How to choose a domain name

Why your domain name matters

The right domain name can:

Make a lasting first impression
Boost brand recognition and recall
Establish credibility and professionalism

When comparing domain names, the difference is clear:

Good Domain
Poor Domain

Elements of an effective domain name

Short and simple
Easy to remember and pronounce
Relevant to your business or brand
Free of numbers or hyphens

Your domain should be easy to pronounce and spell, which will help with word-of-mouth marketing and ensure customers can find you easily online.

Relevance is key. Your domain name should reflect your business, brand, or the products and services you offer. A relevant domain name assists in brand recognition and can even boost your Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) efforts.

Remember, a great domain name is an investment in your brand’s future. Choose wisely, as changing your domain later can be costly and disruptive to your business.

Choosing the right domain extension

Generic top-level domains (gTLDs)

.com
.org
.net

Country code top-level domains (ccTLDs)

.co.za
.uk
.africa, .durban, .joburg, .capetown

Industry-specific extensions

.shop, .online
.tech

To avoid these pitfalls:

Conduct thorough trademark searches

Avoid using trademarked names or close variations

Be cautious with geographic terms and personal names

Warning signs of potential trademark issues:

Using a well-known brand name or slogan

Incorporating a competitor’s name

Choosing a name very similar to an existing trademark

Resources for trademark checking:

Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) for South African trademarks

World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) for international trademarks

Local vs global: tailoring your domain to your audience

Local domain strategy
Global domain strategy

Domain name search: tools and techniques

Brainstorm ideas
Use relevant keywords
Consider variations
Use a domain name generator

What to do if your domain name is taken

Let’s find your perfect domain

Common questions when choosing a domain name

Ready to register your domain?