How to Choose and Register a Domain Name

What Is a Domain?

A domain name is your website’s address on the internet (for example, yourbrand.com). It points browsers to your web hosting where your WordPress site lives.

• Registrar: The company where you buy and manage the domain.
• Nameservers/DNS: The system that routes your domain to your web host.
• TLD: The extension after the dot (e.g., .com, .org, .io).

Naming Principles That Work

Use these proven guidelines to craft a name that’s easy to remember and market:

1. Keep it short: Aim for 6–15 characters; shorter is easier to type and share.
2. Make it pronounceable: If people can say it, they can remember and recommend it.
3. Avoid hyphens and numbers: They’re easy to mishear (“dash” or “five”).
4. Prefer brandable over generic: mintloom.com beats best-shoes-online-24.com.
5. Use simple, clear words: Avoid uncommon spellings that cause typos.
6. Consider keywords sparingly: Helpful if natural (e.g., riversideplumbing.com), but don’t stuff.
7. Think long-term: Pick a name that can grow with new products or locations.
8. Check social handles: Consistency across platforms helps branding.

Choosing a TLD (.com vs others)

.com is still the most recognized and trusted for businesses. But alternatives can be smart:

• .org for nonprofits, communities, open-source projects.
• .io popular with tech and startups.
• .co short and brandable if .com is taken.
• Country codes (e.g., .uk, .ca, .de) for local audiences.
• Industry TLDs (e.g., .design, .studio, .shop) when it fits your brand.

Strategy: Prioritize the best single domain, then consider defensively registering common misspellings or key TLD variants that matter to you.

Availability, Trademarks & Safety

Before you fall in love with a name, make sure you can use it safely.

1. Search availability: Check if the exact domain is available with your preferred TLD.
2. Trademark screening: Search for existing marks in your region to avoid conflicts (this is not legal advice).
3. Check for confusion: Avoid names that are one letter off from major brands.
4. Look up history: If considering a used domain, review past content and any spam reputation.
5. Social media handles: Ensure your brand can be consistent across platforms.

Registration Steps (Start to Finish)

1. Pick a trusted registrar.
   • Look for transparent pricing, easy DNS, and responsive support.
2. Search the domain and add to cart with the desired TLD.
3. Enable WHOIS privacy (domain privacy protection).
   • Hides your personal contact info from public records.
4. Disable unnecessary add-ons.
   • Skip upsells you don’t need (e.g., premium email—unless required).
5. Turn on auto-renew and use a reliable payment method.
6. Set nameservers.
   • If your hosting provides nameservers, replace the registrar defaults with the host’s (e.g., ns1.host.com, ns2.host.com).
7. Add DNS records if needed.
   • Point A or CNAME to your host, and configure MX if using custom email.
8. Verify ownership & SSL later.
   • Confirm the verification email from your registrar and host; you’ll set up SSL in the hosting lesson.

DNS Basics You Should Know

• A Record: Points your root domain (yourbrand.com) to a server IP.
• CNAME: Points one hostname to another (e.g., www → yourbrand.com).
• MX: Routes email (e.g., to Google Workspace or Microsoft 365).
• TTL: How long DNS records are cached; lower TTLs update faster.
• Propagation: DNS changes can take minutes to a few hours to be seen everywhere.

Pricing, Renewals & Ownership

• Intro vs renewal: First-year discounts are common; check the renewal rate before buying.
• Register for multiple years: Reduces admin overhead and protects against lapses.
• Auto-renew + backup payment: Prevents accidental expiration.
• Keep contact info updated: Required for verification; outdated info can suspend a domain.

Activity: Brainstorm 5 Domain Ideas (10–15 min)

Generate and evaluate five options using the principles above.

Step 1 — Brainstorm

• Combine short words, industry terms, and brandable syllables (e.g., loom, mint, rivet).
• Try synonyms and metaphors that fit your tone (e.g., forge, nest, sprout).

Step 2 — Score Your Ideas

Step 3 — Decide & Register

1. Pick the top 1–2 names that meet most criteria.
2. Register the primary TLD (e.g., .com) and any smart defensive variants you care about.
3. Enable domain privacy and auto-renew.

Copy-Paste Checklist

• ☐ Name is short, pronounceable, and hyphen/number-free
• ☐ Passes the radio test (easy to spell from hearing it once)
• ☐ Brandable and future-proof for growth
• ☐ Optional keyword used naturally (no stuffing)
• ☐ TLD chosen for audience (.com preferred; others if strategic)
• ☐ Availability verified + basic trademark screening done
• ☐ Social handles available (or acceptable alternatives)
• ☐ WHOIS privacy enabled
• ☐ Auto-renew on, renewal pricing reviewed
• ☐ Nameservers/DNS configured to point to hosting

Quick FAQs