Choosing a domain name seems like a small job, but you'll be stuck with it for years. It's your address on the internet, it's on your business cards and it's in every email address. A good domain name is short, easy to spell, fits your business and is registered in your name.
In this article you'll learn how to come up with a good domain name, which extension to choose, how to register it and which mistakes to avoid.
What makes a good domain name?
A strong name follows a few simple rules. Test your ideas against them:
- Short: the shorter, the easier to remember and type. Try to stay under fifteen characters.
- Easy to spell: when you say the name out loud, someone should be able to type it correctly first time.
- No hyphens or numbers: they're often forgotten or copied wrongly.
- Fits your business: ideally your company name, or a name that clearly says what you do.
- Future-proof: don't go too narrow. If you only repair bikes now, you might be selling e-bikes too in a few years.
- Not someone else's brand name: that can cause legal problems. If you're unsure, ask a lawyer for advice.
.nl or .com: which extension should you choose?
The extension is the part after the dot. For a Dutch business focused on the Netherlands, .nl is almost always the best choice. Dutch people trust it and often type it automatically.
- .nl: the standard for businesses in the Netherlands. Recognisable and trusted.
- .com: handy if you also work internationally or want to grow beyond the Netherlands later.
- .eu: an option for businesses active in several EU countries.
- New extensions such as .shop, .online or .amsterdam: can be fun, but are less well known. Better to use them as an extra than as your main address.
A smart approach is to use the .nl as your main domain and register the .com as well. You then redirect it to your main site. That stops someone else from taking it.
Does a keyword in your domain name help SEO?
Many people think a domain name full of keywords, such as cheap-plumber-amsterdam.nl, ranks better in Google. That effect is small these days. Google looks much more at the content of your pages, the speed and how useful your site is for visitors.
A recognisable brand name usually works better in the long run. People remember it, search for it later and trust it sooner. A keyword can help make clear straight away what you do, as long as the name stays short and natural. Want to be found more easily? First read what SEO is and how local SEO works.
Checking and registering a domain name, step by step
Got a few ideas? Then go through these steps:
- Make a shortlist of three to five names you like.
- Check with a registrar or hosting provider whether the name is still free. You do that with a free domain name checker.
- Also search for the name in Google and on social media. Is there already a business with an almost identical name? Then better not.
- Check whether the same name is free on the social media you use, so everything matches.
- Register the name in your company's name, with an email address you always have access to yourself.
- Switch on automatic renewal, so you don't lose the name by accident.
A domain name usually costs a few euros to a few tens of euros a year. That's an indication; check the current price with the provider. Note: some providers give a discount in the first year and charge more after that.
Common domain name mistakes
- Having the name registered in the name of your web developer or a former employee. If they stop or can't be reached, you have a big problem.
- Forgetting to renew. An expired domain can be picked up by someone else within a short time.
- A name that's very similar to a competitor's. That causes confusion and sometimes legal hassle.
- Buying too many variants without a plan. Two or three important variants are usually enough.
- A long name with abbreviations only you understand.
Domain name, hosting and email: how do they fit together?
Your domain name is the address. Hosting is the house your website lives in. Through the DNS settings, you tell the internet where that house is. These three parts don't have to be with the same provider. It can even be handy to keep your domain name separate, so it's easier to switch hosting. Read more in our article on choosing website hosting.
With your own domain you also get a business email address, such as info@yourcompany.nl. That looks a lot more professional than a free address. Do make sure your email is set up properly, so your messages don't end up in customers' spam folders.
Transferring or changing your domain name
Want to move your domain name to another provider? Then you need a transfer code, sometimes called a token. You request it from your current registrar. The website itself stays online if you handle it properly.
Taking a new domain name, for example after a name change, needs more care. Set up a redirect (a 301 redirect) from every old page to the new page. That way you keep as much of your position in Google as possible, and visitors with old links don't land on an error page.
Need help with your domain name and website?
At Violexa we help you with the whole process, from domain name to live website. We make sure domain, hosting and email are in your name and that you always have access. Take a look at our websites and apps service, or first read how getting a website built works.
A custom website starts from €1,799 excl. VAT (€2,177 incl. VAT), including design, development, a layout that works on every screen, basic SEO, Google Analytics, CMS integration and training.
Torn between a few names, or want to know how to move forward? Book a free quickscan: a 30-minute conversation, online or on site. Afterwards you get brief written advice with a price indication, with no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
How do you choose a good domain name for your business?
Choose a short name that's easy to spell and fits your company name. Avoid hyphens and numbers. Check whether the name is free and whether there's a business with an almost identical name.
Is a .nl or .com domain better?
If you focus on the Netherlands, .nl is usually the best choice. If you work internationally, .com is handy. Many businesses register both and redirect the .com to the .nl.
How much does a domain name cost per year?
Usually a few euros to a few tens of euros a year, depending on the extension and the provider. This is an indication, so check the current price. Watch out for discounts that only apply to the first year.
Whose name should my domain name be registered in?
Always in your own company's name, with an email address you can access yourself. Never have it registered in the name of your web developer or an employee. That way you always stay in control.
