October 9, 2024

Domain Levels: A Comprehensive Guide to Top-Level Domains (TLDs) and Domain Names

written by

Joe Uddeme

Joe Uddeme

Domain Levels: A Comprehensive Guide to Top-Level Domains (TLDs) and Domain Names

The finer details of domain name architecture can be pretty overwhelming to the uninitiated. In this post, domain name expert Joe Uddeme unravels the secrets behind TLDs, second-level domains and more.

 

In today’s digital landscape, domain names serve as the cornerstone of online identity. They are not just web addresses; they encapsulate your brand, convey professionalism, and influence user trust.

Understanding the actual domain is crucial, as it helps in structuring sub-domains effectively without confusing web visitors.

One of the most critical aspects of domain names is their structure within the domain name system and their organization in the dns hierarchy, including top-level domains (TLDs) and second-level domain names as well as third-level domain names.

This guide will explore the various types of TLDs, their implications for your online presence, and how to choose the right URL for your business when you want to buy a premium domain name.

 

Key takeaways

  • .com TLDs remain a prized asset
  • Up-and-coming TLDs such as .ai  have a place in the market
  • A strong second-level domain is crucial for the success of your business
  • Discover some tips for registering a domain name that works for you

 

What Are Top-Level Domains?

Understanding TLDs

top-level domain (TLD) is the last segment of a domain name, appearing after the dot. Domain extensions, such as generic top-level domains (gTLDs) and country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs), play a crucial role in website visibility and branding.

For example, in the domain name example.com, the TLD is .com. The second-level domain (SLD) is the component of a domain name located directly to the left of the TLD.

This becomes essential for creating memorable and relevant domain names that enhance SEO by better describing website content.

Third-level domains, or subdomains, exist to the left of second-level domains in a domain hierarchy and help in structuring website content, indicating different sections or language versions of a site.

TLDs categorize domain levels and can significantly influence a website’s branding and marketing efforts.

The Role of TLDs in the Domain Name System

TLDs provide crucial information about the nature of the entity associated with a domain.

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) regulate and allocate domain names, ensuring that assigned names adhere to specific regulations and maintain uniqueness within the domain name system for internet infrastructure purposes.

They help users understand the purpose of a website, whether it’s commercial, organizational, or country-specific. Choosing the right domain extensions can enhance brand recognition and trust.

Types of Top-Level Domains (TLDs)

Second-level domain names refer to the target before the dot. Test.com is the second level domain with the keyword match–“test” in this example. Second level domain names can help consumers and individuals remember your brand.

Top-level domain names are generally categorized into several groups:

  • .com: Originally designed for commercial entities, it is now the most widely used TLD and is often the first choice for businesses and private agencies.
  • .org: Primarily used by non-profit organizations, this TLD conveys trust and community focus.
  • .net: Initially intended for network providers, it has become a versatile option for various types of websites.
  • .info: Designed for informational sites, this TLD is often used by resource-based websites.

Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs)

Country-code top-level domain names are a specific type of domain extension designated for particular countries or regions, emphasizing their implications for search engine optimization and regional, country-specific targeting.

Country code TLDs are the only top-level domain not governed by ICANN internet corporation for assigned names, differentiating them from other domain types and underscoring potential legal and usage restrictions based on geographic location.

ccTLDs represent specific countries or territories. Examples include:

  • .uk: United Kingdom
  • .ca: Canada
  • .de: Germany
  • .au: Australia
  • .ai: Anguilla
  • .co: Columbia
  • .io: Indian Ocean (British Indian Ocean Territory)
  • .ai: Anguilla – though it has been appropriated by tech and AI companies and is rapidly growing in popularity. It is treated as a generic TLD for search ranking purposes.

The .gov domain is a specific top-level domain (TLD) exclusively reserved for the American government and government agencies. There are similar restrictions applying to other domains like .EDU, which is limited to educational institutions in the U.S.

Using a ccTLD can enhance local SEO, making your website more appealing to audiences in specific regions.

SEO Consideration: If your business serves a local market, opting for a ccTLD can improve your search rankings and visibility within that area.

