Do you want to create a domain name that no one will ever forget?
Your domain name is the name of your business, how people find you on the internet, and the first impression you make online. And guess what…
Most businesses get it wrong.
They settle for long, complicated domains or boring, uncreative names. And then they wonder why their websites struggle to gain traffic.
Here’s the secret…
A poor domain name will torpedo your brand before it even gets started.
In this guide, you will learn the following:
- Why memorable Domain Names Are More Important Than You Realize
- The science behind creating memorable domain names
- Domain name strategies that work
- Domain name mistakes that hurt your brand
Let’s get started.
Why Memorable Domain Names Are More Important Than You Realize
Your domain name is much more than just your website address.
It is your brand name, your first impression, and your gateway to being found online. In fact, a recent 2024 report found that 77% of consumers say a domain name is important or very important in their evaluation of an online brand.
Pretty significant, right?
The problem is that people form instant opinions of your brand when they see your domain name. An easy-to-read, memorable domain says to people you’re professional and trustworthy. A poorly chosen domain name has the opposite effect.
But there’s more to it than just that…
The right custom domain name that you get via a domain registration with a domain registrar can make or break your online success. A good domain name will help you:
- Build trust with visitors
- Rank higher in search engines
- Make your brand easier to remember
- Stand out from the competition
The most successful brands online all have one thing in common – simple, memorable domain names that are easily remembered.
The Science Behind Creating Memorable Domains
So what makes a domain memorable?
In a survey conducted in September 2024, 47% of consumers say the most important characteristic of a domain is memorability. This trumps all other criteria – including having relevant keywords, a short length, or using a specific extension.
Why is this important?
If people can’t remember your domain name, they can’t visit your website again. Simple as that.
Memorable domains share these characteristics:
- Short and simple – The fewer the characters, the better. Lengthy domains are harder to recall.
- Easy to spell – Avoid complex spellings or strange words.
- Easy to pronounce – It should roll off the tongue.
- Meaningful – Should reflect your brand and what you do.
Need proof? Think of the most successful domains in the world. The names Nike.com, Apple.com, Amazon.com are all easy to remember and extremely successful.
Domain Name Strategies That Work
Creating a memorable domain name takes strategy.
You can’t just snap up the first name that comes along and think you have success. Don’t be that amateur that pays for a weak domain name that fails.
Instead, use these tactics:
Keep it short
The longer your domain name, the harder it is to remember.
In fact, according to the latest statistics, 43.4% of all .com domains are 14 characters or more. That’s too long for most businesses.
Strive for under 15 characters if possible. The shorter, the better. Short domain names are easier to type, recall, and share with others.
Make it brandable
Your domain name should function as a brand name.
Brandable domains are unique, catchy, and distinctive. They don’t have to be actual dictionary words. Think of Spotify, Google, and Etsy. Created words work great as long as they sound good and are easy to recall.
Avoid generic or descriptive names that blend into the crowd. You want to stand out – not hide in the background.
Choose the right extension
The classic .com extension is still by far the most popular.
But here’s the reality. Most short .com domains are already taken. In fact, only 7.8% of all .com domains are under 7 characters.
The boom in new domain extensions is a result of this. Extensions such as .tech, .store, .online, and .shop provide you with additional options. They can also make your domain more descriptive and memorable.
Just make sure the extension fits your brand and industry.
Test for voice search
One thing most people miss…
Your domain name needs to be voice search friendly. With the rise of Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, difficult-to-pronounce domains will become a problem.
Say your domain name out loud. Does it flow naturally? Could someone spell it accurately after hearing it once?
If not, keep looking.
Avoid numbers and hyphens
Numbers and hyphens destroy memorability.
They create confusion. Do you type “4” or “four”? Where are the hyphens? People make mistakes and end up on the wrong domain.
Stick with letter-only domains. It’s cleaner, simpler, and looks more professional.
Domain Mistakes to Avoid
Now let’s cover the don’ts.
The mistakes that will sink your domain before you even launch:
Choosing something too similar to competitors
This confuses people and will create legal headaches for you down the road. Make sure your domain is clearly differentiated.
Picking a name that is difficult to spell
If people can’t spell your domain name, they’ve already left.
Go too niche
Don’t box yourself in with a very specific domain. You might want to grow in different directions in the future.
Neglecting trademarks
Always check existing trademarks. The last thing you need is a legal battle over your domain.
Skipping variations
Secure common misspellings and alternative extensions to protect your brand.
Think long-term
The domain name is an investment.
Pick something trendy that will be outdated in a few years. Think where you want your business to be in 5 or 10 years. Will your domain still work? The best domain names are timeless and grow with your brand.
Get feedback
Before you make a decision, get opinions.
Run your top domains by friends, family, and potential customers. Ask them:
- Is it easy to remember?
- Can they spell it after hearing it once?
- What does the domain make them think of?
Fresh eyes can help you avoid a costly mistake.
How to Make Your Final Decision
So you have a shortlist of potential domain names.
The next step is to make your final decision. This is how you do it.
Begin by doing some brainstorming.
Write down all the possible names that come to mind. Don’t edit yourself. Write down the wild and crazy names too. You never know where the best ideas will come from.
Then use the strategies in this guide to test each option.
Check availability via a domain registration search, and test each name for memorability, pronunciation, and brand fit.
Don’t rush this decision.
Take your time. The right domain name is worth waiting for. It will be the foundation of your online brand for years to come.
Final Thoughts on Domain Name Success
Domain names are one of the most important decisions your business will make.
They influence SEO, brand awareness, and trust with customers. Get it right and you’ll have an asset that will power your brand for years. Get it wrong and everything else you do in marketing will be harder.
The good news is that you now have the tools and know-how to create a domain name that will stick in people’s memories and have lasting impact.
Put these strategies to work for you, and your domain will be working hard for your business 24/7.
