How to choose a domain name for your blog
How to choose a domain name for your blog


How to choose a domain name for your blog in 2020 (free tutorial in 10 easy steps). How to choose a domain name for your blog in 10 easy steps. One of the first initial decisions, presented to you as a blogger, is how to choose a domain name for your blog. In this guide, I walk you through choosing a (smart) domain name that is not only easy to read, but creates a lasting memory in the minds of your readers. but first…

What is a Domain Name?

Your domain name is your Internet address. This is the URL (web address) that people will type to navigate directly to your blog. You often hear domain names called "address", "web address", or "blog URL", but they are all the same. Your domain name appears in the "Address bar" at the top of your browser window, such as:

What is a domain name (how to see the domain in the address bar). For example, my blog domain name here is tips16.com (as you can see in the screenshot above and in my own address bar now). A domain name is made up of two distinct parts: the blog name itself (which can be whatever you want, as long as it's available and doesn't exceed 63 characters).

Suffix (this is .com, .net, .org, .biz, .info, etc.) at the end of your domain name. The domain name you choose is very important. It becomes part of the brand for your blog. This name will be remembered by readers ... and even your domain name can only attract (or drive away) readers.

This is the reason why so many bloggers get stuck on how to choose a domain name during the learning process to start a blog. It is easy to fall into the temptation to want the perfect domain name, when it seems that the best domain names have already been taken. Or maybe you don't know where to start, because all the names you come across seem a bit fuzzy or aimless.

Check if your domain name is available: Search for available domain names ... Search for domains: this is what you can do to make sure you choose a domain name that will help your blogging efforts in the long term. How to choose a domain name for your blog in 10 easy steps

  • Choose the correct niche
  • Image of your subject (and angle)
  • Decide on your target audience
  • Brainstorm about words related to your blog
  • List of 10 example blogs you enjoy
  • Write as many domain names as possible
  • Choose your top 10 domain names
  • Try a domain name generator
  • Consider the 7 key factors that make up a smart domain name
  • register your own domain name
  • Bonus: 21 domain name examples to inspire your search

How to choose a domain name for your blog in 2020 (in 10 easy steps). Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission. When you buy cheap web hosting using one of my affiliate links.

The company gives me compensation, which helps me manage this blog and maintains things like my ultimate 25,000 word guide to starting a blog for free. Huh Know that I only recommend products and services that I personally leave behind.


1. Choose the correct niche

Before continuing in your search, knowing how to choose a domain name for you is the right one for you, you must first make sure you are in the right blog niche. (Head shot) Photo of a blogger working in a coffee shop.

What is a blog niche?


A blog niche is a carefully selected subject area that will focus on the content of your blog. In simple words, choosing a niche is really just another way to determine the general themes and topics that you are writing on your blog.

This does not necessarily mean choosing the same niche that all your friends write about, or a niche that seems to be the latest trend online. This decision also cannot mean that it is traditionally easy to monetize. Choosing the right niche (and ultimately a smart domain name) should be a decision that combines two key factors. You can write extensively:

Your niche should be made up of content topics that you can write about (and continue to enjoy) for the next few months and years. You can finally monetize - your niche must also be one that has a proven path to finally making money from your blog.

The best blog niche for you will be at the intersection of the topics you love and will demonstrate the potential of demonetization. For more complete information on this topic, read my detailed guide: How to choose a low point on the blog (+ Profitable blog niche exam).

2. Your subject (and angle)

Once you have chosen an entire niche for the blog, you should narrow it down a bit more. Is there a particular approach that you can highlight outside of your blog? Do you have any unique experience, skill or interest that can guide you in finding a smart angle? This may mean bringing together two related but different topics which can also form the basis of a domain name, such as Copyblogger's combination of "copy-write" and "blogging".

This can mean creating a hot topic with a minimal audience in mind, such as Ittibiz's marketing advice for small business owners (often one-person). You can derive this equation by thinking about your style or voice as you sit down to write a blog post. For example: you may want to bring humor to a topic that has traditionally been more complicated, or you may not want to adopt an absurd and forceful way of writing within a niche. You need a serious voice.

