(If you’ve already decided on your domain name and are looking to purchase it.. you can head over to our step by step tutorial here.)
Picking the right domain name is one of the biggest barriers to actually starting your blog. This post teach exactly what domain name is, why it matters, and how to pick the “perfect name.”
Think of a domain like the ADDRESS of your store. Think of “web hosting” as a “shopping center” where you choose launch your business. We highly suggest you use WordPress and “self host” your blog.
Just like there are many shopping malls across America, there are many places you can choose to “host” your website.
Some shopping malls will be more expensive than others, but others might offer better visibility and foot-traffic etc. For starters, we recommend you host yours shop with Bluehost, and purchase your domain with []
But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. The first step is to choose the right domain name.
Keeping with the your domain is your stores “directions” analogy, it’s important to choose a good domain name.
You want a name that is memorable, easy to type, and gives a clear picture of what you’re going to be taking about.
That being said, you can purchase most domains for less than 10 dollars, so don’t over think this first step.
It’s MUCH better to get started and change your domain later, than it is to never get started in the first place.
This article will teach you how choose a domain. If you’d like to see a step by step tutorial on how to purchase one ahead on over here.
There’s two main purpose of a domain. One is to give your audience a clear address to get your content. The other is use your domain as an “email” for communications purposes. For example, once you purchase a domain you can set it up to where people can email you at [name]@yourdomain.com
Having your own personal domain as an email, makes you much more credible and professional. While using a gmail address is certainly okay, having your own domain makes you stand out both personally and professionally.
Let’s dig into choosing your domain name.
Choosing A Domain Name.
The first step, is to think long and hard over what your blog is going to be about. Your domain choice should reflect that decision.
Of course, you might write about many topics on your blog, so it’s important your domain isn’t too “limiting.” That being said, you don’t want it to be so broad people don’t know what you’ll be writing about.
GOOD: www.Improveyourcareer.com (specific)
BAD: www.iwriteabouteverything.com (way to broad)
GOOD: www.firstandlastname (solid)
BAD: www.companynamellc.com (boring)
BAD: www.thelongestdomainnameinthehistoryoftheworld (way to long and hard to type.)
GOOD: www.startablog.com) (short and too the point. 😉
See the difference?
The next step once you have your “name” is to get the right extension, in most cases you’ll want to register the .com extension. Basically, this is the most popular domain format, and is known by virtually everyone.
That being said, over the last few years new “extensions” have popped up giving you more options than ever. While .com is ideal, there are some other good extensions that will help you get up and running on the right foot.
If .com is not available in your desire name here are some good alternatives. You can also use some more creative extensions to help tell your brand’s “identity” For example, with StartABlog we used the extension .TV because we focused heavily on video tutorials to help you get up and running.
Here are a few other suggestions, in case .com is taken.
.net
.org
.co
.me
.info
Again, don’t try to get overly “cute” with the extensions. You want a domain that is both personal and professional. Use your best judgement when purchasing your domain. Remember, you can always change your domain later if you ever out grow it or go in a direction.
If you’re building your brand for the long haul, it might be a good idea to purchase as many extensions as you can afford. But if you’re on a tight budget, the .com or other extension of your choice is enough to get started.
Here are some helpful tips on choosing the right domain name.
1. Will your domain allow you to grow / scale in the future?
2. Is your domain name easy to spell/type?
3. Does your domain extension (.com, .co, .me) properly convey your brand? Is it personal and professional?
4. Is your domain easy to say/ remember?
5. Is your domain relatively short? Remember, the longer the domain the harder it will be to remember and type.
6. Does your domain make it clear what you’ll be blogging about?
7. Are the other “main” extensions available to purchase? This is important for branding purposes in the future.
8. Is your domain similar to other brands/ blogs? You don’t want your audience to get confused.
9. Does your domain name use proper spelling?
If you’re still stuck and need some help brainstorming, this article has 18 awesome tools to help you pick the perfect name
Take your time on this. But don’t overthink it. Congratulations, you’re now ready to buy your domain name!
