How do I choose a domain name for my business?

Why the right domain matters

Your domain name is often the first thing customers see, whether it is printed on a shop window in Lima or shared in a social media bio. A clear, memorable domain makes it easier for people to find you again and to trust that they have reached the right business.

Because a domain is one of the more permanent parts of your online identity, it is worth spending a little time getting it right before you register it.

Qualities of a strong domain name

The best domain names tend to share a few common traits. They are easy to remember, simple to type correctly, and free of anything that could be confused when spoken aloud, such as unusual spellings or numbers that sound like words.

• Short and easy to spell without needing to think twice
• Reflects your business or brand name rather than a generic phrase
• Free of hyphens and numbers where possible
• Easy to say aloud clearly, for word-of-mouth recommendations
• Available on a recognised extension, such as .com or your relevant country extension

Matching the domain to your business

Where possible, it helps to use your actual business or brand name in the domain, rather than a keyword-stuffed alternative. This builds consistency across your signage, social media and marketing. If your exact business name is not available, consider small, sensible variations rather than confusing additions.

• Try your exact business name first
• Consider a relevant country extension if your business serves a specific market
• Avoid adding random numbers or extra words that change the meaning
• Keep branding consistent across social handles and the domain if you can

Checking availability

Once you have a shortlist, search each option to see what is available. It is common for the exact name you want to already be taken on the most popular extension, in which case you can consider a close variation or a different, still relevant extension.

Registering your domain

When you are ready, you can search for and register your chosen domain, then connect it to hosting. The client portal shows the exact price, billing term and renewal price for any domain before you pay.