Her tone can be reflected in the way she chooses a domain name, such as Wordplay in "Making Sense of Saints" (my friend Michelle Schroeder's blog), suggesting that her personal finance blog will not be just another boring one. and serious Suggestion column. The important thing to remember is that no matter which blog you choose, you will already have dozens of popular blogs. By searching for a specific topic to focus on again, helping you distinguish your blog from all others.

3. Decide on your target audience

Ideally, you want to find out who your target audience is before choosing a domain name, because who are your readers, from your blog name to colors, logo design features, and more about your brand decisions. How to choose a domain name that matches your target audience (brand color sentiments). To make decisions about the audience you're creating content for, you want to answer questions like:

  • What specific people are you blogging for?
  • What demographics and psychology describe your ideal audience?
  • What kinds of problems do you hope to solve for your readers?

For example, if you're starting a blog about money-saving tips for stay-at-home moms with young children, then these are money-saving tips for young male founders and entrepreneurs.

Very different from a blog about. Naturally, you want to choose a domain name that resonates the most with the multitude of mothers staying at home.

You want to think about your audience not only demographics (your age, gender, physical location), but also your psychology (values, interests, attitudes, and belief systems).

Are there any words you want to use specifically, or to avoid this, be sure to send the right signal to your target audience? For more information on this topic, read my guide: How to Name a Blog (Smart Way) + 25 Great Blog Names

4. Brainstorm words related to your blog



Brainstorm words related to your blog
Brainstorm words related to your blog


Now that you are clear about your blog's niche, angle, and target audience, it's time to start brainstorming to help select your domain name. It's time to grab a piece of paper, get a new Google Doc, or open your favorite mind mapping app. Brainstorm domain name ideas for your blog. Describe as many words and phrases as you can think of that relate to your vision for your blog. Something may have to do with these words:

  • Your niche (ie "gardening" or "entrepreneurship")
  • Your audience (ie "busy parents" or "job seekers")
  • Your personal style or brand (ie "friendly" or "irreplaceable" or "magical")

These words may not in themselves form what you choose as the domain name for your blog, although you may have some ideas that you want to include. Spending real time on this and thinking of some fun word combinations should help you narrow down at least some possible domain name ideas.

5. List of 10 examples of blogs you enjoy

Choose your 10 favorite blogs (ideally in your niche) and type in your domain names. If you haven't read many blogs yet, look for a list of blogs in your general subject area and see which domain names are particularly interesting.

What can you learn from these sites?


Is there a common word that can provide some inspiration for a word that you want to include in your domain name? Do these examples help you have a strong belief in the ways you want to maintain your own domain name?

Perhaps your sample group contains a mix of different types of domain names. You may have some blogs that are personal brands (named by the blogger) and others that are domain names explicitly designed to preview topics.

Perhaps the domain name you are looking for is quite short and easy to remember. Maybe some people are doing witchcraft, forcing you to see them first before they get there. Either way, you should be able to learn a lesson from this activity or two about what it does and isn't like a domain name in your niche.

6. Write as many possible domain names as possible


Write Down as Many Potential Domain Names as You Can
Write Down as Many Potential Domain Names as You Can


Now, finally, the fun part of learning how to choose a domain name is putting a pen on paper (metaphor). List of possible domain names (example ideas below). At this point, you are ready to submit your own domain name ideas. My advice is to spend some time, ideally an hour or two, when you can focus on the process, without interruption. This can be a great excuse for your favorite coffee shop.

It is important to list as many ideas as possible for the domain name because it is very likely that many of your ideas have already been taken. Also note that a few better ideas during this practice (or even days afterward) can often help you move better. In # 9 of this guide below, I have a more detailed process involving the seven key factors in choosing a domain name, so check it out to help you find more ideas.

7. Choose your top 10 domain names

Once you have created your list, select your 10 possible domain names and check which ones are available. A great place to check availability of your domain name is Hover, where you can type in a domain name and search to see if it's already registered. Scroll down the home screen to find the domain name.

If you are already registered by someone else, I now recommend you go to the next possible domain name on your list. However, it is possible to obtain a domain name that is currently taken by someone else (by buying it directly from the seller or through a brokerage company), which can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars depending on the domain.

