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There are a lot of factors you need to consider when creating a website, and choosing the right domain name is one of the most important ones. Your domain represents your brand, shows the services you offer, and helps establish trust with both visitors and search engines, so it is important that your domain is aligned with your business goals and brand positioning. A concise, easy-to-read, and remember name with the right keywords can make your website’s purpose clear to users and search engines. A poorly chosen domain can harm your reputation and negatively impact your SEO strategy and efforts.

Key Things to Consider When Choosing a Domain

There is no such thing as a right or wrong domain. However, there are domain names that work better for your business and are closer aligned with your strategy and the goals you are trying to achieve with your website. Some domains look more credible and are easier to work with. Here are the main principles you should consider when choosing a domain name:

Choose a Trustworthy Name

The TLD (top-level domain) you choose can have an influence on how trustworthy people see your website, especially those who open it for the first time. Websites with extensions like .edu and .gov are often seen as more credible because of their restrictions on usage, which can help attract high-quality backlinks. However, quite often people use unethical methods and buy those links from students or even engage in scam schemes. Websites with extension .com are the most common choice and they are usually considered to be trustworthy as well.

Avoid Overcomplicating with Hyphens or Keywords

Adding a keyword to your domain can boost SEO, but overloading it with multiple keywords or using hyphens often damages the website’s credibility. Difficult domains are often seen as unprofessional, reduce trust, and make it harder for users to remember or revisit your site. It is crucial to have a clean and straightforward domain name that aligns with your brand and that is effective for both users and search engines. Prioritizing simplicity and clarity in your domain name can help you create a domain that enhances user trust, improves recall, and supports your overall SEO strategy.

Avoid Overly Creative Branding

Using unique TLDs can be an interesting branding choice but may come with some challenges. Over time, certain TLDs might lose popularity or face changes, which could make managing your domain more difficult. It might require additional updates or adjustments, such as redirecting links so try to avoid that by choosing a TLD that is widely recognized and likely to remain relevant. 

Check the History of the Domain

A domain’s history can significantly impact the website’s performance, so it’s crucial to check it before choosing a domain name. You need to make sure that the old site aligns with your current goals and brand positioning. If the domain was associated with unrelated or spammy topics, make sure to clear those associations in search engines. You also need to confirm the domain hasn’t been penalized or dropped from rankings in recent years or associated with any lawsuits and PR scandals, as that might have a negative impact on your website’s performance. Additionally, examine the quality and relevance of any existing backlinks, as they can either help or harm your SEO efforts. 

Test for Simplicity and Memorability

Before finalizing the choice of your domain make sure to test it. It is very important that people can easily remember and spell your domain name as complicated spellings, tense variations, or plural forms can confuse users and lead to lost traffic. A simple, clear domain name ensures your audience can find and remember your site, reducing the need for extra effort to correct errors or reclaim backlinks.

How Do I Know That I Need To Change My Domain Name?

The above-mentioned considerations should help you take the first steps in creating your domain name. At BluShark Digital, we guide clients through the process of selecting an SEO-friendly domain name and partner with them to develop a comprehensive strategy to maximize its potential. From ensuring your domain aligns with your goals to building a strong foundation for search engine visibility, our team is here to support your success in the competitive digital landscape.

Partner With BluShark Digital for All Your SEO Needs

Ready to elevate your SEO strategy? Reach out to BluShark Digital today to learn how we can help you harness these insights and achieve lasting online success.