How to choose a domain name for your business
A good domain name is short, easy to spell, memorable and brandable, ideally a .com. Here is how to choose one, what to avoid, and what it costs.
Your domain name is your address on the web and a core part of your brand. A good one is short, easy to say and spell, memorable, and available as a .com when possible. This guide walks through how to pick a domain name, the mistakes to avoid, and what it costs in 2026.
- ✓Keep it short, easy to spell, and easy to say out loud.
- ✓Prefer a .com; use a strong alternative like .co only if needed.
- ✓Avoid hyphens, numbers, and anything easily misheard.
What makes a good domain name?
A strong domain name is short, memorable, and easy to type without thinking. It should be easy to say out loud, since word of mouth still matters, and hard to misspell. Brandable names (a unique word or combination) often beat generic keyword names because they are easier to protect and stand out.
Which domain extension should you choose?
The .com is still the most trusted and expected extension, so try to get it first. If your .com is taken, strong alternatives include .co, or a relevant country extension like .fr or .co.uk for a local business. Newer extensions can work for tech brands but sometimes feel less trustworthy to a general audience.
What to avoid in a domain name
A few choices quietly cost you traffic and trust:
- Hyphens and numbers: hard to say and easy to mistype.
- Names that sound like another word or are easily misheard.
- Anything too long: shorter is easier to remember and share.
- Trademarked terms: they can cause legal trouble later.
How much does a domain name cost?
Most domain names cost about $10 to $20 per year to register, renewed annually. Premium names already owned by someone can cost far more on the resale market. Registration is separate from hosting, though many providers bundle them.
How BigBrowser helps
BigBrowser can advise on and set up the right domain for your project, connect it to your custom site, and handle hosting, all included in a simple monthly plan.
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Want a website that converts?
- ✓Custom design, never a template
- ✓Live in about 10 days
- ✓Hosting and support included
Co-Founder of BigBrowser. I write about web design, cost, and growth.