In general, you want to register a domain name with the suffix .com (see 7 key factors below for more information on this). Sometimes, though, it may make sense to choose a local suffix (like co.uk or .in) or a low-speed .net or .co extension if your ideal .com is not available.

As I mentioned earlier, if you find a domain name that you love, the person who owns it may be ready to sell. This can cost anywhere from a hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on how valuable the domain name is (and if they registered the domain or not and if they put a site there).

This is also done). At this stage, my advice is to register an available domain name to start your blog, and you can always upgrade to buy that full domain once you have the budget to get the domain.

8. Try a domain name generator

If you're having trouble finding an available domain that you like, or if you haven't been able to find many ideas, a domain name generator can help. My friend Andy and I built one by one on SmartWip to help us with the challenge of creating cool domain names (available):

Find smart domain name ideas by SmartWP Domain Name Generator. There are many domain name generators available, but they all work essentially the same way. They give you a keyword or phrase entry which would normally be something related to your niche.

And they come with a list of possible domain names that you can use. Most domain name generators will indicate if those domains are actually available as well, and will provide many easy links so you can buy the domain name you want right now. For more information, see my list: 21 Best Domain Name Generators for Blogger.

9. Consider the 7 key factors that make up a smart domain name

If you have multiple possible domain names to choose from, and you're not strongly attracted to a particular option, run each of your domain names through this test. When you decide how to select a domain name for your blog, you may not be able to fully identify all of these factors, but the more you can dial, the more your domain. The name is likely to be long term.

1. A good domain name is appropriately short

Yes, a domain name can have a maximum of 63 characters (not counting suffixes), but you definitely don't want to use them all. Never beautiful If you have more than three words in your domain name, consider whether you can choose something shorter, like a domain name that has been perceived as spam for a long time.

Short domain names are easy to print and, most importantly, they are displayed on a business card, on social media, in a video; they are more memorable for readers.

2. Smart domain names leave no ambiguity

Because a domain name is displayed as all lowercase letters in the browser's address bar, and because people type them the way they share a blog name with others, you get accidental ambiguities or possible embarrassing missile forms require care. For example, here are some unfortunately named sites (which don't work very well when choosing a domain name):

  • penisland.net
  • expertsexchange.com
  • childrenslaughter.com

While the names of these sites are actually "Penn Island," "Expert Exchange," and "Children's Laughter," that may not be immediately apparent when scanning only the domain name. Keep in mind when choosing a domain name for your blog ... don't be like these sites: Penland (.) Net, ExpertSexchange (.) Com, ChildRensLotter (.) Com.

At first glance, the appearance of your readers is very important, so make sure there is no room for misinterpretation when you learn how to choose the domain name for your blog. For more great examples, check out this fun list of Bored Panda.

3. Make your domain name easy to spell

Avoid using unusual or commonly misspelled words in your domain name, and if you are considering using your own name, you may think twice if it is particularly unusual. Its spelled. Although to be fair, using my nickname for this blog did not pose any particular challenge.

It is also a good idea to avoid hyphens (-) and digits (1, 2, 3) in the domain name. Sometimes they are associated with low-quality websites or spam, making it difficult to remind people how to write their domain name in their address bar.

4. Make sure it is easy to read aloud

Domain names that pass the above three tests would normally be easier to read out loud ... but you're saying your domain name out loud just to be safe. You want to say your domain name in conversations, podcasts, and maybe even radio interviews, so make sure it's easy to work without understanding everything.

5. Try to make sure it reflects your theme

Ideally, your domain name should at least hint at the subject of your blog cover. However, this is not necessarily a deciding factor. Many successful blogs have gained popularity with names that don't really do much of what they offer. Once, no one associated the word "Amazon" with books or online shopping.

6. Choose a domain name that gives you an idea of ​​your brand and style

If you have a particularly strong brand or writing style, you're trying to bring it into your domain. For example, you may want to include a joke or a sense of humor in your site name, or you can use a word that you think reflects your personality.