A globe covered in flags of the world instead of countries to illustrate an article about domain name TLDs

 

New Generic Top-Level Domains (New gTLDs)

New generic top-level domain names (generic tlds) have emerged to provide more specific options for niche markets. Some examples include:

  • .tech: Ideal for technology companies and startups.
  • .shop: Great for e-commerce businesses.
  • .blog: Perfect for bloggers and content creators.
  • .design: Suitable for design-focused websites.

Additional examples of GTLD’s include: .LAW, .GO, .XYZ, .ART, .CLUB are some of the most recognized.

These new generic top-level domain names can provide unique branding opportunities but should align closely with your business’s mission and audience and be target generic top-level domains.

Ensure they reflect the content and purpose of your site, as this can influence user engage specific for your generic top-level domain.

SEO Consideration: While .com domains are the most popular, various gTLDs can also rank well if the site’s content is relevant and high-quality

Domains not controlled by DNS System

Web3 domains are a new class of domain names designed for the decentralized web, often built on blockchain technology. Unlike traditional domains, which rely on centralized registrars and the DNS (Domain Name System).

These are typically tied to the Blockchain system and not associated with standard ip addresses.

Web3 domains offer unique features and benefits including, Decentralization, NFT Integration and Smart Contracts.

Popular Web3 Domain Providers

  1. Ethereum Name Service (ENS)
    • A decentralized naming system built on the Ethereum blockchain, allowing users to register human-readable domain names (e.g., example.eth).
  2. Unstoppable Domains
    • Offers blockchain-based domains that can be used for websites, cryptocurrency payments, and decentralized identities.
  3. Handshake
    • A decentralized, permission-less naming protocol that enables users to own their top-level domains.

The Importance of Choosing the Right TLD

Brand Identity and Trust

The top-level domain you choose can significantly impact your brand identity. Having your own domain is crucial as it allows you to create subdomains for various purposes and highlights the domain name as a vital element for website navigation and URL formation.

A recognizable and trusted top-level domain can boost your credibility among users. For example, a second-level domain keyword-match URL ending in .com is often perceived as more legitimate than lesser-known extensions.

SEO Impact

While a top-level domain is not a direct ranking factor, they can influence click-through rates and user engagement. Familiar top-level domain names ending in .com or .org can improve trust, leading to higher conversion rates with these domain extensions.

Local vs. Global Reach

If your business targets a specific country or region, a ccTLD can enhance local SEO and attract a more relevant audience. Conversely, global businesses might opt for a top level domain to appeal to a broader market for widespread use.

Best Practices for Selecting a TLD

1. Know Your Audience

Understanding your target audience is crucial in selecting the right top-level domain. If your primary customers are local, a ccTLD may be the best choice. If you aim for an international market, consider a popular gTLD or only top-level domains.

2. Keep it Short and Memorable

A shorter domain name is easier to remember and type. Avoid overly complex names and choose a TLD that complements your brand. Find the perfect domain name for your organization.

3. Avoid Hyphens and Numbers

While it may be tempting to add hyphens or numbers to secure a domain, these can confuse users and reduce memorability. Stick to simple, clear names. The second level domain is critical for customer recall.

4. Check Availability

Before settling on a domain name and TLD, check its availability. Many popular domain names may already be taken, so be prepared to explore variations. If you need help negotiating a name that appears to be off-market, it’s a good idea to partner up with an experienced domain broker.

The Impact of TLDs on SEO

User Perception

Research indicates that users are more likely to trust and click on websites with a familiar top-level domain. A well-known second-level domain can enhance perceived credibility, leading to increased traffic for your company’s success in their respective country.

Local SEO Advantages

For businesses focused on local markets, ccTLDs can improve local search rankings. The root domain, represented by a dot (.), is at the top of the DNS hierarchy and contains all the top-level domains (TLDs), organizing domain names into different levels.

Search engines often prioritize local relevance, making ccTLDs a valuable asset for local businesses.

Content Alignment

While TLDs themselves don’t directly impact SEO rankings, aligning your TLD with your content can improve user experience. A TLD that reflects your content’s focus can lead to better engagement.

Common Misconceptions About TLDs

Misconception 1: TLDs Are the Primary Factor for SEO Success

While TLDs play a role in user trust and engagement, they are not the main determinant of SEO success. High-quality content, backlinks, and technical SEO are far more critical.

