Wondering how to choose a domain name for your blog?
Your blog name shows your identity; it is a name that is tied to you.
You have to choose it for you as well as your audience because simple and unique names are always memorable for anyone.
In this post, I will share some best ideas on how to choose a domain name that is perfect for your blog.
Types of Domain Names
Just like when you start a business then you and your business have an address where clients can contact you as same as in domain names we have to give it a unique address.
It may be “dot com” or it may depend on your country-based domain as .us stands for (United States), .co.uk for (United Kingdom) and just like that it depends on your niche (Blog Topic) like .guru (For Coaches), .sports (for sports-related topics).
The basic and general rule for choosing domain names is to always try to go for a “dot com” domain because it is a universally unique address extension for any kind of niche blog.
And now it’s time to switch to another important topic, so let’s get started.
How to Choose A Domain Name For Your Blog?
Conceptualize First
For the plan, pick a domain name with at least 6 main words or phrases that describe your blog niche (Topic).
Write them on paper and then mix them one by one to invent your domain name.
Choose only that one that sounds great and memorable.
With this method, invent at least 3 names and pick the best one from your list and you are going on the right path.
That is the best way to choose your perfect blog name.
Choose a Unique Name
Once you complete your first step which I share with you above, then go to search engines like Google and type your blog name and find out the search results for any similar names.
If it does, then try to choose a different name because if your blog name closely matches another existing site then it is the first step to failure.
Hey, don’t be sad, remember that it’s your unique address so it should unique in real, so try again and find out another name.
Also, don’t choose names that are plural or misspelled names of existing sites.
Choose Easy to Type
If someone asks you about your domain name and you have to spell it more than once, then it won’t work.
Keep the name easy to remember and easy to type.
If your name is misspelled or similar to another existing site then mark my words a big part of the audience will type incorrectly and be directed to another site, which is not good for you because the audience is one of the main parts of your blog.
For Example, Flickr.com is one of the top sites in the world for photographs, started in 2005.
They had to acquire flicker.com to redirect their visitors to Flickr. So don’t make that kind of mistake when choosing the name for your blog.
Choose dot com First
It is the most preferred extension and easiest to remember for all internet users in the world.
52% (approx.) of all websites are “dot com” domains in the world.
If your first choice is not available in “dot com” then try your second choice before accepting other TLDs (Top-Level Domains) like (.us, .co.uk, .in, etc.).
Choose it as a Brand
Your domain name will be your brand. Some names speak for themselves.
The name should be like this when you hear the name you will direct think about the niche of that blog. It should be unique and feel like a branded name.
Make it Shorter
As we all love names that are shorter and easy to call, like this your blog name should be shorter.
If you can’t get your domain name in a single word (almost impossible these days), then you should go with adding one more word to your previous word.
Use Domain Name Generators
If you are unable to get an idea for your domain name, you can use the domain name generators.
Domain name generators give you a list of domain names based on the keywords you input.
Check out the list of best domain name generators.
Check Trademark Problems
Once you’ve decided your top best choices then please make sure you are not disrupting anyone’s trademark.
To check the trademark in the US, visit http://www.uspto.gov/trademark and to check trademarks in India, visit http://ipindiaonline.gov.in/tmrpublicsearch/frmmain.aspx and do the search before you register the name.
Most of the time bloggers don’t get this kind of problem but it is always good to check because this issue could finish your great blog or business.
Don’t go with Numbers and Hyphens
Numbers and Hyphens build confusion.
Never go with them at all costs.
Stay away from this kind of choice for blogs. If you are going for this kind of domain then mark my words you will face lots of problems to rank in search engines.
So, it’s better to go with simple alphabetical words only.
Your name as your Domain name
You can also use your name as your blog name.
If you’re looking to become a coach, consultant, or even an author in your field, using your name could make sense. Because your expertise is your main asset, using your name helps consolidate your brand.
Some of the expert bloggers who use their full names for their sites are:
Enstine Muki – Enstinemuki.com
Donna Merrill – Donnamerrilltribe.com
Take Help from Social Networks
Before you register your best domain name, it’s always a great idea to check social networks for the same name.
To build a brand it is important that the name you choose for your blog, should not be on social media.
To check this, type in your browser address bar:
facebook.com/yourdesireddomainname,
twitter.com/yourdesireddomainname,
instagram.com/yourdesireddomainname,
plus.google.com/+yourdesireddomainname
I suggest you a simple tool called KnowEm to see if your desired name is already branded on social platforms or not. It will help you a lot.
Conclusion
So, that’s it about “How to choose a blog name“. So, choose your blog name with these methods and make it unique to you and your audience.
Hi,
Good post. Very detailed on choosing a domain name for your blog.
Enjoy your weekend.
Sam
Hi,
Good post Jenny. Can I ask you a question? Previously ads were displayed on your site. What happened ? Any problem with Adsense?
Hi Babu,
Glad you liked it. No problem with Adsense. Removed the ads temporarily for testing.
Hi Jenny,
Thanks for using my domain as an example and I am flattered to be called an expert.I was taught early on to brand me so that’s why I went after my name but someone already had the dot com so I went with the next best thing, the dot net. Even when I purchased my URL back in 2008, the dot com has never been used and they’ve been trying to sell it to me ever since. What a shame right!
Great explanation here though and very helpful.Appreciate the mention and you have a wonderful week.
~Adrienne
Hi Adrienne mam,
There is no doubt that you are an expert in blogging. That’s the reason you were called the Engagement superstar in the blogosphere. Its an honor to have you here on my blog again.
Have a wonderful week!
Happy Holidays!
Hi Jenny,
I am glad that I landed on this post as I was am soon going to consider buying a domain name for my blog. Most probably I will try having the domain name of my full name.
Thanks for the tips. Also thanks for letting me know that .com will give us more visibility.
Nice and helpful post. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Rohan,
Good to see you here again. I am glad you found the post helpful to choose your domain name. When compared to other Extensions, .com is the widely used one and recommended one too.
Good to hear that you are choosing your name as your domain name.Have a great week ahead ????
Hello Jenny,
Thanks for your complete guideline. Yes, Domain is valuable for website/blog/brand. Because people/readers will remember this name. But, sometimes, Many bloggers just think for SEO they never think for readers. AS well there Domain name can not remember easily and people forget their Domain name. I think, this is not a good thinking for webmasters or Bloggers.
What you think ?