Domain Names Explained

What’s in a name? When choosing a domain name – your website’s internet address or URL – there is plenty of choice. But remember: you’re selecting a personality and identity for your business, so consider this carefully. Let’s start with defining a domain name, and then look at which will work best for you.

Firstly, a domain name comprises the words you use between the @ in your professional email address and the following words. We call the first part of the domain name the second-level domain, although many call it simply ‘the domain’. This is usually the name of your business – in our case, it’s maakeAcademy. 

The second part is called the top-level domain (TLD). This is where things can become interesting. There are so many domain extensions, including .com and .net, and co.uk (which is what we use at maakeAcademy).

There are others, too. One of these is .store, a great domain name if you’re directing customers to your online shopping portal. We discuss this in detail later below.

Why are Domain Names so Important?

• A domain name identifies you as an online business. It’s a professional internet address, and if you choose the name well, it can build a consistent brand.
• When your domain name has a consistent online presence, and you use it for your email addresses and website, users will remember it more easily. That's because your website will be easier to find, and also seem more professional.
• Your domain name makes you stand out from the crowd.
• You can get a free domain name, but this name isn’t as professional or trusted as having one that will set you apart. Remember that.

Points to Consider Before Choosing a Name

Keep it Short & Simple

Ensure the name is no longer than 15 characters. It needs to be easy to pronounce and to identify your brand. It must also be easy to spell and type. Don’t use slang words.

Also, steer clear of using a string of numbers and hyphens. Keep the name text-based.

Using the name of your business is always a good idea. Otherwise, choose something that connects your business to the website or online store and still sounds like a company name. 

The name needs to grab users’ attention when searching online to buy something. Remember, it’s not easy to change your domain name once you’ve registered it. This is why you must choose something that you can use going forward with no hassle. 

There are several domain name generators you can use to assist you. These include Instant Domain Search, Domain Wheel, Nameboy, Looka and Wix. Choose the one that works best for you.

Use a Keyword

A keyword or a selection of keywords that will attract customers to your website could work if used in your domain name, but do your homework before choosing one. Sometimes it’s better to include the name of your business, which will stand out more. 

Research Your Domain Name's History

Research your name to ensure a brand in your industry doesn’t have a similar name. You don’t want customers to get confused, and you don’t want a battle over a trademark, either. 

Check How the Name Works on Social Media

You’ll be using social media marketing to promote your brand and your products. Check nobody is using your domain name on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. This is a great way for your brand to become known. And it won’t cost you anything.

Choose an Extension That Works for Your Brand

The most common domain extension – and a firm favourite – is .com. It is popular for a reason – it will give you more website traffic. But so many people choose this extension that it’s difficult to find a domain that somebody hasn’t already registered. Also, another extension might fit your brand better. 

Consider These Domain Extensions

• .org: Government departments, hospitals, non-profit organisations, charities, etc., choose this extension.
• .net: Tech industries prefer this extension. 
• .store: A newer extension, popular for those who use their websites almost solely as an online store.
• .biz: Another great extension for an ecommerce site. This one has been around for a while, so you may also have a problem finding and registering the domain extension you want.
• .info: Commonly used for websites that provide lots of information.
• uk: UK businesses can use a domain name like co.uk, like we do, or just .uk.  

Search for available names with this domain extension.

Registering a Domain

Once you’ve chosen an available domain name and extension, it’s time to register it. This isn’t expensive, but the price may vary depending on what additional services you choose.

These include email hosting and privacy protection. On average, a standard domain will cost you between £10 and £20 per year for common domain extensions (like .net or co.uk).

Your first step is to choose the company to register with. Registering is basically ‘renting’ the domain name. You won’t own this name outright; you will rent it, and renew it every year. If you stop paying for registration, the registrar can make the name available to another company.

A registrar is the person you register your domain name with. This is an online retailer that sells domain names to businesses.

If you choose a .uk domain tool, there is a selection of registrars to choose. If not, you can check out the list that Mailchimp provides. Another great global registrar is Hosted.com.

How to Register Your Domain

Choose a registrar and a suitable package. Remember to choose a package that provides security for the website with an SSL certificate – although sometimes you can get the SSL certificate for free. Then purchase a domain name. The registrar will update you when you need to renew your domain. 

Once registered, you can access your domain name and connect it to your website, either through a web hosting plan or a content management system (CMS).

Your new website is now ready to go live! You will need a domain name system (DNS); this transforms a domain name into an IP address, to enable users to reach your website. 

If you haven’t built a website yet, it’s time to start. Choose a website builder, like  Mailchimp, or Shopify to assist you build the perfect website for your business. A business, whether it’s an ecommerce store or one providing tech services, needs a specific type of website.

To help you, read some of our inspiring blogs: 

• What is Ecommerce Marketing?
• 10 Essential Business Skills For Success.

Inspiration for New Businesses

maakeAcademy offers a variety of services for new small creative businesses like yours. We can assist you to grow your business with our Accelerators. These will give you the resources and tools you need to build a healthy business and make a profit.

Our CEO, Artemis Doupa, also provides coaching. She is an award-winning author of the best-selling book, Design & Grow, which has revolutionised design-led businesses using the STORMS methodology, an actionable blueprint for a successful, sustainable business.