7. Always test .com domain extensions

While there are hundreds of different possible domain name extensions, no one has grasped as much as ".com". Originally designed for use by commercial websites in the US, it has become a worldwide preference for all kinds of websites, and is a suffix to whether people forgot or typed your site's domain name.

I will do it If you're primarily selling to a local audience, then in some cases it makes sense to use a local domain. Overall, though, .com is your best bet. However, if you don't want .com for that name, a good second option is to go to .co, .net, or .org, which have become (common) options today.

It should help reduce your domain name to choose the best option. For example, a short name is usually better than one: everything else is the same and a name that is easier to spell, which is better than a confusing or vague one.

10. Register your domain name

Finally ... the time has come to register your chosen domain name. Fortunately, there are now many places where you can register your domain name for a few dollars. If you've already chosen a web hosting plan, it's usually easier to register your domain name with the same company that hosts your other assets, and when you first register for hosting. So anything will leave a free domain name. My recommendation to quickly register your domain name (in a big way) with Hover:

Scroll down the home screen to find the domain name. A couple of alternative options include domain registrars like GoDaddy and Namecheap. 21 clever examples of domain names (and approaches to selecting a domain name). If you are still unsure how to choose a domain name for your blog, take a look at these popular examples and approaches.

1. Use part (or all) of your name

Using your own name, or part of it, for your domain name is simple and straightforward. It's a bit difficult to promote yourself (unless you're already known), because your name is not an underlying link to your topic. If you already have a very common name registered online, it doesn't work very well.

2. Describe what your readers will do

If you are not clear on what your blog will do for readers, you can choose a domain name that describes that mission. This approach has the advantage of making your domain name look like a catchphrase or mini-elevator for your site; It will be obvious to readers that your site can help them do this even before they visit. However, in many cases the domain name takes longer.

3. Describe what you plan to do for your readers.

This is a similar approach to # 2, but domain names focus on what you do rather than readers. Again, this can be a great way to convince readers to review your blog based on your domain name, although this threat may seem a bit arrogant.

4. Create a smart word game

If your brand is lively, fun, engaging, or humorous, work to discover how to choose a domain name that includes fun word games. This can be a great way to attract attention and mark your site for the long haul.

5. Put two words together to build a brand

Sometimes mixing two words together can help you find a great new brand in your domain name. This generally has the advantage of shorter domain names, although if you don't think hard enough, you may end up with a strange or confusing domain name that people struggle to spell, read, or speak about.

6. Create a new word by adding a prefix or suffix

Another way to create your own unique brand is to choose a root word on your topic, then add a prefix or suffix to that word. Some you want to try include.

7. Use keywords

Is there a particular keyword phrase that is comprehensive for your blog: while keywords in your domain name are no longer a major ranking factor, it can still be a useful way to brand your site, and it certainly is. It wouldn't hurt the blog. SEO perspective, either. Examples of domain names using this approach:

  • Trafficgenerationcafe.com (Traffic Generation Cafe - The key phrase is "Traffic Generation")
  • css-tricks.com (CSS-Tricks - Entire domain is a keyword phrase)
  • searchenginewatch.com (search engine watch - the key phrase is "search engine")
  • If you are still learning how to choose a domain name right now, then ...

My advice is to try using one of these domain name generators to suggest some ideas for available domains that you can register and start running today. What if the domain name you want is already in use? Listen to this, it is until 2020. There is a good chance that your first choice is either the possibility of a domain name. If not, I recommend registering it immediately!

But given the fact that the US alone now has about 32 million bloggers, you probably need some backup domain name ideas, or a game plan shouldn't be available to go with your best options. If your ideal domain name is already in use, here is what to do:

Option # 1: Brainstorm about new possibilities

The easiest (and least expensive) option is to go back to the drawing board and choose a domain name that is not yet in use. It's certainly a great thing that your first-choice domain names are already gone, but this is the reality of the world we live in. If your creative energy is running low and you're disappointed to find some domain names, take a break from working to find the right name for now.

Once you're feeling refreshed, go back and check out one of the leading domain name generators, like SmartWip Name Generator, to see if some of the cool new domain name ideas they suggest will be included in your Inspire to Go Along .

