Choosing a domain name – 10 things to look out for

30 Jul 2023

Reageer!

There are several factors to consider when choosing a domain name. Here are 10 important points with explanations:

1. Use the appropriate extension (.nl, .com, .org)
   If you operate in the Netherlands, NL is the most commonly used domain extension. Use COM if you want to do international business. ORG is less frequently used, but if you have a large organization or your desired domain name is not available with .nl, you can consider .org.
2. Use niche or specific keywords in your search for the right domain name
   This is especially important if you want to rank in Google and attract the right customers. Instead of using generic names like “websites,” add a location or other accompanying word. Think of “websites amsterdam” or “WordPress websites.” Or even more specific, like “affordable WordPress websites.”
   The accompanying word will help you rank higher in search results when people search for it. This way, you won’t be competing against thousands of other websites that already have the keyword in their domain name.
3. Choose the shortest possible domain name
   A domain name should be easy to type and remember. It is recommended to have a maximum of two words. People won’t remember more than that.
4. Choose a domain name that is easy to type, spell, and pronounceThere are several factors to consider when choosing a domain name. Here are 10 important points with explanations:
   1. Use the appropriate extension (.nl, .com, .org)
      If you operate in the Netherlands, NL is the most commonly used domain extension. Use COM if you want to do international business. ORG is less frequently used, but if you have a large organization or your desired domain name is not available with .nl, you can consider .org.
   2. Use niche or specific keywords in your search for the right domain name
      This is especially important if you want to rank in Google and attract the right customers. Instead of using generic names like “websites,” add a location or other accompanying word. Think of “websites amsterdam” or “WordPress websites.” Or even more specific, like “affordable WordPress websites.”
      The accompanying word will help you rank higher in search results when people search for it. This way, you won’t be competing against thousands of other websites that already have the keyword in their domain name.
   3. Choose the shortest possible domain name
      A domain name should be easy to type and remember. It is recommended to have a maximum of two words. People won’t remember more than that.
   4. Choose a domain name that is easy to type, spell, and pronounce
      If you do business in the Netherlands, make sure you have a Dutch name. Choose a domain name that doesn’t have multiple meanings and can be spelled in different ways. When you tell someone the domain name, they shouldn’t have to ask, “How do you spell that?” or repeat it three times.
   5. Choose a unique, catchy, and memorable domain name
      Keep it short and specific, but test your domain name by telling it to someone you know and ask them a week later if they still remember it. Do this test with 10-20 people, as some may be less interested when you mention something and therefore forget it 😉
   6. Avoid double letters, hyphens, and numbers in the domain name
      A hyphen in the domain name is often used when the original domain name is already taken. It creates confusion to use hyphens and numbers, both in writing and when pronounced. So, it’s best to avoid them!
   7. Think long-term instead of short-term: leave room for expansion
      If your domain name is too specific, such as “Pietsfriet” (Piets fries), it can limit your business growth or your service and product possibilities. Try selling bananas under the name “Pietsfriet” 😉
   8. Act quickly before someone else registers the domain name
      If you have registered a company name with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) and you have told others about your company, including the name, don’t wait too long to register the domain name. Anyone can register a domain name, even your competitor or someone who thinks the name is brilliant! And yes, this does happen!
   9. Check if the domain name is not a trademark or already in use
      There are thousands of names in use, so make sure the name you want to use is not being used in the same country where you conduct business. If the domain name resembles a company’s name or is

      part of a company name, you may receive a letter requesting the transfer of the domain name. And that would be a waste of your time.

   10. Check your domain name in Google Translate and Google
       Especially with short domain names, there is a risk that the domain name is a swear word in another language or part of a word you would rather not use. It could also sound like a word you would rather not pronounce.

   anings and can be spelled in different ways. When you tell someone the domain name, they shouldn’t have to ask, “How do you spell that?” or repeat it three times.

5. Choose a unique, catchy, and memorable domain name
   Keep it short and specific, but test your domain name by telling it to someone you know and ask them a week later if they still remember it. Do this test with 10-20 people, as some may be less interested when you mention something and therefore forget it 😉
6. Avoid double letters, hyphens, and numbers in the domain name
   A hyphen in the domain name is often used when the original domain name is already taken. It creates confusion to use hyphens and numbers, both in writing and when pronounced. So, it’s best to avoid them!
7. Think long-term instead of short-term: leave room for expansion
   If your domain name is too specific, such as “Pietsfriet” (Piets fries), it can limit your business growth or your service and product possibilities. Try selling bananas under the name “Pietsfriet” 😉
8. Act quickly before someone else registers the domain name
   If you have registered a company name with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) and you have told others about your company, including the name, don’t wait too long to register the domain name. Anyone can register a domain name, even your competitor or someone who thinks the name is brilliant! And yes, this does happen!
9. Check if the domain name is not a trademark or already in use
   There are thousands of names in use, so make sure the name you want to use is not being used in the same country where you conduct business. If the domain name resembles a company’s name or is

   part of a company name, you may receive a letter requesting the transfer of the domain name. And that would be a waste of your time.

10. Check your domain name in Google Translate and Google
    Especially with short domain names, there is a risk that the domain name is a swear word in another language or part of a word you would rather not use. It could also sound like a word you would rather not pronounce.