Your Domain Is Your Digital Address for Life.
A good domain name is memorable, easy to type, and reflects your brand. Choosing wisely saves future rebranding headaches. Your domain impacts SEO, marketing, and how customers perceive your business. A poor choice can cost you traffic and trust.
Here are the principles we recommend when choosing a domain name.
Keep It Short and Memorable
Shorter domains are easier to remember and less prone to typos. Aim for under 15 characters if possible. The most valuable domains in the world are short — think Google.com (6), Apple.com (5), Amazon.com (6). Every extra character increases the chance of a typo. Test your domain by saying it aloud — if people need to ask how to spell it, it is too complicated.
Use .com When You Can
While many TLDs now exist (.io, .co, .app, .agency), .com remains the most trusted and memorable. Users instinctively type .com when guessing a website address. If your exact .com is taken, consider alternatives, but avoid awkward hyphens or misspellings. Country-specific TLDs (.com.tr, .de, .fr) work well if you operate primarily in one market.
Avoid Numbers and Hyphens
Numbers are confusing when spoken (is it "five" or "5"?) and hyphens look unprofessional. They also make domains harder to share verbally. Stick to letters only. When someone hears your domain on a podcast or radio, they should be able to type it immediately without guessing.
Check Availability Across Platforms
Before committing, check domain availability AND social media handle availability. A consistent brand name across all platforms is valuable. Also check trademark databases to avoid legal issues. Use tools like Namecheap, GoDaddy, or instantdomainsearch.com to check multiple TLDs simultaneously.
Think Long Term
Choose a name that will fit your business in 5-10 years. Avoid trendy terms that may age poorly. A brandable name gives you room to grow and pivot. At x13apps, we help clients choose and secure domain names that serve their business for the long term.