Tips for Selecting a Memorable Domain Name – How to Make a Website Rabbit

Selecting a memorable domain name is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when starting a new website or online business. Your domain name is your online identity – it’s how customers will find you and remember you. An effective domain name should clearly communicate what you do and be easy to remember.

A good domain name can give your business instant credibility and recognition. On the other hand, a poorly chosen domain name can limit your growth and damage your brand. That’s why it’s critical to put thought and effort into selecting the right domain for your needs.

This comprehensive guide provides tips and best practices for choosing a memorable domain name. We’ll cover how to brainstorm name ideas, evaluate options, secure the perfect domain, and more. Follow these tips and you’ll have a domain name that stands out and resonates with your target audience.

Brainstorm Extensively

The brainstorming process is key for generating creative and memorable domain name ideas. Set aside adequate time for brainstorming and come up with a long list of potential names. Here are some brainstorming tips:

Clearly define the focus of your website or business before brainstorming. This will guide the name selection process.
Use brainstorming techniques like mind mapping and free association to spark ideas. Write down any name that comes to mind, no matter how odd it may seem.
Look for inspirational words and phrases related to your business focus. Compile extensive lists of synonyms, descriptive words, invented words, metaphors and more.
Study competitors and businesses in related industries. See if their names spark new ideas and name combinations.
Involve others in the brainstorming process if possible. Get fresh perspectives from team members, friends and family.
Consider foreign languages as a source of creative names. Use online translators and dictionaries to find interesting words.
Don’t censor yourself during the ideation process. Wild, outside-the-box name ideas can sometimes lead to the perfect domain.

The goal is to produce an extensive list of 50-100 potential names for further refinement. Creativity and quantity are key at this initial brainstorming stage.

Focus on Memorable Qualities

Once you have a pool of name options, start evaluating the memorability of each one. The most memorable domain names have one or more of the following characteristics:

Short and simple – compact names are easier to remember. Aim for 2-3 syllables and 10 letters or less.
Easy to spell and pronounce – avoid confusing spellings or complicated pronunciations.
Evoke imagery – names that paint a mental picture help with recall.
Tell a story – domains that connect to your brand story are stickier.
Rhyme and alliteration – names with repeating sounds are highly memorable.
Unique and distinctive – coining a new word can make it more memorable.
Emotional appeal – names that spark feelings are easier to remember.

As you refine your list, favor names with 2-3 of these memorability traits. Eliminate any option that is hard to spell or pronounce. Test names with target demographics to see which ones have the strongest recall.

Ensure Web Searchability

For maximum visibility, it’s crucial that your domain name ranks well in search results. To evaluate searchability:

Search for the domain name in Google – ensure it’s unique and easy to find. Avoid generic names that get buried in results.
Check for search volume/competition around the main keyword using Google Keyword Planner. Some search volume indicates demand.
Try a domain search on GoDaddy or other registrar – see if the exact match .com is available or cheap to acquire.
Consider titling your home page with your domain for optimal SEO value.
Brainstorm natural search queries that should lead searchers to your site.
Imagine how you would voice-search for the business – does the domain name enable this?

Optimizing for search is about finding a name with distinctive keywords that attract search interest. But searchability should be balanced with memorability – don’t sacrifice an amazing name solely for SEO purposes.

Check Availability

Once you’ve narrowed down your list to a few favorites, it’s time to check domain name availability. The domains you want may have already been registered, so this is an essential step.

To thoroughly check availability:

Verify .com availability of the domain – .com is the most recognized top-level domain.
Check alternate TLDs like .net, .org, and .biz if .com is taken.
Try abbreviations and short forms if the full domain is unavailable.
Evaluate adding a prefix or suffix like “get” or “hq” if the raw domain is taken.
Search for typos and plural versions – these may be available if the core name is taken.
Use a domain name generator tool to recommend related available domains.
Consider purchasing the domain if your perfect match is parked – this may be your best option.

Persevering through alternate TLDs and name variations is worth it to find your ideal domain name. But make sure to re-verify memorability and searchability if you deviate from your original name.

Evaluate from a Marketing Perspective

In addition to availability, memorability and searchability, your domain name should align with your overall brand and marketing strategy. Here are some key considerations:

Brand fit – complement your company name, logo and messaging.
Simplicity – avoids overly complicated or confusing names.
Scalability – leaves room for future growth into new products or markets.
Professionally – represents your business appropriately for your industry.
Unique Selling Proposition – communicates your key business strengths and differentiators.
Visuality – conjures imagery that you can leverage creatively.
Adaptability – remains flexible if business offerings shift over time.

View prospective names through the lens of your target audience. Find the option that best captures your brand identity while appealing to customers. This evaluates true marketing potential.

Secure the Perfect Domain Name

Once you’ve selected your perfect domain name, it’s time to officially register and secure it before someone else does. Here are some tips:

Register for at least 2-3 years initially – longer registrations are more affordable per year.
Auto-renew your domain to prevent forgetting deadlines and losing it.
Register alternative TLDs like .net to strengthen your brand presence.
Consider buying the .com and additional TLDs for common typos/misspellings.
Set up domain privacy/protection to guard your business identity.
Point your domain to a “coming soon” page while you develop your site.
Review registration/renewal costs – some registrars offer better long term pricing.
Manage domains in one account for convenience – you can “park” unused domains.

Owning the perfect domain is a long-term asset – take measures early on to retain it. Defensive registrations and locking in low renewal pricing keep your online real estate secured.

Select Provider and Set Up Domain

Registering your domain is just the first step – you’ll need to choose a web hosting provider and DNS settings to make your domain work.

When selecting a provider, look for:

Reliable uptime and performance.
Easy control panel for domain management.
Configurable DNS settings and name servers.
Email forwarding and integration.
Affordable pricing for hosting bandwidth needs.

Setting up your domain typically involves:

Pointing your domain to host name servers.
Configuring DNS settings like A records and CNAMEs.
Creating email addresses tied to your domain.
Forwarding your domain to a temporary “coming soon” page.
Testing propagation time for DNS changes to take effect.

Work closely with your hosting provider to get your domain configured correctly before launch. Take advantage of their support resources and documentation.

Promote and Protect Your Domain

Your journey doesn’t end once you register your domain name. Ongoing promotion and protection are essential:

Include your domain prominently on all marketing materials, social profiles and business cards.
Publish great content to build SEO authority and traffic for your domain.
Monitor trademark registers to protect your name from infringement.
Set up Google Alerts to track use of your domain name online.
Consider defensive related domain purchases to prevent cybersquatting.
Renew registrations on time and keep contact info updated.
Point unused domains to parked pages to retain ownership long-term.

Your domain name is a critical business asset that requires ongoing management and care. But the investment is well worth it for a name that elevates your brand and drives customer acquisition.

Conclusion

Selecting the right domain name involves creativity, research and vision. By following the methodology outlined here – brainstorming, evaluating, checking availability, aligning with your marketing strategy, securing ownership and setting up DNS – you’ll have a domain name that becomes a strategic asset for your company.

Avoid rushing the process or settling for a mediocre name. The effort invested now in finding a memorable, brandable domain will pay dividends as you grow your online presence. Your domain name is your identity – make it count!