Staring at your screen, trying to pick the best name for your website? You’re not alone.

Choosing a domain name feels overwhelming because it’s one of your most important decisions when building a website.

But here’s the thing: the right domain name helps people find you online and sets the tone for your brand.

Top 10 Tips for Choosing a Great Domain Name

1) Keep it Short and Memorable

Your domain name is your website address. It’s how people find you online. Get this right, and people in will remember your site easily.

Go with a Shorter Name

Short domain names win every time. Here’s why:

• Easier to type – No one wants to type out a novel
• Faster to share – Perfect for word-of-mouth marketing
• Less spelling mistakes – Fewer characters mean fewer errors

Long domain names confuse visitors. They might give up before they even reach your site.

Make it Stick in Their Memory

Want people to remember your website? Make your domain memorable. When someone can recall your domain name days later, they’ll visit again.

They’ll also tell their friends about it.

Keep it simple to spell and say. If someone has to ask “How do you spell that?”, your domain is too complicated.

What to Avoid

Skip these domain name mistakes:

• Hyphens (they’re confusing)
• Numbers (is it “4” or “four”?)
• Double letters (creates confusion)

Examples:

Name	Domain
Web Blog	webblog.com
Access Solutions	accesssolutions.com
Ill Logic	illlogic.com
Green Tree Eats	greentreeeats.com
Small Lawn Care	smalllawncare.com

Tip:

Avoid placing the same letter at the end of one word and the start of the next in your domain. It breaks clarity and recall.

If you’re stuck with such combinations, consider:

• Using a hyphen: web-blog.com
• Rephrasing or shortening: webjournal.com, webblogger.com
• Going for a brandable name: Webbly, Wepress, etc.

Ready to register? Consider Truehost Kenya for domain registration and support.

2) Use Relevant Keywords

Keywords in your domain name help people understand what you do.

When someone searches online, relevant keywords make your site stand out.

Choose Keywords That Match Your Business

Think about what your customers search for. If you run a bakery in Nairobi, including “bakery” in your domain helps locals find you faster.

Pick keywords that directly relate to your products or services.

This makes your domain clear and helps search engines understand your website.

Keep It Simple

Here’s a good example: nairobibakery.co.ke

Here’s a bad example: includeslotsofwordsinmydomain.com

See the difference? Simple keywords are easy to remember and type.

Don’t Stuff Keywords

You don’t need to cram every keyword into your domain. One or two relevant keywords work perfectly. Focus on making sense instead of forcing search terms everywhere.

3) Choose the Right Domain Extension (TLD)

Your domain extension (like .com or .ke) matters more than you think.

It affects how people see your site and how easily they remember it.

Local vs. Global Extensions

In Kenya, .co.ke builds trust. It shows your company is local and committed to the Kenyan market.

Local customers feel more confident clicking on .co.ke websites.

For global reach, .com still rules. Most people expect .com as the default. It’s universally recognized and trusted.

Industry-Specific Extensions

Some businesses use extensions like .agency, .edu, or .shop. These tell visitors what you do immediately.

But remember: many people find these less familiar than standard extensions.

What Works Best

Stick with short, simple extensions. Your customers will remember them more easily.

Think about your market: Local Kenyan business? Go with .co.ke or .ke. Global audience? Choose .com, .net, .co, etc.

For detailed guidance, read this domain extension guide.

Ready to register your domain? Explore Truehost’s domain services and learn how to choose domain and hosting.

4) Avoid Numbers and Hyphens

Simple domains win. Numbers and hyphens make your website harder to remember, share, and trust.

Why Numbers Cause Problems

Numbers create confusion. Should someone type “4” or “four”?

Example: If your site is shoes4you.com, people might type shoesforyou.com instead. You’ll lose visitors to the wrong website.

Hyphens Look Unprofessional

Hyphens slow down typing. People forget them. They make your domain look less trustworthy.

Compare these:

• kenya-food-market.com (complicated)
• kenyafoodmarket.com (clean and simple)

Which one would you trust more?

