How to Choose a Domain Name in 2025 | 15+ Expert Tips

Key highlights  

• Discover smart tips to choose a domain name that builds instant brand recognition, customer trust and long-term SEO value.
• Avoid common mistakes like hyphens, long names or spammy domain extensions and learn how to pick the right domain that aligns with your brand identity.
• Check domain availability quickly with modern domain search tools and domain finders and explore brandable domain names using the Bluehost AI Domain Name Generator.
• Secure your brand online by registering multiple domains, protecting against lost traffic, competitors while boosting visibility across search engines.
• Learn what to do if your desired domain is already taken.

Choosing a domain name might seem simple, but it’s the most crucial step in building your website. It’s often the first thing people see, type and share when they interact with your brand.

Get it right and you create instant credibility, memorability and trust. Get it wrong and you risk confusing customers, losing clicks or blending in with competitors.

In today’s crowded digital space, where millions of names are already taken, choosing a domain isn’t just about availability, it’s about strategy. The best domains are short, brandable and flexible enough to grow with your business. They don’t just work for SEO; they strengthen your brand identity and make you stand out in a saturated market.  

This guide will walk you through 15+ expert tips to help you pick a domain name that’s built for both branding and search performance in 2025 plus the mistakes you’ll want to avoid.

15+ expert tips to choose a domain name

Now that you understand the importance of a domain name, let’s go through the key tips to choosing the perfect one for your website.  

• Register with the right company 
• Use domain name generators
• Keep it short and simple
• Make it easy to spell and pronounce
• Prioritize brandability
• Avoid hyphens and numbers
• Choose the right domain extension
• Add keywords sparingly
• Think long-term
• Check for trademarks and conflicts
• Review domain history
• Keep it memorable
• Match your social handles
• Target your local area
• Protect your brand
• Test it out loud
• Act fast before it’s gone
• Purchase multiple domain names
• Buy premium domain names if necessary

1. Use domain name generators

Struggling how to choose a domain name? Domain name generators can spark ideas you may not have thought of. They combine your keywords with creative variations and available extensions to give you instant options.

For example, a fitness blogger entering “wellness” and “training” might see creative, brandable suggestions like [FitVibes].com or [ActiveEdge].com.

The Bluehost AI Domain Name Generator goes a step further by using AI domain name search to generate smart, industry-relevant suggestions while also checking real-time availability. That way, you’re not just inspired, you can secure a strong, brandable domain on the spot before someone else does.

2. Keep it short and simple

The best domain names are short, clean and easy to type. Among the top 250 websites globally, the average domain contains only 6.4 characters. A shorter name reduces the chances of typos and makes your website easier to share verbally or in print. Conversely, longer domains make it more likely that your website visitors will mistype or misspell your address.

For example, [zoom].com is instantly memorable, while [videoconferencingtoolonline].com is overwhelming and forgettable. Therefore, aim for one to two words and keep it under 14 characters if possible.

3. Make it easy to spell and pronounce

If people can’t spell or say your domain correctly, they’re unlikely to remember it. Complicated spellings create confusion and may send traffic to the wrong site.

For example, [fiverr].com works because it’s phonetic, while [phynance].com (for “finance”) creates unnecessary spelling errors. So, test your domain by saying it out loud and asking friends to type what they hear.

4. Prioritize brandability

Brandable names are unique, memorable and set your business apart. A strong brand domain doesn’t need to describe what you do; it needs to be distinctive enough to stick through.

For example, [Etsy].com feels creative and original, while [handmadeshop].com is generic and harder to trademark. So, choose a name that feels like a brand rather than a description.

5. Avoid hyphens and numbers

Hyphens and numbers make domains harder to explain and easier to mistype. They often give off a spammy or outdated impression. In fact, you can stick to letters only for a clean, trustworthy domain.

For example, [coolshoes].com looks professional, while [cool-shoes-4u].com feels low-quality and confusing.

6. Choose the right domain extension

While .com is still the most recognized and trusted domain extension, it’s not the only choice. Top-Level Domains (TLDs), the suffix at the end of a domain name can communicate your business type, industry or location.

Examples of popular and useful TLDs:

• .com → The gold standard for global recognition.
• .shop or .store → Great for eCommerce websites and small retailers.
• .co → A strong global alternative to .com, often used by startups.
• .org → The go-to for nonprofits and community organizations.
• Country codes (ccTLDs) like .in, .uk or .ca → Great for local trust. For example: Indian apparel brand Suta uses [suta].in, which feels clean, local and memorable.

7. Add keywords (sparingly)

Keywords in domains aren’t the ranking powerhouse they used to be, but they can still add clarity about what your business does. Overloading your domain with keywords, however, looks spammy and is less memorable.

For example, [austinplumbing].com communicates location and service clearly, while [best-plumbing-services-usa].com is clunky and untrustworthy. Therefore, if you use a keyword, keep it natural and balanced with brandability.

8. Think long-term

Your domain should grow with your business, not limit it. Avoid names that box you into a single product, service or location if you plan to expand. Pick a domain flexible enough for future growth.

For example, [Amazon].com started as an online bookstore but scaled seamlessly. By contrast, [joescupcakes].com would be limiting if Joe later expanded into catering or coffee.

9. Check for trademarks and conflicts

Choosing a domain that infringes on another brand’s trademark can land you in legal trouble and force a costly rebrand. Always research before registering.

For example: Using [StarbuxCoffee].com could trigger legal action from Starbucks.
Search trademark public databases like USPTO (or your country’s equivalent) and do a basic Google check for conflicts.

