Blogging has only become more popular, and lately I’ve been seeing so many questions from people ready to start their own blog. Deciding to dive in is the exciting part, but figuring out where to start can quickly feel overwhelming.
That’s why I wanted to kick off this new website by sharing my tips on one of the first big decisions for any blogger: choosing the right name and setting up your blog. Choosing the right domain name is a crucial step in establishing your blog’s online presence. Your domain name affects your brand identity, SEO and how easily potential readers can find you.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you select a domain name that resonates with your audience and supports your long-term goals.
1. Start with your brand in mind
Your domain name should reflect your blog’s purpose and values. If your blog focuses on digital marketing for small businesses, consider incorporating keywords like “digital” or “marketing” into your domain name. This not only helps with SEO but also sets clear expectations for your audience.
2. Keep it short and memorable
Aim for a domain name that’s concise and easy to remember. Avoid using long phrases or complex words that might be difficult to spell or recall. Short, catchy names are more likely to stick in your readers’ minds and are easier to share.
3. Make it easy to spell and pronounce
Choose a domain name that’s straightforward to spell and pronounce. This is especially important if you plan to promote your blog verbally or through word-of-mouth. Complicated or unusual spellings can lead to confusion and missed traffic.
4. Consider SEO implications
Incorporating relevant keywords into your domain name can give you an SEO advantage. For example, if your blog focuses on “eco-friendly fashion,” including “eco” or “fashion” in your domain name can help search engines understand your content and improve your visibility.
5. Check availability across platforms
Before finalising your domain name, check its availability across various platforms, including social media. Consistency in your blog’s name across different channels helps build a cohesive brand identity and makes it easier for your audience to find you online.
6. Avoid numbers and hyphens
Numbers and hyphens can be confusing when spoken aloud and are often misremembered. Stick to letters to keep your domain name clean and straightforward.
7. Use domain name generators
If you’re struggling to come up with ideas, domain name generators can be a helpful tool. These allow you to input keywords and generate available domain names.
- Namrr.com – This is really handy, you can check if the name is available across multiple platforms such as Twitter and Facebook and it will generate suggestions related to the keywords you used.
- Knowem is brilliant, it lets you check usernames over multiple platforms and social media sites so that you can see what’s free. It’s important to have the same username throughout your sites as it makes it easier for people to find you.
- Use instantdomainsearch.com & nameboy.com to check availability.
- Bustaname.com – you can enter several keywords and automatically combines them.
- Impossibility lets you enter your main keyword and then adds a verb, noun or adjective to the beginning or end and generates a list for you.
- Lean Domain Search lets you enter keywords and gives you a huge list of domains
8. Act quickly
Domain names can be taken at any time, so once you’ve found one that fits your brand and is available, don’t hesitate to register it. Delaying could result in someone else claiming your desired domain.
9. Consider future growth
While it’s important to choose a domain name that reflects your current focus, also think about your blog’s potential to evolve. Avoid names that are too niche or restrictive, as they might limit your ability to expand into new topics or areas in the future.
10. Register your domain name
Once you’ve selected your domain name, register it through a reputable domain registrar. Providers like Namecheap and Bluehost offer domain registration services along with hosting options.
How to choose your brand name
1. Pick a topic
Grab some paper and write down your interests. What do you like? What are your favourite hobbies? What topics or theme would you like your blog to have? What words would you like others to describe your blog as?
2. Brainstorm
Jot down words describing you and words associated with your theme, scribble down absolutely everything that comes into your head. Then use a thesaurus and write down more words and related words. You’ll begin to accumulate a bank of words that you can then go through.
It could contain the topic such as “BellesBeautyBlog“. Using keywords will be good for SEO and will let people know what your blog is about but it’s not necessary, you could go for more of a “brand” name instead.
3. Sort
What goes together? What sounds good? Ask others to say your blog name, it’s important that if you tell someone your blog name that they can pronounce it.
If you feel like all the good ones taken, try mixing up words for combined topics, create your own words, change the language, drop the last vowel or add a word like “get…”, “a…” or “the…”.
Final thoughts
Selecting the right domain name is a foundational step in building your blog’s online presence. By following these tips, you can choose a domain name that not only aligns with your brand but also supports your SEO efforts and is easy for your audience to remember and find.
3 responses to “How to choose the perfect domain name for your blog”
Loved this! It was extremely helpful, and made me come up with my new domain! Xx
Ooh exciting!! So glad it helped 🙂