Registering a domain name is the most important first step for any person or business setting up a website. A domain name is your site’s digital address and how potential customers find and access your content. But before you can register the best option, you need to do a domain name search. In this blog post, we’ll give you tips to help you with your domain name search so you can find the perfect one for your website. We will also take you through how to check for availability, register, and secure your new domain.
Starting Your Domain Name Search
Availability and competition are two major challenges when performing a domain name search. Despite these challenges, securing a suitable domain name is essential for establishing a strong online identity and promoting your brand effectively.
As the internet continues to expand, users are increasingly finding that many of the domain names they want to use have already been registered. Leaving them with a limited number of options. This scarcity often leads to frustration, as people may struggle to find and register a domain name for their business that accurately represents their brand or website’s purpose.
Additionally, the market for premium, high-value domain names is extremely competitive, with some domains being sold for exorbitant prices by resellers.
A strategic approach to your domain name search can save you time and boost your business. It can also take the frustration out of checking availability for new names repeatedly.
Domain Name Structure
Domain names consist of two parts. The Second Level Domain (SLD) is the “name” of your website and the Top Level Domain (TLD) also known as the domain extension.
TLDs are the suffixes that come after the domain name, such as “.com”. Similar to the SLD, the TLD you choose can impact your website’s credibility, branding, and SEO.
In much the same way your SLD tells users and search engines about your website, so can your TLD. Using a popular new TLD as an example, a “.io” extension can show that you are running a tech website.
Here is a quick look at the types of TLDs available:
Generic Top Level Domains (gTLDs)
gTLDs are the most common and widely recognized TLDs. They’ve been around since the early days of the internet, and people are accustomed to seeing ones like “.com, “.org”, and “.net”.
gTLDs like “.com” don’t restrict the website’s content or purpose. This allows for a wider range of websites to use them compared to specialized TLDs like .edu or .gov.
Regardless of location, most people recognize gTLDs like .com as legitimate web addresses. This makes them a safe bet for websites aiming for a broad audience.
Country Code Top Level Domains (ccTLDs)
ccTLDs are two-letter domains that represent specific countries or territories. These can be useful if your target audience is in a specific geographic location. By using an extension like .us for the United States or .jp for Japan, you instantly signal your website’s connection to a specific location.
Search engines often prioritize websites with ccTLDs in local SEO. So, if you have a website aimed at American users specifically, a .us domain can potentially help it rank higher in US-based Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs).
However, because each ccTLD is tied to a specific country, there might be fewer domain name options compared to generic gTLDs. This can make finding the perfect domain name slightly more challenging.
Additionally, registering some ccTLDs can involve additional steps or regulations compared to gTLDs. These may vary by country, so be prepared for potential extra verification or local residency requirements.
New gTLDs
In recent years, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has introduced a wide range of new gTLDs which has expanded the pool of available domain names.
New gTLDs offer more choice and can help businesses and individuals create memorable domain names. This makes it more likely you’ll find a unique and relevant name to using the traditional “.com” TLD, where many desirable names are already taken.
They can directly reflect your website’s niche, which can be great for branding and memorability. They can also cater to specific industries, using our earlier “.io” example signifying a tech-focused website, they can attract a specific audience.
With the vast number of TLDs available now including .shop, .store, and .ai, you might find a more unique and relevant fit for your domain name if the initial version is unavailable.
Conversely, since they’re relatively new, some new gTLDs might not be as widely recognized by users compared to established TLDs. This could potentially affect user trust.
Lastly, the SEO impact of new gTLDs is still busy evolving. While specific keyword rich TLDs might offer minor benefits, it’s not a guaranteed ranking factor.
Sponsored TLDs (sTLDs)
These TLDs are usually reserved for governments and educational institutions. Unlike gTLDs, sponsored TLDs have extremely specific eligibility requirements. To register a domain name with “.edu” or “.gov”, you’ll need to meet the criteria set by the sponsoring organization (e.g., US Department of Education for .edu). This ensures the TLD remains relevant to its intended purpose.
While sTLDs are ideal for organizations that fall under the category of website they are made for, unless you are setting up a site that meets the requirements to register it, you’re better off with one of the others listed above.
While there’s no single “best” TLD, your choice should depend on your website’s goals and audience. Additionally, while the TLD is important, the focus should be on choosing a memorable and relevant domain name that resonates with your target audience and brand.
Checking Domain Name Availability
Before settling on a domain name, it’s crucial to check its availability. A domain name must be unique and not already registered by someone else. Failing to check availability can lead to legal issues and complications in securing your desired domain.
Hosted.com’s Domain Search Tool is an excellent resource for checking domain name availability across various TLDs. This tool allows you to input your desired domain name and quickly see if it’s available for registration. It also suggests alternative domain options if your preferred choice is already taken.
Tips For Finding the Right Domain Name
Having the perfect domain name makes it easier for users to find and remember your website, leading to a better overall user experience and making it easier for search engines to understand your site’s content.
When you start your domain name search, you should have a few things in place before you get started. These are: who is your website for, what message should it convey, and what terms are relevant to your site and your niche?
Know Your Audience
First, it’s essential to understand your target audience. Who are the people you want to attract to your website? Are you targeting a specific demographic, geographic location, or interest group? Knowing your audience will help you choose a domain name that resonates with them.
Make It Relevant
Next, your domain name should align with your website’s identity, content, and the message you want to convey. Consider the values, tone, and personality you want to project. A domain name that accurately represents your site and business can help establish trust and brand recognition with your target audience.
Keywords and Terms
Knowing the keywords and terms people tend to use when searching your niche can be helpful when deciding on a domain name. Incorporating them into your domain name can potentially improve your website’s visibility in search engine results.
