Your domain is your address, your brand and your first impression. Here's how to pick one you won't regret.
The best way to choose a domain name is to keep it short, brandable and easy to say. Here are the rules that matter and the traps to avoid.
Keep it short and memorable
Shorter names are easier to type, say and remember. Aim for something you can tell someone over the phone without spelling it out.
Make it easy to spell and say
Avoid hyphens, numbers and clever misspellings: they cause lost traffic and confusion. The 'radio test' is a good check: would someone get it right just from hearing it?
Think brand first, keywords second
A keyword in the domain is a minor nice-to-have, not a ranking shortcut. A strong brand name you can grow into beats a stuffed keyword domain every time.
Choose the right extension and lock it in
For UK businesses, .co.uk is expected; .com is the global standard. Once you've decided, register it and consider grabbing close variations to protect your brand.
Key takeaways
- Short, memorable names win.
- Avoid hyphens, numbers and tricky spellings.
- Prioritise brandability over keywords.
- Use .co.uk for UK, and protect close variants.
Found your perfect name?
Register it with Gander Web and pair it with fast UK hosting and email.
Register a domainFrequently asked questions
Should my domain include keywords?
A keyword can help slightly, but a memorable brand name is more valuable long term. Don't sacrifice clarity for keywords.
Are hyphens in domains bad?
They make a domain harder to say and easier to mistype, so avoid them where possible.
Should I buy more than one extension?
Often yes, registering.co.uk and.com (and obvious misspellings) stops competitors using them and protects your brand.