What to Consider When Choosing a Domain Name?

Why Is It So Important? 

A domain name is your first impression online. It's the first thing your visitors see, hear, type — and remember. 
A good domain name: 

• Creates a lasting and positive impact 
• Improves your SEO and helps you rank higher 
• Accelerates your brand recognition and credibility 

A bad domain name, on the other hand: 
Can cause confusion, typing errors, lost traffic, and a weak search presence

 

10 Golden Tips for Choosing the Right Domain Name 

 

1. Make It Brandable, Not Generic 

Your domain should be unique, creative, and memorable — not a string of keywords. 

• kebapistanbul.com → generic 
• Kebaroma.com → brandable 

How to create a brandable name: 

• Invent your own words (ex: Facebook, Google, Instagram) 
• Use real words in new combinations 

 

2. Keep It Short 

Shorter is better. Ideally, your domain should be between 6–14 characters. 
If short isn't possible, then prioritize uniqueness and branding. 

 

3. Make It Easy to Spell 

Think of the most popular websites: 

Google, Facebook, Twitter, Yahoo, CNN… 
They’re all easy to spell and hard to misspell. 

Test it: Say your domain aloud to 10 people. Can they spell it correctly? 

 

4. Make It Easy to Pronounce 

Just like spelling, pronunciation matters for word-of-mouth marketing and memorability. 
If people struggle to say your name aloud, it's probably too complex. 

 

5. Avoid Numbers and Hyphens 

Using - or numbers like 4, 2, etc. can lead to: 

• Typing errors 
• SEO penalties 
• Confusion over spelling ("four" or "4"?) 

Imagine “Face-book.com” instead of “Facebook” — it wouldn’t have spread that fast. 

 

6. Use Relevant Keywords (Carefully) 

Using keywords in your domain can help with SEO, but don’t overdo it. 

veganbites.com → relevant and clean 
bestvegancafefromturkey.com → cluttered and spammy 

If you use keywords, place them at the beginning of the domain when possible. 

 

7. Think Long-Term 

Your domain is part of your long-term brand identity. 
Changing domains later can cost you: 

• Traffic 
• SEO rankings 
• Brand equity 

Even if you're a small business now, plan for future growth. 

 

8. Check the Name's Availability 

Before purchasing your domain, make sure: 

• It hasn’t been trademarked 
• It isn’t already in use or legally registered 

Use tools like: WHOIS.com, USPTO.gov, TurkPatent.gov.tr 

 

9. Choose the Right Extension (.TLD) 

The best option is still .com — it's easy to remember and widely trusted. 
If .com is unavailable, consider: 

• .net or .org 
• Country codes like .com.tr, .de, .fr 
• Niche extensions like .cafe, .photography, .travel — but only if relevant 

Don’t pick a trendy TLD that doesn't align with your industry (e.g., .club for a restaurant). 

 

10. Act Fast 

Good domains sell out quickly. 
If you've found a name you like, don’t hesitate — register it immediately before someone else does. 

 

Bonus: SEO, Social Media & Legal Considerations 

Make It SEO-Friendly 

• Include one or two relevant keywords 
• Keep it short, clear, and aligned with your website content 
• Avoid stuffing multiple generic keywords together 

 

Check Social Media Handle Availability 

Before you buy a domain, ensure the same name is available on: 

• Instagram 
• TikTok 
• Twitter 
• YouTube 
• LinkedIn 

This helps keep your brand identity consistent across platforms. 

 

Protect Your WHOIS Privacy 

When you register a domain, your personal contact info is listed publicly in the WHOIS database. 
To avoid spam and maintain privacy, enable WHOIS protection (offered by most registrars). 

 

Your Domain Is More Than Just a URL 

A great domain name is: 

• Your digital address 
• A key part of your SEO 
• Memorable and shareable 
• The cornerstone of your branding 

Choose smart. Act fast. Protect your brand from Day 1.