Your domain name is the address of your website and often the first thing people see of your business. A good choice makes all the difference. In this article, we share practical tips for choosing and registering your domain name.

Why is your domain name so important?

Your domain name:

  • Is often your first impression
  • Affects whether people remember your URL
  • Plays a role in search engine optimization
  • Comes across as professional (or not)
  • Stays with your business for years

So take your time to make a good choice.

Tips for the perfect domain name

1. Keep it short and simple

Short domain names are easier to remember and type. Try to stay under 15 characters. Compare:

2. Make it pronounceable

If you can't easily say your domain name over the phone, it's probably too complicated. Test this by saying it out loud.

3. Avoid hyphens and numbers

Hyphens and numbers cause confusion:

  • "Is that with or without a hyphen?"
  • "Is that the number 1 or the letter l?"

Only choose a hyphen if there's really no other way.

4. Choose a logical extension

The extension (.nl, .com, .eu) should fit your target audience:

  • .nl: for Dutch businesses and audiences
  • .com: for international businesses
  • .eu: for European organizations

Read more about choosing the right extension.

5. Check availability

Before you get too attached to a name, check whether it's available. Also check:

  • Social media handles
  • The trade name register
  • Trademark registrations

6. Think about the future

Choose a name that grows with your business. "JansenBloemen.nl" (Jansen Flowers) works less well if you later start selling plants too. A broader name like "TuincentrumJansen.nl" (Jansen Garden Center) gives you more flexibility.

7. Avoid trademark problems

Don't register a domain name that resembles a well-known brand. This can lead to legal problems and confuse visitors.

The registration process

Registering a domain name works like this:

  1. Check availability with a registrar
  2. Choose your registration period (usually 1 to 10 years)
  3. Enter your details (stored in WHOIS)
  4. Pay for the registration
  5. Connect your domain to hosting

At Theory7 you can register your domain name right away and connect it to your hosting.

Domain names and SEO

Your domain name has some influence on SEO, but less than it used to. What to keep in mind:

  • A keyword in your domain helps a little, but isn't essential
  • Exact match domains (such as "goedkopeschoenen.nl", cheap shoes) work less well than they used to
  • A trustworthy, professional domain name is more important
  • Focus instead on good content and SEO optimization

Frequently asked questions

How long should I register my domain for? At least 1 year, but longer periods get you a discount and you won't forget to renew. Google is also said to have a slight preference for long-term registrations.

What if the domain I want is taken? You can try contacting the current owner, wait until the domain becomes available, or come up with an alternative with a different extension or word combination.

Can I change my domain name later? You can register a new one and move your website, but you will lose your existing visitors and any SEO value. So choose well from the start.

What is WHOIS? The public database of domain registrations. With many extensions you can turn on privacy protection so your personal details are not visible.

Does my domain have to be with the same provider as my hosting? It's not required, but it does make management easier. You can also move your domain to another provider later.

Ready to register your perfect domain name? At Theory7 you'll find competitive prices and easy management. See the options.

Looking to register a domain name? See our plans.

Further reading