Misconception 2: All TLDs Have Equal Value

Not all TLDs are created equal. The second-level domain, which sits immediately to the left of the top-level domain, plays a critical role in defining the domain’s identity and is significant for branding and SEO purposes. An experienced domain name appraisal expert can help you find the true value of a name you’re interested in.

Misconception 3: New gTLD’s are cheaper alternatives

Familiar TLDs like .com and .org often carry more weight in terms of trust and user recognition than obscure or new gTLDs.

While new gTLD’s are typically cheaper, they do tend to hold a larger renewal cost and lack credibility and equity that .com domain names add to any brand.

How to Register a Domain Name with Your Chosen TLD

Step 1: Choose a Domain Name

Brainstorm a potential web address that align with your brand and audience. Ideally, it should match your brand name – which should be strong brand name that is representative of your business.  The second level-domain and dns hierarchy are good examples of properly choosing a domain name.

A well-chosen web address can significantly impact user perception and SEO, making it crucial to select one that is effective and resonates with your target audience.

Make sure to keep it short, memorable, and relevant, especially the second-level domain.

Step 2: Select Your TLD

Decide on the most appropriate TLD based on your target audience and business goals.

Second-level domains are critical to top-of-mind awareness for your customer when finding the perfect domain.

A third-level domain, also known as a sub-domain, can be used to organize different topics or language versions within your website while keeping the core domain name intact.

Historically, third-level domains were significant for structuring website content, though they are less common in modern usage. Consider whether a gTLD or ccTLD best serves your needs.

Fourth level domain levels involve rerouting the sub domains with a more specific field. Example: create.sub.agent.com.

Step 3: Check Availability

Use a domain registrar to check the availability of your chosen domain name with the desired TLD. Many registrars offer search tools to assist with this.

Internet corporation for assigned names and numbers also offers a search tool to check Whois information.

Second-level domains also become synonymous with your brand image and perception.

Step 4: Register Your Domain

Once you’ve found an available domain name, proceed with registration through a reputable domain registrar. Be prepared to provide necessary contact information and payment details.

Step 5: Set Up Domain Privacy

Consider enabling domain privacy protection to safeguard your personal information from public databases.

Top Registrars for Domain Names and TLDs

Choosing a reliable domain registrar is crucial for managing your domain name effectively. Here are some top registrars to consider:

  1. GoDaddy: One of the largest and most popular registrars, offering a wide variety of TLDs and excellent customer service.
  2. Namecheap: Known for its affordability and user-friendly interface, making it an excellent choice for new domain owners.
  3. Bluehost: Offers free domain registration with hosting plans, ideal for beginners.
  4. Google Domains: A straightforward option that integrates seamlessly with Google services.

Conclusion

Understanding top-level domains (TLDs) and their significance in domain names is vital for establishing a strong online presence.

By selecting the right TLD that aligns with your brand and audience, you can enhance your credibility, improve SEO, and attract more visitors to your site.

Whether you choose a traditional TLD, a country code TLD, or a new tlds, ensure it reflects your business’s identity and goals.

By following the guidelines outlined in this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to make informed decisions about your domain names and TLDs, setting the stage for online success in search results.

 

About the author

Joe Uddeme is Director and Principal of Name Experts, one of the world’s leading domain name brokerage services. He has overseen domain name sales and acquisitions totaling more than $150 million and is renowned worldwide as a go-to expert in buying and selling premium domains. Contact us at: [email protected]

Subscribe for More Domain Buying & Selling Advice

Related posts

Close up of man's hand pointing at a laptop keyboard, as if checking how to buy/sell a doman name online
Your Expert Guide On How To Buy and Sell Domain Names

