How to Choose a Domain Name for Your Business

Your domain name is your address on the internet. It appears on your website, on your visiting cards, in every email you send and on the signboard outside your shop if you choose. It is worth spending ten minutes choosing it well.

Keep it short and easy to say

The best test of a domain name is to say it over the phone. If you have to spell it out or explain it, it is too complicated. Short, simple names are easier to remember and harder to mistype.

• Good: sharmatravels.com, greenvalleyschool.in
• Harder: sharma-tours-and-travels-delhi.com, gvps2009.in

Use your business name where possible

Customers will search for you by name. If your business is called Shree Ganesh Industries, a domain such as shreeganeshindustries.com or sgindustries.in makes sense. If the exact name is taken, add a meaningful word rather than random numbers: your city, your trade or a word such as group or india.

.com, .in or .org?

• .com is the most widely recognised extension and suits most businesses.
• .in is India’s own extension. It clearly signals an Indian business and is often available when the .com is not.
• .org is traditionally used by non-profits, trusts, societies and associations.

For a business that operates mainly in India, a .in domain is an excellent choice. If both the .com and .in are available, some businesses register both.

Avoid hyphens and numbers

Hyphens are easy to forget and awkward to say (“sharma hyphen travels”). Numbers create confusion between digits and words — is it web7 or webseven? Use them only if they are genuinely part of your brand.

Check for trademarks and confusion

Do not choose a name that copies or closely imitates a well-known brand. Apart from the legal risk, it confuses customers. Do a quick search to check that your chosen name is not already strongly associated with someone else.

Think about email

Your domain will also be your email address: info@yourbusiness.com. Say the email address out loud and check that it is clear. Shorter domains make shorter, more professional email addresses.

Have a few options ready

Domain names are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and good names go quickly. When you order a website from Web7, you can list several preferred names in order. We try them in sequence and confirm with you before registering anything.

A domain is a long-term asset

Your domain will be printed on cards, vehicles and boards for years. Choose something you will be happy with in five years’ time — and make sure it is renewed on time, every time.