The ideal domain name: 7 tips for domain search

Short, descriptive, frequently searched, easy to remember, still available, preferably combinable with multiple Top Level Domains (TLD) - the optimal domain name must meet numerous different and sometimes contradictory conditions, but it is a key to the success of a website. Thorough preparation and the right framework parameters are crucial to ensure that the domain search is quick, targeted, and future-oriented. A basic mind mapping can be helpful, where the most important factors are determined and clearly visualised using a graphic tool. This narrows down the options unequivocally and prevents the domain search from becoming a needle-in-a-haystack search. The following seven tips ensure that a domain name fits the project and gives it long-term visibility and its own individual identity.

Contents:

Tip 1: Define exact goals, possibilities, and framework conditions!
Tip 2: Calculate a specific budget for domain registration!
Tip 3: Domain name should be short, concise, and clear!
Tip 4: Use creative and imaginative wordplay and neologisms!
Tip 5: Check the availability of the .de domain at the beginning!
Tip 6: Consider addresses with special characters in the domain search!
Tip 7: Think about expansion and growth in the future!
Conclusion: Targeted domain search leads to an ideal compromise

Tip 1: Define exact goals, possibilities, and framework conditions!

Of course, it is desirable for a domain name to ideally meet all requirements. However, in reality, this is almost always impossible - on the one hand, relevant addresses are often already taken, and on the other hand, some conditions contradict each other in parts. For this reason, it is essential to set priorities in the domain search and implement them consistently. Important factors to consider in the selection process include:

• Clarity: Clear description of the content, service, or offer
• Uniqueness: Exclude confusion with other existing websites
• Concise and simple: Domain name should stick in memory
• Identity: Clear connection with your company
• Visibility: Direct reference to a topic, product, or content
• Availability: Domain registration possible with multiple TLDs
• Attractiveness: Utilise positive connotations (e.g. Healing instead of Pain)
• Search Engine Optimisation (SEO): Integrate keywords into the domain name
• Reach: Directly address a specific target audience

At the beginning, there is a mind mapping exercise where these and other relevant parameters are assigned appropriate priorities and each is given a value. By calculating the total score, it is then possible during the domain search to comfortably and directly compare various alternatives.

Tip 2: Calculate a specific budget for domain registration!

Prices for different domain extensions can differ by a factor of 1000 or more. To optimally utilise financial resources, a fixed cost framework is needed, which an individual domain name and - if multiple are desired - the entire domain registration must not exceed. Caution is advised with temporary offers and special promotions, as they often result in significantly different follow-up costs. Some domain providers offer very high discounts for domain registration and the first twelve months, which significantly increase the financial outlay after a year. A quick cost check is possible in the hosttest Domain Comparison.

Tip 3: Domain name should be short, concise, and clear!

A long domain name is not only difficult to remember but also cumbersome to type. This reduces the number of visitors who directly reach a website rather than through search engines. Especially in the initial phase, this can lead to a significant loss of reach and noticeably slow down potential growth even with an excellent offer. The same applies if the domain name is frequently used in different variations, making it no longer clearly associated with a website. In this case, not only does high competition in search engine rankings arise, but there is also a risk of confusion with other - potentially inferior or user-unfriendly - providers. Unfortunately, this negative popularity also affects the own website.

Tip 4: Use Creative and Imaginative Wordplay and Neologisms!

When searching for domains, the thought of using an objective and clearly descriptive keyword may come to mind. However, such a domain name is often already taken and furthermore not suitable for establishing an individual connection to the website. On the other hand, by using imaginative neologisms, there is the opportunity to convince visitors at first glance of the address's unique qualities such as innovation and creativity. Additionally, the domain name creates a functional, positive recognition that, when combined with good content, encourages visitors to prefer this website.

Tip 5: Check the Availability of the .de Domain at the Beginning!

Even though numerous new extensions as TLDs have eased the situation in the market, many users still prefer a domain name with the classic .de abbreviation. They attribute a high level of credibility and legal security to it, which ensures the domain registration under an owner based in Germany. In comparison, older TLDs like .info as well as the newly introduced addresses (nTLDs) - such as .shop or .online - are trusted less and are seen as a sign of a young, not necessarily reputable website. Therefore, the availability of a .de domain should not be underestimated in domain searches, and it should be checked early on using a suitable tool. To avoid unexpected issues, domain registration should also start with the .de address.

Tip 6: Consider Addresses with Special Characters in Domain Searches!

For a representative presence on the internet, a domain with special characters - despite all limitations such as high regional specificity and poor suitability for communication via email - is a useful and recommended addition. Especially keywords with an umlaut are significantly more available and can be optimally used to redirect the domain name to another, international address. This category also includes combinations with a hyphen and unique, frequently used number combinations like domainname and 24, which, due to their lack of individuality, are only limitedly suitable as a single address.

Tip 7: Think About Expansion and Growth in the Future!

It is not uncommon for a project to start with a limited range of functions or offerings, but to significantly expand over time. Since every subsequent domain change carries a risk for discoverability and SEO, the domain name should be chosen with potential development in mind and not overly restrict a specific purpose. This is one reason why, for companies, using their unaltered name as the primary main address makes sense, with any additional SEO-specific domain names pointing to it.

Conclusion: Targeted domain search leads to an ideal compromise

It is practically impossible for a single domain name to perfectly meet all requirements. Depending on the priorities set during the initial mind mapping, compromises in certain aspects are unavoidable. Finding the optimal combination between different factors and multiple addresses can quickly become overwhelming without a suitable tool for domain search. For this purpose, services such as a domain check for available TLD extensions with an integrated price comparison are useful, allowing for SEO-friendly URL distribution during the domain search.

Photo: Image by Jan Alexander on Pixabay.com