Sharing Becomes Difficult

Try telling someone your domain over the phone when it has numbers or hyphens. You’ll spend time explaining how to spell it. Extra steps mean people are less likely to remember your site.

The Better Choice

Stick with word-only domain names. They’re easy to:

• Say out loud
• Write down
• Remember

5) Make It Easy to Pronounce and Spell

When you pick a domain name, make sure anyone can say it and spell it correctly. This simple rule will save you countless headaches.

The Phone Test

Can someone hear your domain name and spell it correctly? If not, it’s too complicated.

When your domain is easy to pronounce, people share it more often. Word-of-mouth marketing becomes effortless.

Use Common Words

Stick to familiar words everyone knows. Avoid:

• Tricky spellings
• Slang terms
• Words that sound like other words

Keep It Short

Aim for under 15 characters. Short names are:

• Easier to say
• Simpler to spell
• Harder to forget

Test It Out

Before you decide, try this:

1. Say your domain out loud to friends
2. Ask them to spell it back
3. If several people get it wrong, choose something simpler

This small test can save you from major problems later.

Taking these steps reduces confusion and makes your domain more user-friendly. Easy pronunciation helps your website get shared through conversations.

6) Check Domain History for Penalties

Not all domain names start with a clean slate. Some carry baggage from previous owners that can hurt your website’s success.

A clean domain history protects your brand and helps your site rank well on search engines. Even a perfect name can have hidden problems if the previous owner misused it.

Past penalties, spam activity, or bad links can prevent your site from reaching its potential. You don’t want to inherit someone else’s mistakes.

How to Check Domain History

Use these tools to investigate:

• WHOIS databases – Show ownership history
• Wayback Machine – Reveals what the site looked like before
• Google Search – Type "site:yourdomain.com" to see if it’s been indexed

Look for red flags like:

• Frequent ownership changes
• Spam content
• Malware warnings
• Search engine penalties

What to Watch For

Avoid domains that were used for:

• Spam websites
• Malware distribution
• Practices that break search engine rules
• Adult content

Blacklisted domains carry penalties that hurt your rankings. These problems can take months or years to fix.

When in Doubt, Choose Another Name

If you see anything suspicious, pick a different domain. Starting clean is always better than fighting old problems.

A small investment in research now saves you major headaches later.

7) Make It Brandable and Unique

Your domain name should feel like a real brand. It needs to stand out from the crowd and stick in people’s minds.

But, what makes a domain brandable, really?

Brandable domains look and sound professional. They make people think “this is a real business I can trust.”

Try these approaches:

• Invent a word – Like Google or Kodak, or Glarify
• Combine two words – Like Facebook or YouTube
• Add a unique twist – To your business name

Make it unique

Don’t copy other brands, especially in your industry. If your name is too similar to competitors, you’ll create confusion.

People might think your site isn’t legitimate.

Unique names help you:

• Avoid legal problems
• Build your own reputation
• Stand out in searches

Get a unique name that makes your business memorable.

Keep it Simple

The best brandable domains are:

• Short and sweet
• Easy to remember
• Simple to type

Skip numbers and hyphens. They make names harder to share and remember.

Test Your Ideas

Share potential domain names with friends and family. Can they:

• Remember it later?
• Spell it correctly?
• Say it without confusion?

If yes, you’re on the right track.

Need inspiration? Try a domain name generators

A brandable, unique domain sets your site up for long-term success.

8) Think About Your Long-Term Brand Strategy

Your domain name isn’t just for today. It’s an investment in your business’s future.

Plan for growth

Pick a name that won’t limit you later. If you sell shoes today but want to add clothing tomorrow, avoid “onlyshoes.com.”

Choose something broader that fits your vision.

Your domain should reflect your business values and long-term goals. A flexible name adapts as you expand.

Build recognition and trust

Choose a domain that matches your business name. This creates consistency across all your marketing. When people see your business name, they’ll remember your website.