In this article, we look at the ins and outs of buying and selling a domain name for your business. Here’s NameExperts.com Director Joe Uddeme to walk you through the process.   Are you new to the industry and need to know how to buy and sell domain names? You’re most likely looking for the best places you can buy domains, where to sell your domains, how to transfer names to your buyer, how much you can sell your names for, and more. At Name Experts, we help corporations and individuals around the world buy and sell domain name assets. It’s what we’ve been doing for more than 15 years, and we have brokered deals worth more than $150m. So you can trust the information in this post. If you need more help, get in touch. We’ll help you navigate the waters – and even help you choose a great domain name for your business at the best price. Here’s our complete guide to buying and selling domain names – updated for 2025. Key Takeaways Buying domain names – everything you need to know Selling domain names – everything you need to know How a domain name broker can be your ‘secret weapon’ when buying or selling   Buying domain names Buying the right domain name for your brand can be a pretty big undertaking. New TLDs like .online or .law are part of more than 1,500 alternative top level domains that can sometimes confuse your customers. How can you know what the right choice is to help your business grow? Or maybe you’re buying domains to turn around and sell them. Whatever you need a new domain name for, having a broker on your side to help you with how to buy and sell domain names and get the domain purchase over the finish line. Especially when it comes to the negotiation process, you’ll want to have an experienced broker who knows what your purpose is for the domain name so that they can plan the proper strategy. We also encourage you to use an accredited, third-party escrow provider. We use Escrow.com as the preferred method for domain purchase transactions because it identifies all the parties involved to ensure proper transfer and a smooth transaction experience. The broker you choose should be able to work with the escrow provider and help you complete the entire domain purchase process. Escrow Process to Buy a Domain Name Here are the general steps outlined below: Buyer and seller agree to terms Buyer selects a payment method Escrow secures buyer’s payment Escrow will prompt the seller to transfer The transfer will occur either by account transfer or authorization code Seller confirms shipment of merchandise Buyer confirms receipt of a domain name in the account Buyer marks the transaction complete Domain Purchase and choosing the right broker Your domain broker should be open to communicating with you throughout this entire process and make sure the timeline is being met – as well as meeting all other expectations. At Name Experts, we will make sure that we will get you the domain you want or find an appropriate alternative if the one you want truly isn’t available. Most reputable brokers will charge a fee for any successful acquisition and should be upfront with you about that fee. They’ll also help you with successfully transferring domains so that everything is out of your hands when all is said and done.   Selling Domain Names Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned domain investor with dozens of assets or someone who just has one domain name to sell, it’s always a good idea to hire a professional who knows what they are doing. Domain experts make it their mission to maximize your sales potential and work on your behalf. This means letting you know if you’re sitting on a goldmine when it comes to domains or buying assets that are only worth a few pennies – they’ll help you figure out the value of your domain. The first step of the selling process is to establish the right expectation for your domains. Sellers should identify their needs and realistically price their assets in a way that will make people want to buy them. We’ll help you identify your goals and get to the bottom of why you’re really selling. Typically, there are different types of pricing models that we use to sell your domain name, but it all depends on intent. They include retail sellers, market seller, and liquidation seller. At Name Experts, we have experience negotiating and marketing your name assets successfully. We have the knowledge to help you nail down a strategy to make sure the right people are seeing your domain names. If you’re in the market to sell, we will help you with all of our services. Value your Domain Name Your domain name, and really anyone’s domain name, is only worth as much as a buyer is willing to pay. There are different factors to consider, though. For example, single word .com assets sell for a higher price than longer names. At Name Experts, we will evaluate your assets and take comparisons of other names that recently sold in the market. We’ll make sure you have a realistic expectation of what your domain is worth. Marketing Especially if you’re new in this industry, you’ll want someone experienced putting your name in front of the right people. We use a combination of email, phone, and press releases to ensure global exposure. This also includes reaching out to our industry-wide relationships to help you find the perfect buyer. Negotiation Don’t leave money on the table. Let Name Experts negotiate on your behalf and help you maximize your profit. Transfer Service This part of the process makes sure that the buyer lives up to his end of the deal. We handle all transfers through Escrow.com, a licensed and audited escrow service ideal for domain names.  We’ll make sure that your domain name ends up at the right registrar.   Let Name Experts Help You At the end of the day, you need someone you can trust to help you navigate these waters. A professional domain brokerage service can make all the difference. They will outline both the buying and selling process for you and make sure both sides understand the goal of the transaction. They’ll also help you take the guesswork out of the process, as well as represent your interests. As experienced brokers with an industry-wide reputation, let us help you with all the phases of how to buy and sell domain names. When you work with an experienced professional like us, you’ll see that they will also have all the relevant contracts and paperwork to help you secure the name that you want or sell it for a fair price. We’ll make sure that every step of the way is completely transparent and we always keep your best interest in mind. We don’t want to compromise your identity or your confidentiality, and we work hard to earn the trust of our clients with consistent performance and open communication. When you’re ready to get started or just want more information on the buying or selling process, reach out to us today! We’d love to prove to you why we’re the experts.   About the author Joe Uddeme is Director and Principal of Name Experts, one of the world’s leading domain name brokerage services. He has overseen domain name sales and acquisitions totaling more than $150 million and is renowned worldwide as a go-to expert in buying and selling premium domains. Contact him at: [email protected]

