WHAT IS A DOMAIN AND HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT DOMAIN NAME?

A domain is an internet address that directs users to your website – such as the well-known “google.com”. It is like a digital business card of your company, through which customers can find and remember you. The right domain name is not only an address on the Internet, but also a very important part of marketing and brand strategy.

So how to choose a domain name that would be memorable, help you achieve your business goals and at the same time stand out from your competitors? Below is a comprehensive guide for choosing a good domain name.

WHAT MAKES A DOMAIN?

The domain essentially consists of two parts: the name and the extension (for example, name.ee). The name is your chosen brand or keyword that helps users remember the website (e.g. Google). The extension (.ee, .com, .net, etc.) often indicates to your target market the purpose of the website.

In Estonia, the most common is the .ee extension, which is ideal for a local business. Ee stands for Estonia. However, if you’re targeting an international market, you might want to consider .com, .net, or another relevant extension.

WHAT SHOULD A DOMAIN NAME BE LIKE?

Short, simple and memorable

The domain name should be:

Short: A long domain name may be difficult for users and is more likely to be misspelled. In addition, a short name is easier to remember.
Simple: Avoid complex words or specific phrases that are difficult to pronounce and spell. If the pronunciation is very different from the spelling, it can cause confusion.
Memorable: A good domain name is immediately remembered by customers, is clearly associated with your company and distinguishes you from your competitors.

Represents your brand

The domain name should be directly related to your company or brand name. If you already have a well-known trademark, make sure to incorporate it in your domain as well.

Avoid overly generic names, as they are not distinctive and may get lost in the many search results.
A brand name also helps with search engine optimization (SEO) so that your company stands out even more in search results.

Available and legal

Before registering a domain name, it is crucial to make sure that:

The name is not already in use and does not violate trademark rights: Before making a final decision, make sure that the domain name is available, i.e. not already registered by someone else. It is also worth checking that the name does not violate trademark rights. This can be done, for example, on the website of the Estonian Patent Office (Eesti Patendikeskus).

Tip: If the domain you want is taken, consider alternatives, such as changing extensions (brandname.com instead of brandname.ee) or making other small changes to the name.

Avoid numbers and special characters

Numbers and special characters (such as hyphens) can make a domain too difficult to spell and pronounce and confuse users. Try to keep the name simple so that it is easy to remember and less likely to be misspelled.

Keep the future in mind

Choose a name that does not limit the possibilities of your company in the future, for example if you want to expand or make small changes to the brand. Do not choose a name that would associate your company with a narrow range of products or services. For instance, if you start selling a specific product but plan to expand the range later, choose a more general name. A broader name gives more freedom in the future.

If you have kept the aforementioned points in mind, carefully considered all aspects and selected a suitable domain name, it is time to register it, which can be done through, for example, zone.ee or veebimajutus.ee.

After registration, it is necessary to create a website. In order for it to look professional and be high in the search results, you can order the website design from us!

SUMMARY

A domain name is your company’s digital business card, which helps customers find you online and visit your website and bring you customers.

For choosing the ideal domain name, it is important to:

Choose a name that is short, simple and memorable;
Comprehensible and unambiguous;
Associate the name with your brand, but not with a narrow area of the company;
Choose a suitable domain extension;
Ensure that the name is available and legally usable;
Avoid numbers and special characters;
Think about the future.

A carefully chosen domain name is an investment that can bring more visibility, customers and success to your company, so it is important to consider all points before making the final choice. If you did not find an answer to your question, something was unclear or you have further questions, we are happy to help you!