check your favorite social media sites to see if your domain name can also be your social media handle.
  11. Don’t pass up a good deal.
    Budgets are one of the most critical factors for business owners. Domain prices can change at all times. If you find a premium domain for a bargain, don’t hesitate to grab it.
  12. Use multiple domains to protect your brand.
    Even if you get a highly sought-after .com address, you might want to buy other TLDs and set up redirects. You may even get domain misspellings to avoid losing traffic due to “user error.”
  13. Use keywords.
    You can use keywords in your domain name to boost your SEO. Make sure that this doesn’t hurt your blog’s length, originality, or brand, but if there are keywords that would go well with a short, unique word or two, you might want to add them to your domain name.

How to Select a Reliable Domain Name Service Provider

A domain registrar, or service provider, is a company where you can buy a domain name. Here are some things to look for when looking for a registrar:

  1. Transfers of Domain
    Check the registrar’s rules about transferring. Then, if it’s hard to do or costs a lot, keep looking.
  2. Pricing
    Some companies have lower prices the first year, but when it’s time to renew, they raise the prices. Some service providers might even try to lure you into a contract for more than one year.
  3. Policy on Expiration
    If you forget to renew the ownership, someone might snatch the domain and lose everything you’ve done. Look for a registrar that will automatically renew your domain name and give you a grace period.
  4. Domain Privacy Protection
    When you run a website, you must make your contact details available in a searchable online database. However, domain privacy services allow you to conceal your primary contact information.
  5. Subdomains
    You don’t have to sign up for each subdomain individually. Just make sure that adding subdomains to your site is easy with your registrar.

What is the cost of a domain name?

A domain registrar can register a domain name for one year or more. After the first period, the registrar will remind you to renew your domain name. Web hosting services may come with domains. If not, your host will probably sell them to you.

A “.com” domain name costs $12.99 or less a year. In addition, some hosting companies will offer free WHOIS privacy protection and an SSL certificate to get you to sign up with them.

Atlaq.com can help you determine how much other domain name registrants charge for the name you want. In addition, Atlaq will assist you in selecting an approximate cost.

A web hosting plan is required to launch your website online, but you do not need hosting to purchase a domain name. If you have an idea for a brandable name for your website, you may buy your domain now and store it for later.

Now that we’ve covered the nitty-gritty of a domain name, how do you choose the perfect domain name for your business?

Domain name selection is a lot like company name selection in that it calls for serious reflection and deliberation. Your domain name is your online persona, so it should be memorable, descriptive, and simple to share.

Learn the Ins and Outs of Domain Name Buying

Let’s say you have a list of short, catchy, brandable domain names that you want to buy. Here are the steps you need to take:

  1. Find a domain availability tool.
    The following stage in your quest is to find a domain name. Use a tool to see if the domain name you desire is available. Atlaq.com provides numerous features. It assists you in determining the availability, history, cost estimate, and alternatives for a domain. It saves time when developing a business plan.
  2. Go with a reputable domain “registrar.”
    Look for a registrar that ICANN has given its stamp of approval. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) distributes and manages all Internet addresses (ICANN).
  3. Decide on the “best” domain name possibility.
    When your options are no longer available, you can do the following:
  4. Keep searching.
    Let your creativity flow and keep looking until you find something you like.
    – Choose from other extensions.
    You can use .net or .org if you like a particular name to make it work.
    – Contact the owner of the domain.
    Contact the owner of the domain name. Perhaps the domain is taken, but the owner is not using it. Then, you can send an offer.
  5. Purchase the domain name.
    After you choose a domain name, it’s time to buy it. The domain name provider will automatically show you how much the domain name will cost each year and if there are any discounts.

    When you check out, you’ll need to enter your contact information, such as an email address, to register the domain.
  6. Check the ownership of your domain.
    Paying for your domain isn’t the final step; you must verify ownership. This step allows you to send emails using your chosen domain name and prevents others from using it without your permission.