When you choose a domain name, you're picking something you'll type, print and say out loud for years, so it's worth getting right the first time.
Your domain name will be on business cards, invoices, email addresses, ads and the side of a van if things go well. Changing it later is possible but painful. A few hours of careful thought now saves a lot of trouble. This checklist covers what to consider and how to use the tools on DomainBullet along the way.
Why it's hard to choose a domain name today
Good names are scarce because so many are taken. The Domain Name Industry Brief reports 401.6 million domain registrations at the end of Q2 2026, up 8.1% from a year earlier, with .com and .net together accounting for 179.1 million. That's why it pays to brainstorm variations and check several extensions instead of falling in love with a single exact match.
1. Start with a shortlist of names, not domains
Before checking availability, brainstorm names for your business or project. Write down twenty or more. Include:
- Descriptive names ("Northside Bike Repair")
- Invented or brandable names ("Velora")
- Combinations of a word and a twist ("RepairHive")
If you're stuck, the Business Name Generator and the AI Domain Name Generator can suggest ideas from a short description, with availability checked as you go. The Random Word Domain Generator is useful when you want something more playful.
2. Say it out loud
This is the most underrated test. Say each name out loud to a few people and ask them to type it. If they misspell it, people will mistype it when they hear it on a podcast or from a friend.
Watch out for:
- Homophones (words that sound alike but are spelled differently)
- Unusual spellings ("Kwik" instead of "Quick")
- Double letters at word boundaries ("presssquad" is hard to read)
- Hyphens, which people forget when typing
3. Keep it short, but not at all costs
Shorter names are easier to remember and type. But a slightly longer name that's clear and easy to spell beats a short name that's confusing. Aim for something you can say in one breath and spell without explaining.
4. Choose the right extension
The extension (TLD) is the part after the dot. There are hundreds of options.
- .com is still the default many people assume. If you can get a good .com, it's usually the safest choice.
- Country codes like .uk, .ca, .de or .com.au signal a local business and can be a great choice if your customers are in one country. Some have registration requirements.
- Newer extensions like .studio, .shop or .dev can be memorable and descriptive. Make sure your audience will recognize them as web addresses.
To see where your name is available across many extensions at once, use the Domain Search Across All Extensions. The TLD List lets you browse and compare extensions, including how registration and renewal compare across registrars. Pay attention to renewal terms, not just the first year.
5. Check availability in bulk
If you have a shortlist of several names, the Bulk Domain Search checks many at once. It's a faster way to narrow down a list than checking names one by one.
Keep in mind that availability can change at any moment. If you find a name you love, don't wait too long to register it.
6. Check what's already out there
A name being available as a domain doesn't mean it's free to use as a brand.
- Search the name in a search engine and on major social platforms. Is there an established business with the same or a very similar name in your field?
- Check trademarks in the countries where you'll operate. Trademark offices have free search tools. If you're unsure, ask a professional.
- Check social handles. Matching handles across platforms make you easier to find.
7. Check the domain's history
If a domain was registered before, it may have a history: previous websites, spam or a bad reputation with email providers. Some checks:
- A WHOIS lookup shows registration dates and status, which tells you whether a domain is currently registered and roughly how long it has existed.
- Public web archives can show what the domain used to host.
- If you plan to send email, check that the domain isn't associated with spam.
8. Think about email
You'll probably use the domain for email. Say your future email address out loud: hello@yourname.com. Is it easy to dictate over the phone? Long or hyphenated domains become painful here.
9. Avoid these traps
- Names tied to a single product or place if you might expand later.
- Trends and puns that may age badly.
- Including a competitor's or another brand's trademark in your domain.
- Numbers, unless they're part of your brand, because people can't tell if it's "5" or "five".
10. Register it properly
When you register:
- Use an account you control, with your own email address, not a contractor's.
- Turn on auto-renew and keep payment details current. Expired domains can be lost quickly.
- Enable two-factor authentication on your registrar account.
- Turn on registrar lock to prevent unauthorized transfers.
- Consider registering common misspellings or the main alternative extension if they matter for your brand.
11. Set up DNS right from the start
Once registered, you'll point the domain to your website and email provider using DNS records. Our guide DNS Records Explained covers what each record does, and the DomainBulleter confirms your setup.
The checklist
- Brainstorm names before checking domains
- Pass the "say it out loud" test
- Short, clear, easy to spell
- Choose an extension that fits your audience
- Check availability across extensions and in bulk
- Search for existing brands and trademarks
- Check the domain's history
- Test your email address out loud
- Avoid trends, numbers and other brands
- Register in your own account with auto-renew and security on
A good domain name won't make a business succeed on its own, but a bad one can create friction for years. Take the time to get it right. Questions? Contact us.
Key takeaways
- Keep it short, easy to say and easy to spell
- Avoid hyphens and numbers where you can
- Pick an extension that fits your audience
- Check trademarks and social handles before buying
- Register it as soon as you decide
Frequently asked questions
Is .com still the best extension?
It's the most familiar, but a relevant country or industry extension can work well if the .com is taken.
Should my domain match my business name exactly?
It helps, but a short variation, such as adding a word like get or hq, is fine if the exact match isn't available.
How do I check if a domain is available?
Use a domain search tool to check availability across many extensions at once.
Should I buy misspellings of my domain?
For important brands it can be worth protecting common misspellings and redirecting them to your main site.
Can AI help me come up with domain names?
Yes. AI and random-word generators can suggest ideas, but always check availability and trademarks yourself.