Names that are easy to spell and say spread faster through word-of-mouth referrals.

Consider your brand’s future

Think about how your domain will work as you scale up. Will it still make sense in 5 years? Will it support new products or services?

Long-term registration shows customers you’re committed. It demonstrates stability and permanence.

Protect your brand

Register multiple domains to secure your identity. common variations of your domain name. This prevents competitors from confusing your customers.

Buy the .com, .net .co.ke, and other relevant extensions.

Protect these variations:

• Common misspellings
• Different extensions
• Plural versions
• Abbreviated forms

A smart choice now prevents headaches as your business grows.

9) Check Social Media Availability

Your domain name and social media handles should match, ideally. Consistency across platforms makes your brand easy to find and remember.

When your domain and social handles match, customers can find you everywhere, very easily. Mismatched names create confusion and split your brand recognition.

Imagine trying to find a business online when their website is “bestbakery.com” but their Instagram is “@nairobi_cakes_shop.”

Confusing, right?

Where to Check

Search for your chosen name on these key platforms:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• X (Twitter)
• LinkedIn
• TikTok
• YouTube

Time-Saving Tools

Use these online tools to check multiple platforms at once:

• BrandSnag’s Social Media Username Checker
• Namecheck.com

These tools show availability across dozens of platforms in seconds.

What If Your Name Is Taken?

Don’t panic. Try these simple modifications:

• Add your location (like “KE” or “Nairobi”)
• Use an underscore
• Add “official” or “shop”

Keep changes minimal. Your audience should still recognize your brand easily.

Secure Your Handles Early

Even if you’re not ready to use all social platforms, claim your handles now. Someone else might take them later.

This step protects your social media strategy and keeps your brand consistent.

Checking social media availability early saves you from rebranding headaches later.

10. Use Domain Name Generators for Ideas

Stuck on ideas? Domain name generators can spark creativity when you’re hitting a wall.

How Generators Work

These tools mix your keywords with other words to create unique combinations. In seconds, you get dozens of name ideas you might never have thought of.

Simply enter keywords about your business. The generator shows available domain names based on those words.

Popular Generator Tools

Try these free options:

• NameBounce – Uses “Word Sparks” for creative options
• Business Name Generator – Checks for ready-to-register domains
• Truehost’s domain search – Find fresh name ideas quickly

Get Better Results

Use multiple generators for more options. Each tool has different algorithms and databases. Comparing results gives you a longer list of possibilities.

Check Availability Instantly

Many generators check domain availability automatically. This saves time because you won’t fall in love with names that are already taken.

Smart Generator Tips

• Try different keyword combinations
• Mix related terms with your business name
• Don’t limit yourself to obvious choices
• Save interesting options for later comparison

Generators won’t make your final decision, but they’ll give you ideas you wouldn’t have considered. Sometimes the perfect name comes from an unexpected combination.

For ready-to-register domains and more ideas, explore Truehost’s services.

How Domain Names Impact Your Brand

Your domain name shapes first impressions before customers even visit your site. It’s your digital storefront sign, working 24/7 to attract or repel potential customers.

Memorability and Brand Recognition

A simple, short domain sticks in people’s minds. When customers can easily remember and type your website address, they’re more likely to return and recommend you to others.

Using your business name directly in your domain creates instant recognition. When someone sees your business card or advertisement, they immediately know how to find you online.

Avoid Confusion

Pick a domain that’s too similar to competitors, and you’ll create problems. Customers might end up on the wrong website. You could even face legal issues if another business thinks you’re copying them.

A unique domain protects you from mix-ups and builds your own distinct identity.

First Impressions Matter

Your domain creates the first impression of your business. A professional domain suggests a legitimate, trustworthy company. A confusing or unprofessional domain makes people question your credibility.

According to industry research, customers judge businesses within seconds of seeing their domain name. Make those seconds count.

Word-of-Mouth Marketing

Easy-to-pronounce domains spread faster through conversations. When someone can say your website address clearly, they’re more likely to share it with friends and family.