Currency matrix for blog about the best places to buy and sell domain names.
The Best Places to Buy and Sell Domain Names

Got a domain name in your sights? Looking to sell one? Here are 5 ‘safe pairs of hands’ when looking to buy or sell non-premium domain names.   1. Sedo Sedo is a dedicated domain marketplace (similar to GoDaddy) with millions of users. It has been around for over two decades, making it a trusted marketplace for buying and selling domains. Any domain name owner can sign up for free and list their domain for sale on the website, and prospective buyers can easily contact them through the platform to buy domains. On Sedo, sellers can set a fixed price for their domain, put it up for auction, or indicate that they’re entertaining offers with an unspecified price range. When buyers come to the site, they can search for any keyword and check if anyone has listed a related domain name on the market. If you’re in the market for a premium domain name costing upwards of $10,000, consider seeking out an expert domain name brokerage service. These can help you purchase a domain name at the best price – or sell one without leaving money on the table. Sedo Search Sample: The first three results are bikes.org, bikes.co, and bikes.biz, which are premium domain names. Sedo also includes other domain names that are closely related to your search phrase to sell domains. The first two domains in this example have a Make Offer buttons next to them, while the last has a Buy It Now button for your popular domain. This indicates that the domain sellers of the first two domains put them up for auction, while the third domain’s owner set a fixed price for their marketing strategy. As a buyer, you’re free to search for any specific URL and find related domains listed on Sedo to find the perfect domain. Purchasing from the domain marketplace requires added registration and jumping through a few other hoops, but it’s worth it as Sedo has such a large selection of premium domains available for acquisition. 2. NamePros NamePros is an online community for domain name owners to interact and discuss events related to their industry. In the forum’s early days, users commonly posted they had domain names available for sale and wanted to connect with potential buyers. Observing this, the owner of the forum launched an official domain marketplace section for buying and selling domain names. On NamePros, any registered user can list the domain names they have available in a forum post. To make the domains easy for prospective buyers to find, NamePros has formal categories that users can attach to their posts to find the perfect domain. How much is it worth? Namepros can also share pertinent details of recently sold domains that are similar in nature to your domain search. Because it is a forum, NamePros only helps buyers and owners find each other and it’s up to them to negotiate and decide how they’ll handle payments for the domain. This is unlike Sedo, which facilitates payments and domain transfers for its users among other services. When using NamePros to buy a domain you should be more careful about your purchase. Set specific terms with the seller before proceeding on any deal and use a trusted online escrow service (e.g. Escrow.com) to ensure that the payment goes through only after the seller has transferred the domain name to your preferred registrar. You can find a large variety of domain names for sale on NamePros, making it one of the best domain marketplaces in the world. 3. Flippa Flippa is a marketplace competing with Godaddy for buying and selling online properties, including websites and domain names. The platform has facilitated millions of dollars in domain name sales since its inception in 2009 and has built a reputation as one of the most trusted domain name marketplaces to find the perfect domain name. The most expensive domain name deal arranged on Flippa was StockPhoto.com, which sold for $250,000. Any domain name owner can sign up on Flippa and list their domains, but it requires a payment of $29 for a base listing and $99 for an enhanced listing. Sellers often pick the second option because it makes their domains more visible to potential buyers looking for the perfect domain name. As a buyer, you can create a free account on Flippa and find domain names matching your taste. You can then search for a specific keyword and find related domain names listed by domain owners to buy domain names based on cost, features and budget. Easy to use: To demonstrate, we searched for “cars” and got the results displayed in the image below: The first three results were OldCarsForSale.com, acars.com, and fastsportscars.com, listed for $5,000, $100, and $1 respectively. OldCarsForSale.com is a premium domain worth its higher price. It’ll be a very good domain for anyone who wants to sell used cars online with a specific destination. Fastsportscars.com seems like a good generic domain name, but it can easily be mistaken for fastsportcars.com, giving it a disadvantage. It’s likely why it’s listed for a very low price and shows that you can find a good deal on a domain name for personal use. When you’re ready to make an offer or buy a domain on Flippa, the platform handles the entire process for you. They have been around for over a decade and built a reputation on the internet as one of the most trusted domain name marketplaces to find the perfect domain name on the net. 4. Namecheap Namecheap is one of the most widely-used domain registrars, serving over 2 million customers and giving Godaddy a run for its money! It also has a premium domain marketplace as well as business resource and forums support for its customers. Popular Domain names Internet marketplace where domain name owners can connect and manage potential buyers. Only domain names registered on Namecheap can be listed for sale on this marketplace and owners can list their domain names at a fixed amount or put them in auctions. If a seller lists their domain at a fixed price, you can purchase it immediately, just like you would purchase a new domain on Namecheap. Auctions If the seller puts their domain up for auction, you’ll have to participate in a timed bidding process for all auctions. If you are selling your domain, Namecheap collects a 10% commission on each sale. You must have a Namecheap account to buy domains from its marketplace and after buying any domain it is automatically transferred to your control. The convenient sale process makes Namecheap one of the easiest domain marketplaces to use over other domain marketplaces. 5. Atom.com (formerly Brand Bucket) Quality Assurance: Each premium domain is carefully reviewed by branding experts to ensure it meets high standards of originality, pronunciation, and memorability when selling domain names. Business Identity Professional Logo Designs: Top designs for your org and branding strategy. Visual Identity Package: Every premium domain listing includes a professionally designed logo for your org, providing a cohesive domain brand package for your business resources and company identity. User-Friendly Search and Navigation Advanced Filtering: Search domains by industry, point, style, length, and other attributes to find the perfect match.   FAQ About Buying and Selling Domain Names   Where can I sell my domain name fast? If interested, you can quickly sell your domain name on any of these marketplaces. A large platform such as SEDO, GoDaddy, Afternic or Namecheap offer great options for buying domains quickly and a fast transfer process.   How fast do domain names sell? Domain names take anywhere from hours to days, months, or years depending on the demand for them. The amount the domain is listed for also plays a role in how quickly it will sell. If the price is too high relative to its value, there may be no interest from buyers, especially for a premium domain. If a domain is listed on the wrong marketplace, it may not sell. Use a large marketplace like Godaddy for your company’s success. Check out our post about domain flipping for some extra tips.   Where do I buy expired domain names for sale? Many domain registrars host auctions for expiring domain names, including GoDaddy, Namecheap, and Network Solutions to buy domains. There are also websites specializing in auctioning expired domains, such as ExpiredDomains and DropCatch market services for other domain name sales on non-active domains.   How can I build or develop my domain? Select a registrar, select and pay a hosting company to host the domain and a web builder interface to develop the site. WordPress or Wix are great platforms for easy sales development tools on the internet. Godaddy has a turnkey solution for your company’s development to make it worry free.   About the author Joe Uddeme is Director and Principal of Name Experts, one of the world’s leading domain name brokerage services. He has overseen domain name sales and acquisitions totaling more than $150 million and is renowned worldwide as a go-to expert in buying and selling premium domains. Contact us at: [email protected]