Option # 2: choose a different domain extension

ProBlogger originally did this when they started their blog. It started as "ProBlogger.net" and eventually bought the .com extension later, creating significant business around its blog. The company I used to work for, Close.io, had also recently bought the Close.com domain name, after that it made financial sense to invest in a premium priced URL (and they knew their business was nowhere going on. ).

Option # 3: ask to buy domain name

It can be difficult to find a great domain name, especially if you are in a big and popular niche where it seems like all the best domain names have been taken. However, trying to find the correct domain name does not waste a ton. Some of the incredibly popular blogs have had success with very strange domain names. Other blogs once adopted a rebranding method, as their original name no longer seemed appropriate.

The smart blogger, for example, called Boost Blog Traffic before John felt the need to broaden its appeal. Take some time to brainstorm the right domain name ideas, consider asking your friends for feedback if you're having trouble figuring out how to choose a domain name that feels right for your blogging goals. - And if you still are, try the domain name generator. Stuck.

11. How to choose the best domain name (14 tips and tools)

Share the Pinbree WordPress video tutorials on YouTube WPBeginner How to choose the best domain name (14 tips and tools). Choosing the correct domain name for your website is important to your success. If you choose the wrong domain name, it can be a hassle to change later without damaging your brand and search rankings.



How to choose the best domain name
How to choose the best domain name


Therefore, it is very important that you choose the best domain name from the beginning. Getting started, it can be difficult to find attractive business name ideas with a full domain name. In this article, we'll share all the tools and tips you need to get domain name ideas, choosing the best domain name, and registering your new domain (for free). How to choose the best domain name.

Some tips for choosing the best domain name

When starting a blog, choosing a domain name can be stressful because you don't want to make a mistake. To make the process easier, we have a simple 14-step framework that you can use to choose the best domain for your website.



  • Stick to .com
  • Use keywords in your domain name search
  • Keep your domain name short
  • Simplify pronunciation and spelling
  • Keep it unique and branded
  • Avoid hyphens in domain names
  • Avoid double letters
  • Leave room to expand
  • Research your domain name
  • Use domain generators for smart ideas
  • Act fast before carrying someone else
  • The best place to register the domain name
  • Get free domains with web hosting
  • The most popular domain registrar


Let's take a look at these suggestions one by one.

1. Stick with .com


original .com domain
original .com domain


They adhere to the .com extension. There are many new domain name extensions available today, from original .com, .net, and .org to niche extensions such as .pizza, .photography, and even .blog. We always recommend choosing a .com domain name. While it may be tempting to create smart blog names with new extensions, .com remains the most established and trusted domain name extension. New domain extensions like .ninja or .photography may not be trusted.

Dot-com domains are also the most memorable. Many users, especially those who are not tech savvy, will automatically type ".com" at the end of each domain without thinking. If your website is something like photography, and your users accidentally type jane.photography.com, they will end up on an error page on the photography.com website. It's smart to avoid that risk if you stick with .com. Not to mention, most smartphone keyboards automatically have a .com button.

2. Use keywords in your domain name search

Keywords play an important role in a domain. By using keywords in your domain name, you tell search engines what your website is. With quality content and a good user experience, keywords in your domain can help you rank higher on Google. It is very difficult to find a good domain with your specific keywords, which has not been taken yet. You must be creative to make your domain stand out and combine your words with other words.

3. Shorten your domain name

While keywords are important, they don't exceed domain length. It is better to have a domain name that is short and memorable. We recommend keeping your domain name with less than 15 characters. Long domains are difficult for your users to remember. Not to mention, users will also be at higher risk of typing errors with a longer domain name, causing traffic loss. Therefore, it is a good idea to keep your domain length short.

4. Make your domain name easy to pronounce and spell

You should be able to easily share your domain name when writing and speaking. You never know when you will be asked to share your domain name in person. If you plan to use your domain name to create a professional business email address, it should definitely be easy to understand and spell for any listener.

5. Keep it unique and branded

The domain name of your blog must be unique, so that you can be in the minds of your readers. It is smart to research other blogs in your niche and find out what domain name they are using. You don't want to mistakenly use a brand name or accuse another blogger of copying it. You can choose a domain name that is more customizable. Brand domain names are unique, attractive, and memorable. For example, "Amazon.com" is a much bigger brand than "BuyBooksOnline.com".