Clarity & Simplicity
Your domain name should be clear and easy for users to understand what your website is about. Avoid jargon, complex words, or unconventional spellings that might confuse visitors. People should be able to guess the website’s content just by looking at the domain name.
Make it easy for people to type and remember your domain name. Avoid numbers, or special characters that can lead to typos or confusion when shared verbally. Shorter domain names are easier to remember and type.
Aim for something catchy and concise that rolls off the tongue easily. Avoid awkward combinations of letters or silent letters that might lead to mispronunciation.
Following that, you should look at a domain name that stands out and is easy to remember. A unique and memorable domain name can help your brand stick in people’s minds, making it easier for them to find and recall your website.
The goal is for users to recall your domain name after a single encounter. Short, clear, and pronounceable names are more likely to stick in someone’s mind.
Registering and Securing Your Domain Name With Hosted.com
Once you’ve settled on your domain name, the next step is registering and securing it. Registering your domain name establishes your ownership of it, ensuring it can be taken by someone else.
Domain name registration with Hosted.com can be done by following these simple steps:
Step 1: Create an Account
Create a Hosted.com customer account with your name, business, contact details, and payment information to start the registration process.
Step 2: Check Availability
Check the availability of your desired domain name with your preferred TLD using the search tool provided on our Domain Registration Page.
The search will give you a list of similar domains with different TLDs. Purchasing them in addition to your primary domain can help protect your brand from competitors.
Step 3: Complete Registrant Information
Once you’ve confirmed the availability of your domain name and added it to your cart, you’ll need to provide the required domain registrant information. This includes personal or business information, address, email, and contact numbers.
Step 4: Complete Payment
Click “Checkout” to use our secure payment gateway and complete the purchase. Your registration will be completed in minutes, provided you’ve paid the Registration Fee and filled out your information accurately.
Step 5: Confirmation
After successful registration, you’ll receive a confirmation email from us, confirming that you are the registered owner of the domain name.
Renewing Domain Name Renewal
It’s important to note that domain name registration is only valid for one 1 year, but you can register it for up to 10 years. You’ll need to renew your domain periodically to maintain ownership.
Renewing your domain name regularly is crucial to avoid losing your online presence and potential disruptions to your website or email services.
Failure to renew your domain name on time can make it available for others to register, which could lead to potential domain squatting or cybersquatting issues. Regularly renewing your domain name ensures continuity and helps protect your brand’s online identity.
Domains registered with Hosted.com are set to Auto Renew and the system will automatically renew it on the due date provided there is a valid credit card on your account. We will also send email reminders to ensure you don’t miss the renewal deadline.
Domain Names and Web Hosting
After you’ve completed your domain name search, you’ll also need to have web hosting to make your website accessible on the Internet. Domain names and web hosting go hand in hand when getting your website online.
Web Hosting
If your domain name is your website’s address, web hosting is the service that provides the server space it lives in. This server stores your website’s files, code, and content, without web hosting, your site would not be accessible to visitors on the Internet.
Having your domain name and web hosting with the same company simplifies things. You only need to log in to one account, with one customer service team for any issues. This can streamline the initial setup process along with managing both from a single Client Portal.
With Hosted.com, you get the best of both worlds with a free* domain name when you sign up for one of our cPanel or WordPress Hosting plans.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Due to the increasing scarcity of available domains, taking a strategic approach to searching for a domain name can save time.
- Domain names are structured hierarchically with the SLD as the name of the website followed by the TLD suffix after the last dot.
- You can check your preferred domain’s availability using Hosted.com’s Domain Search Tool.
- Tips for finding the perfect domain name include target audience research, relevance to your industry, keeping it simple and clear, and using appropriate keywords and terminology.
- Registering a domain involves creating a Hosted.com customer account, checking its availability, completing the registrant information, paying the registration fee, and confirming ownership.
- Domain names and web hosting work together to make a website accessible online.
FAQs
Is it better to have a long, keyword-rich domain name?
Clarity and simplicity are always better. Prioritize readability over long keyword-stuffed domain names.
Can I use hyphens or numbers in my domain name?
Yes, you can use hyphens and numbers. However, numbers can make the domain name harder to remember and type. Hyphens can be a good option for modifying your chosen domain name should it already be registered.
Should I register my domain name with the same company that hosts my website?
It’s convenient and potentially cheaper to have your domain registered with the same company that hosts your website but not mandatory. You can choose separate providers for each service.
What is the most popular TLD?
The most popular TLD is “.com”. Keep in mind that due to its popularity, finding an available domain name using it can be harder depending on your niche.
How important is a domain name for SEO?
Domain names can play a small role in SEO, but it’s not the biggest factor. What matters more is high-quality website content optimized for SEO.
*Ts & Cs Apply
Free Domain Registration applies to the following domain name extensions: .com, and .online, and is only applicable at the time of purchase.
Free Domain Registration depends on the selected hosting plan and only applies on 12, 24, and 36-month billing cycles.
All listed prices exclude Premium domain names.
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– Web Hosting for WordPress Website – 6 Helpful Tips
- About the Author
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Rhett isn’t just a writer at Hosted.com – he’s our resident WordPress content guru. With over 6 years of experience as a content writer, with a background in copywriting, journalism, research, and SEO, and a passion for websites.
Rhett authors informative blogs, articles, and Knowledgebase guides that simplify the complexities of WordPress, website builders, domains, and cPanel hosting. Rhett’s clear explanations and practical tips provide valuable resources for anyone wanting to own and build a website. Just don’t ask him about coding before he’s had coffee.