10. Review domain history

If you’re buying a pre-owned domain, it may come with baggage ,such as a history of spam, scams or adult content that can hurt your SEO efforts.

For example, a website name once used for link farms may struggle to rank even after repurposing. Use tools like Wayback Machine or Whois lookup to research its past. Therefore, always check a domain’s reputation before committing.

11. Keep it memorable

Memorability is key to building organic traffic. If people hear your domain once and can recall it later, you’ve chosen well. The easier your domain is to remember, the easier it is to grow.

For example, [Uber].com is short, snappy and unforgettable. Compare that to [GlobalRideSharingSolutions].com, which is forgettable and too long.

12. Match your social handles

Your domain name should align with your social media handles for a seamless brand identity. If your website has one name and your social profiles use something completely different, it can confuse customers and weaken your brand.

Consistency across your website and social media builds trust and makes it easier for customers to find and follow you everywhere.

For example: If [GreenLivingTips].com is available but @GreenLivingTips is already taken on Instagram or Twitter, you might need to consider a variation (like @GreenLivingHQ or @GreenLivingOfficial). To confirm on the domain, use tools like Namechk or KnowEm to quickly see if your domain is available across social platforms.

13. Target your local area

If your website or business is focused on a specific region, add a location-based keyword to your domain name. This helps attract local users and improves your visibility in local search results.

For example: [austinplumbing].com immediately signals local service, while [plumbingpros].com is more generic.

Local keywords (city, region or country) can boost trust and relevance, especially for service-based businesses like restaurants, law firms or contractors.

14. Protect your brand

Once you’ve chosen your domain, secure similar versions and extensions to stop competitors or opportunists from grabbing them. Register plural forms, misspellings and other TLDs where possible.

For example: Facebook.com also owns fb.com and variations of their brand name.

15. Test it out loud

A strong domain should pass the “radio test”: if someone hears it spoken, they should be able to type it without confusion.

For example, [PayPal].com is clear, while [Xoom].com often leaves people guessing on spelling. Say it out loud to friends or colleagues and see how they interpret it.

16. Act fast before it’s gone

Good domain names don’t stay available for long. If you find one that fits your brand, register it right away. Waiting even a few days could mean losing it to someone else. Many businesses regret not buying their ideal domain early, only to later discover it’s owned by someone else or being resold at a premium price.

Register your domain for the longest tenure possible to lock in today’s pricing and avoid higher renewal rates. Bluehost allows you to secure domains for up to 5 years, giving you peace of mind and cost savings.

Don’t delay- the earlier you act, the safer your brand’s future.

17. Purchase multiple domain names   

Owning just one domain can leave your brand exposed. By securing variations of your primary domain including common misspellings, plural forms or different extensions, you protect your brand and reduce the risk of confusion.

For example, if you own [HealthyMeals].com, buying [HealthyMeals].net and [Healthy-Meal].com ensures competitors or opportunists don’t scoop them up.

Also, redirect alternative domains to your main website. That way, even if someone mistypes your domain, they’ll still land on your site. Investing in multiple domains strengthens your brand presence and keeps traffic flowing in the right direction.  

18. Buy premium domain names if necessary

If your ideal domain is already taken, don’t give up, you may be able to purchase it as a premium domain. These domains often cost more because they’re short, brandable and in high demand, but they can be worth the investment for long-term branding.

For example: [CarInsurance].com sold for millions due to its incredible branding value and search relevance.

Consider premium domains if they perfectly match your brand vision and budget. A strong, memorable domain is an asset that can pay off for years. Premium domains aren’t always required, but they can give your brand an instant edge in authority and trust.

19. Register your domain with the right company

Not all domain providers are created equal. It’s best to register through an ICANN-accredited registrar you can trust, ideally one that also offers hosting and website tools, so everything lives under one account. This ensures your domain is properly managed and easy to connect to your site.

For example: Bluehost is both a domain registrar and hosting provider. You can search availability, secure your name and “park” it until you’re ready to launch, all in one place.

Registering your domain with the right provider protects your brand and makes building your site much smoother.

Also read: Your Guide to Finding the Best Domain Registrar  

What to do if your desired domain is taken?  

If your ideal domain name is already registered, don’t worry—there are still ways to secure a great domain:  

1. Try a slight variation – If “[BestCakes].com” is taken, you might try “[BestCakesOnline].com” or “[TastyBestCakes].com.”  

2. Use another domain extension – If the “.com” version isn’t available, you can check options like “.net,” “.co,” or industry specific extensions like “.shop” or “.blog.”

3. Contact the current owner – If the domain isn’t active, you can check the domain’s WHOIS records to contact the owner and negotiate a purchase. 

4. Use domain name generator – These tools suggest creative alternatives that are still available. 

5. Consider a premium domain – Some domains are available for resale at a higher price. If the name is essential for your brand, it may be worth the investment.  

Final thoughts  

The right domain registration builds trust, boosts memorability and sets the tone for everything your visitors experience. By keeping it short, brandable and easy to spell, while avoiding common pitfalls like hyphens, awkward spellings or spammy TLDs, you give your business the strongest possible start online.

But here’s the catch: great domains don’t stay available for long. Every day, thousands of new names are registered and hesitation could mean losing the one that perfectly fits your vision.

That’s why now is the best time to act. Use the Bluehost AI Domain Name Generator to brainstorm smart, brand-ready ideas, check real-time availability and lock in your favorite domain before someone else does. 

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