This drives organic traffic and builds your reputation naturally. For more insights, read this guide on how domains impact brand identity.

Domain Extensions and Trust

The extension you choose (.com, .co.ke, .org) affects how people perceive your business.

In Kenya, .co.ke builds local trust. People recognize it as a Kenyan business domain. It shows commitment to the local market and creates immediate connection with Kenyan customers.

Global extensions like .com suggest international reach. Many people still see .com as the gold standard for business websites.

Local vs. Global Perception

Local domain extensions like .co.ke offer several advantages:

• Higher trust from local customers
• Better local search rankings
• Clear geographic identity
• Commitment to the Kenyan market

International customers might prefer .com because it’s familiar worldwide. Consider your target market when choosing.

Professional Credibility

Professional-sounding extensions that match your industry or location help customers trust you faster. They suggest legitimacy and established business practices.

For detailed advice on building trust through domains, read this article on choosing extensions for trust and branding.

Pro tip: If you’re building a brand in Kenya, choose .co.ke. It creates instant trust with Kenyan visitors and shows local commitment.

Technical Considerations for Your Domain

Beyond creativity, technical factors determine your domain’s long-term success. Get these right, and your website will be easier to find, share, and manage.

SEO Impact of Domain Names

Search engines consider your domain when ranking your website. Smart domain choices can boost your visibility in search results.

Keep it short and simple. Search engines and users prefer domains that are easy to type and remember.

Keyword Strategy

Including relevant keywords in your domain can help, but don’t overdo it. Natural-sounding names perform better than keyword-stuffed ones.

Good example: shopkenya.com Bad example: best-online-shopping-in-kenya-cheap-prices.com

Extension Choices for SEO

.com remains the most trusted extension globally. Most people expect it, and search engines recognize it universally.

For Kenyan businesses, .co.ke offers local SEO benefits. It signals to search engines that you serve the Kenyan market, potentially boosting your local search rankings.

Research shows the right extension influences both search rankings and customer trust. For detailed SEO guidance, check out this domain name SEO guide and these SEO-friendly domain tips.

Domain Availability and Privacy

Always check availability first. If your preferred name is taken, try variations with your location (like adding “Nairobi” or “KE”), but avoid overly long or confusing alternatives.

Protecting Your Privacy

When you register a domain, your personal information becomes public in WHOIS databases. This includes:

• Your name
• Address
• Phone number
• Email address

Domain privacy protection hides this information from public view. This service protects you from:

• Spam emails and calls
• Identity theft attempts
• Unwanted solicitations

Privacy Protection Comparison

Feature	With Privacy Protection	Without Privacy Protection
Personal data protected	✅ Yes	❌ No
Reduces spam	✅ Yes	❌ No
Extra cost	Sometimes	No extra cost
Professional appearance	✅ Yes	Varies

Some providers include privacy protection free. Others charge extra. Always check this before registering.

For more security tips, read GoDaddy’s domain advice.

Choosing a Reliable Provider

Pick a reliable domain provider that offers:

• Competitive pricing
• Good customer support
• Easy management tools
• Privacy protection options

For Kenyan businesses, explore Truehost’s domain registration services. They specialize in local business needs and provide dedicated support.

Your Next Steps

You now have the knowledge to choose a domain name that will serve your business for years to come. Here’s what to do next:

1. Brainstorm Ideas

• List keywords related to your business
• Try different combinations
• Use domain generators for inspiration
• Keep a list of your top 10 favorites

2. Check Everything

• Domain availability
• Social media handles
• Domain history
• Trademark conflicts

3. Make Your Decision

• Test pronunciation with others
• Consider long-term brand goals
• Think about your target market
• Choose the extension that fits your business

4. Register Quickly

Once you find the perfect domain, register it immediately. Good domain names don’t stay available long.

Ready to register your domain? Truehost Kenya offers reliable registration services with local support.

Your domain name is the foundation of your online presence. Take time to choose wisely, and it will serve your business well for years to come.