Two busy female co-workers sat next to each other looking at a laptop
How to Buy a Domain Name – 10 Tips to Follow Before Buying

Picking a domain name for your brand should be given the respect it deserves. After all, says NameExperts.com Director Joe Uddeme, it could make or break your business.   Among the most crucial decisions in establishing an internet presence is picking a domain name to buy. Ignore the trends and fads of the day and pick a name that makes sense for your company or subject matter a decade from now. When you choose well, you can rest assured that you have a valuable piece of digital real estate that is woven into the overall success of your business. Here are 10 suggestions that will help you to make a fantastic domain name purchase.   1. Do your homework Just a small amount of research can go a long way when buying a domain name. Find similar websites and check out your competitors’ domains using a website like Compete.com. Use dnpric to determine when a domain name was last sold, for how much, and the web hosting agent. You can search by keyword, which will help provide the popularity of particular words in a domain name. While any research is better than none, plan to put aside days or even weeks to properly research the right name for your brand – something that will help it to grow. If you need some guidance and an insider’s eye, an experienced domain broker can help you come up with – and secure – the perfect name for you. 2. Buy a domain name people can remember Even if you’re planning on optimizing the website for search engines so that it can be found when people search for “used boats in Dallas” or “hair styling near me”, you still need a domain name that individuals can remember and type. Anyone hearing your name needs to know how to get right to your business without you having to say things like “the number 4,” and “dash-dash.” It’s also wise to avoid words that have more than one spelling if your customers are likely to be confused and type in the wrong name. Alternately, you can purchase both versions of the name and guide visitors to the one you prefer – safe in the knowledge that your backup site will scoop them up if they make a mistake. Avoid anything mysterious like “voodrifunk” or “flambinastic” that might sound fun but is so out there that people will have difficulty remembering it. 3. Avoid slang terms Stay away from slang terms and instead select a name that will continue to be meaningful in ten years. This may also help your title be known and remembered by non-native speakers. Even if you don’t intend to conduct business globally, this strategy can help your neighborhood audience also. 4. Purchase a domain that is shorter rather than longer The longer your domain name is, the harder it is for people to remember. And the greater chance you have of someone misspelling some of the words. Most good single word domains are long gone (read “what do to if the domain name you want is taken“), but it’s still possible to avoid super-long alternatives by getting a little creative. For those who have one word in mind that’s not available, consider adding an adjective or verb in front of it and seeing if those variations are available. Perhaps not “GetAppple”, as that would likely lead to a world of trademark issues and other legalities, but you get the idea. Think of your domain name as part of your brand, and be sure it matches how you want visitors to consider you. 5. Stick with .com if you’re able to Most individuals assume that a domain name ends in .com – it’s just become the default for most of us. If you purchase a domain name with a different extension or “TLD” as they are known (.net, .info, .org, etc.), you will have some additional work to do if you want to get people to keep you in mind. However, do not automatically assume you should only ever buy .com domains. Many websites have done very well with different extensions – such as last.fm 6. Do not buy trademarked domains Even if you’re not intentionally trying to create confusion, you are most likely to face some legal challenges by purchasing trademarked terms in your domain name. To be safe, look for U.S. trademarks at www.uspto.gov and be sure no one owns a trademark on the name you’re contemplating. 7. Do not buy a domain name that is too similar to an existing website Even if the wording, name or expression in the domain name that has caught your eye is not trademarked, do not buy it if is is merely a variation of some other domain name. This applies to plurals if the singular is taken (mediatemple.net vs. mediatemples.net) and hyphenating a term (media-temple.net). 8. Avoid buying hyphen domain names If you have to go with hyphens, do not buy a domain with more than three of them. It is just too messy. 9. Avoid numbers People may get confused about whether the amount is a digit (3) or a word (three). If you would like a number on your domain name because there’s a number in your organization’s name, purchase both versions (word and digit ) and redirect one to the other. 10. Check availability on social networking sites When you’ve got a name picked out, see if this word or phrase can be found on social networking sites like YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, and Tumblr. Even if you don’t intend on using social media straight away, you will want the option when you are ready, and it is easiest if you can use the identical phrase on each website.   About the author Joe Uddeme is Director and Principal of Name Experts, one of the world’s leading domain name brokerage services. He has overseen domain name sales and acquisitions totaling more than $150 million and is renowned worldwide as a go-to expert in buying and selling premium domains. Contact us at: [email protected]

Why Work with Name Experts

Name Experts offers personalized domain brokerage services, assisting clients in buying or selling premium domain names with expert appraisal, negotiation, and complete transaction management while ensuring confidentiality.

Some of our most
successful stealth acquisition and sales

Aid.com

Fit.com

Mine.com

GLD.com

Jeff.com

Fora.com

Nori.com

Secure.com

Guitar.com

F*ck.com

Radian.com

MetaData.com

Prize.com

Link.com

Loop.com

Programs.com

Claim.com

Quince.com

Hook.com

QXO.com

NQ.com

Rest.com

Humani.com

Max.com

Need help buying or selling premium domains?