How to choose a domain name for your business

A good domain name is short, easy to spell and say out loud, and clearly yours. Prefer a .com or a trusted local extension, avoid hyphens and numbers that confuse people, and make sure it matches your business name and social handles. Check it is free, register it for a few thousand francs a year, and secure the matching social names too.

Your domain name is both your address on the web and part of your brand. Pick well and it is effortless to share; pick badly and you will spell it out over the phone forever.

What makes a good domain

• Short and memorable — easier to say, type and remember
• Easy to spell out loud — imagine saying it on the radio or phone
• No hyphens or numbers — they cause confusion and typos
• Matches your name — the same across your domain and social handles

Which extension?

A .com is still the most trusted and expected worldwide. A well-known local extension can work well for a locally focused business. Avoid obscure new endings that make people doubt you are real. When in doubt, .com.

Lock it down

Once you find a good name that is free, register it promptly — good names go fast. Secure the matching social media handles at the same time, so your brand is consistent everywhere and nobody else takes them.