In a previous blog post, we told you about how to get started choosing the best domain name for your project or business. In this post, we’re giving you a step-by-step guide to finding the domain that gives life and voice to your brand—including thoughtful budgeting, using AI-powered domain name generators, and conducting trademark research.
We’ve already waxed poetic on the importance of choosing the right domain name in this post, so we’ll just get into it. Whether your launching a new blog or rebranding your business, these tips will help you find a domain that is memorable, brandable, and scalable for the future. There are plenty of tools and resources to help streamline your search, you just have to know where to look.
1. Set a budget
We suggest starting out with a clear budget in mind for what you plan to spend on your domain name. Keep in mind that it’s important to strike a fair balance between affordability and value. It can be tempting to go for the cheapest option, but investing in a short, catchy, relevant domain can really pay off in the long run. Consider what your domain is worth to your brand—both now and in the future—and don’t forget to factor in things like renewal costs. And speaking of renewal costs, look for a registrar that is upfront and clear about what those costs are. For example, at Epik we let you know how much it costs to renew annually, and we don’t hit you with any surprises after your first year.
If your ideal domain name is currently out of reach, don’t worry—you can start with a more affordable option that fits your budget now. As your business grows and your budget expands, you can always invest in a premium domain name later on. This approach allows you to establish your online presence immediately while giving you time to save up for the perfect domain that lines up with your long-term vision.
2. Come up with keywords related to your project
Brainstorm a list of keywords related to your project or the business you want to start. Bring in any words or topics related to your vision. If I was starting a coffee blog, my list might include “brew,” “pot,” “mug,” “coffee,” “cafe,” “beverage,” “drinks,” “caffeine,” “bean,” and so on. Depending on whether I was talking about my love for all coffee, charting coffee from around the world, or comparing different coffee brands, my list might include a variety of keywords. This will help you generate great relevant domain names, and playing around with using these words in your domain can ultimately help your SEO results.
Do think beyond your current niche and consider future scalability. Even if I know I want to blog about coffee now, what if in the future I decide to include my love of tea or craft cocktails? A domain name that is too specific can limit your ability to branch out as your interests, content, or services evolve. If you think you might evolve in the future, include keywords that can accommodate that flexibility.
3. Use a domain name generator
If you are strapped for ideas, don’t hesitate to check out one of the many domain name generators out there. These tools use AI to generate creative and relevant suggestions based on your keywords. You can do an internet search to find what name generators are recommended most highly at the time you’re reading this, or you can even use your favorite AI large language model (LLM), like Chat GPT.
Let’s stick with my coffee blog example. I have my list of keywords from above and I enter them into the site’s text box. Here’s where the magic happens. You’ll get a list of possible domains that likely range from decent to dreadful, but feel free to keep playing with keyword combinations, and see if your generator has any settings regarding complexity or clarity. If possible, set a syllable range of four or less, and a character limit of fifteen.
4. Create a shortlist
Narrow down your top contenders into a shortlist that you can start doing research on. To make it to your shortlist, potential domain names should meet the following criteria:
1. Keep it short and simple
Short domain names are easier to remember, type, and share. Aim for a name that is under four syllables and fifteen characters (not including the TLD). For example, a domain name like greenleaf.com, with just two syllables, is much easier to recall compared to a longer name like sustainablehomeimprovements.com. By focusing on brevity and simplicity, you increase the chances of being memorable and effective.
2. Watch for unintended meanings
Great keywords can yield unfortunate results when you remove spacing between words. For example, consider the domain name speedofart.org—is it a site dedicated to art and technology, or is it a site dedicated to passing gas in small swimsuits? Or imagine a dentist named Dr. O’Neill. She might think oneilldentist.com is a great URL, but potential clients could read it as “one ill dentist.” Type all potential domains out without spaces and be certain that they can’t be ready in any unwanted way.
3. Avoid hyphens and numbers
Don’t even consider hyphens and numbers, because you’ll ultimately be causing issues for people trying to find your website. While hyphens and numbers might seem like a quick fix to get the domain you want, they can make your site harder to find and less professional. Hyphenated or numbered domains often appear less trustworthy and can be associated with spammy sites. For a cleaner, more memorable domain, stick to simple, straightforward names without these elements.
5. Check which names are available and what they cost
Using the Epik domain name search bar, type each potential domain name into the search box to see if it’s available and how much it costs to register. Start eliminating any names that aren’t available or that fall outside your budget, but don’t discard this list entirely—domain names can expire, prices may drop, or your budget might eventually allow for a more expensive option. Additionally, making small adjustments to the domains could bring some success.
Adding or removing small words like “the” or including more or less specifics, or even choosing a different TLD (or top-level domain, like .com or .info) can work. For example, if greenleaf.com isn’t available, I could try out thegreenleaf.net or greenleafTexas.store. Bonus: Check out this blog post to explore all of your options if your desired domain name is already taken.
6. Make sure no options are trademarked
Before finalizing your domain name, it’s crucial to ensure it doesn’t infringe on existing trademarks or conflict with existing brands. For instance, registering a domain like AmazonDeals.com could land you in legal trouble if it conflicts with Amazon’s trademark. To avoid potential lawsuits and complications, use the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) provided by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to search for your domain name ideas. If your desired domain is already associated with another brand, it might be wise to leave that off your shortlist.
7. Research the name and get feedback
Do a quick internet search on the names you still have on your list to make sure there aren’t any unsavory associations that could impact your reputation. For example, if I found that cafevibe.com used to be owned by someone who blogged constantly about controversial issues or had a reputation I didn’t want to be associated with, I would move on. Once you’re sure that the names you’re still interested in are safe, affordable, and available, take them to your family, friends, and colleagues to see which domain stands out most to them. At the very least, you’ll be able to talk though ideas and see what names draw out good first impressions.
Conclusion
Finding the ideal domain name involves a bit of creativity and patience. If you utilize the tools provided, test different keyword combinations, and ensure the name is both available and free of trademark conflicts, you’ll be well on your way to choosing a domain that meets your current needs while also supporting your long-term goals. Start your search with confidence and lay the groundwork for a successful online venture. If you’re ready to find your perfect domain, start your search with us today!