6. Avoid hyphens in domain names

Never create a script domain name. The hyphen may be a sign of a spam domain that you do not want to associate with. Scripted domains are also prone to typos. If you choose a domain name with a script because the domain you want is already in use, your users are likely to end up on your competing site if they forget to write the script.

7. Avoid double letters

It is a good idea to avoid double letter domains, as this increases your chances of losing traffic. For example, a domain like Presssetup.com would be more prone to typos and cause traffic loss. Avoiding double letters will make your domain easier to type and also more customizable.

8. Exit the room to expand

It is smart to choose a domain name that is related to your industry / niche, as it gives users some ideas about your website. But you don't want to limit your long-term options too much. For example, a florist can choose a domain name similar to orchidblog.com, but then he can start blogging about other flowers alongside orchids. then.

Mastery can prevent you from attracting readers interested in other flowers. Moving your site to a new domain correctly can be a frustrating process, and if you don't do it correctly, you can lose search rankings. This is why it is important to choose a flexible domain name from scratch.

9. Research your domain name


Research Your Domain Name
Research Your Domain Name


Before registering a domain name, try to find out if there is already a registered company with the same name. You can do a brand search to see if the brand already has the same or the same name. Look for trademarks to avoid conflicting domain names. You can also do a Google search and check the availability of names on major social media websites like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.

A similar or matching name will not only cause confusion, but can also have serious legal implications, which can cost you a lot of money. Once you have your own website, you can learn how to use the trademark and copyright of your website's name and logo.

10. Use the domain name generator for the idea

Currently, there are over 360 million registered domain names. This leads many to say that all the good domains have already been taken. Searching for a personal domain name can be time consuming. This is where domain name generators come in. These free tools automatically search your defined keywords to find hundreds of smart domain name ideas.

11. Work fast before someone else takes it

Every day thousands of new domain names are registered from all over the world. If you've found a domain name you like, don't wait too long. Domain names are like real estate. Thousands of people are actively searching for a good brand domain name, allowing them to sign up for better rates in the future. If you don't act fast, someone can go ahead and register your domain idea.

Since domain names are relatively cheap, we always recommend our readers to act quickly. If you change your mind later, you can let it expire. The best place to buy domain names. How to register and get your own domain name for free. There are hundreds of domain registrars on the web. Choosing carefully is important because it can be difficult to move your domain later.



Best Places to Buy a Domain Name
Best Places to Buy a Domain Name


Like web hosting, domain registration prices can range from $ 9 to $ 24. You can also get it for free. Let's take a look at how you can easily buy a domain name. Free domain registration with web hosting: Most web hosting companies also offer domain registration as a service. Some of those companies offer free domain registration with new hosting accounts.

If you are starting a new website, it is a good idea to take advantage of this offer and get your domain name for free. Below are two WordPress hosting companies that offer over 60% web hosting, free SSL certificates and a free domain name for our users:

Bluehost is one of the oldest and largest brands when it comes to web hosting. They have recommended a "WordPress" hosting provider. IPage manages more than 1 million websites and is the cheapest web hosting provider on the web. $ 1.99 / mo for web hosting, and you get a free domain name.

It is important to note that most hosts only offer free domain registration for 1 year. After the first year, your domain registration will generally be renewed at approximately $ 14 per year. Many users take advantage of the free domain for the first year because they have to pay for the domain name, even if it is received for free.

Most popular domain registrars



Most popular domain registrars
Most popular domain registrars


If you only want to register a domain name without purchasing hosting, you can do so by purchasing it from the domain name registrar. Domain.com is one of the best domain registrars on the market. They provide all top level domain names, a smart search function, premium domains and all the tools necessary to manage your domain names.

Find a domain name on Domain.com: Domain.com WPBeginner offers a 25% discount to readers, and our domain.com coupon should automatically apply to your purchase. GoDaddy is the world's largest domain registrar. They manage more than 63 million domain names for more than 14 million clients. They also offer web hosting plans. If you use our GoDaddy coupon code, you can get a free domain name.