Are you ready to get into the details of setting up your site? This is how to choose a domain name.
Just so we're straight:
- Domain = bloggingwithamy.com
- URL = http://bloggingwithamy.com
You definitely want to put some thought into choosing a domain name. The goal of the tips below is not to meet every criteria (that would be impossible), but to give you some guidelines to follow in the process. Be sure to read tip #12.
1. Go with .com
The vast majority of the time, internet users assume .com when browsing. Having a .net, .info, .tv or any other extension just puts another potential roadblock in the process of finding you. Having said that, there are plenty of successful sites that use a .net extension (or something else), but a .com is ideal.
2. Short and sweet
The shorter the better. Enough said.
3. Easy to say and spell
The goal is for your domain name to be passed along easily, by you and by others. This is more likely to happen if people don't have to stop and think about how to say or spell it.
4. No hyphens
This is closely related to #2. It's not very smooth or punchy to always have to specify a hyphen. ("Hi my name is Jane and my domain is fly hyphen fishing dot com.")
5. Use keywords
Remember the recent post Understand Keywords: Increase the Odds of Getting Found? Your domain is one of the best places to use a keyword or two. And the more compact and closer to the beginning of your domain, the better. For example, if "fly fishing" is your keyword, FlyFishingAdventures.com is better than AdventuresInFlyFishing.com.
6. Consider using your real name (or a nickname)
Remember our discussion about building your personal brand? Well, registering your own name is a great way to do this. In fact, I highly recommend registering your name as a domain even if you have no plans to do anything but park it. Why? Because you never know if you just might become a household name in the future. And then you'll be glad you have it.
If you plan on using your blog to sell a service you provide or if you hope to speak or become a published writer, your name might be the perfect domain to use.
If you have a really difficult name to say or spell, consider using just your first and middle like my friend Sarah Mae (her last name isn't hard to say or spell, but her first and middle keep things nice and short).
7. Make it expandable
You never know how your business might expand, so avoid names that box you in. For example, FlyFishingLures.com is nice, but what happens if you want to sell fishing poles down the line too (ha! punny)? You get the picture.
I also recommend avoiding life-stage-specific names. AllAboutMyWildAndCrazyToddlers.com is good now, but they won't be toddlers forever! 
8. Avoid strings of words
If you have a wide range of interests and you also want to incorporate keywords in your domain, you might be tempted to string them all together and be done with it. I recommend against this simply because it's confusing. LuresRodsLinesPoles.com is a recipe for major confusion when a visitor is trying to remember the correct order.
9. Avoid obscure terms
If you are trying to appeal to a wide audience, avoid using niche-specific terms in your domain that someone outside your niche would be unfamiliar with.
10. But all the good names are taken!
Be creative. It's very possible (and perhaps probable) that you'll come up with the perfect domain…only to find it's already taken when you try to register it. Get creative. Don't be afraid to go back to the drawing board. Try looking up similar words in the thesaurus. Ask others for ideas. Mix words up or around. Use a tagline, a nickname or a phrase you say all the time.
11. Make sure the name is available on other social media sites
When picking your domain, check other social media sites to make sure it's available on those sites too. If you use the same name on your blog and on Twitter, Facebook, etc., it solidifies your brand and makes it more memorable. Kikolani alerted me to this cool tool that helps you do just that: knowem?
12. Don't overthink it
I hear from a lot of people who get stuck at this point because they're afraid of making the wrong choice. The most common problem is that they can't find an available .com (see #10 above). If this is you, just make your best guess and move on. A not-quite-perfect domain name is better than no domain name at all. Just do your best and own it!
Other posts in this series
- How to Start a Blog or Website: Intro & FAQ
- How to Start a Blog or Website: Cheat Sheet
- How to Find (or Refind) Your Passion
- How to Decide What to Blog About: What Works for Readers?
- How to Decide What to Blog About: What Works for You?
- Understand Branding: 4 Tips
- Understand Keywords: Increase the Odds of Getting Found
- Writing Great Content: 3 Tips
- How to Write a Killer About Page
- 12 Blog Organization Tips
- How to Choose a Domain Name: 12 Tips
- How to Register a Domain Name
- How to Set Up Hosting and WordPress
- How to Change Your Nameservers
- How to Add a New User in WordPress
- How to Optimize Your WordPress Settings
- How to Install a Plugin
- My Favorite Plugins
- How to Get & Optimize a Feedburner Feed
- How to Choose a WordPress Theme
- How to Install a WordPress Theme
- Elegant Themes for WordPress
- How to Install Google Analytics
- How to Use WordPress: Tips & Tricks
- How to Start a Blog or Website: 10 Tips for New Bloggers
I would also add…spend some good time researching used domain names for the blogging niche you're getting ready to enter. Just b/c a domain is available doesn't mean you should use it. What if you later learn that a more prominent blogger has a name VERY similar? This could be embarrassing to discover after the fact and could potentiall also harm your ability to build your brand.
I've recently seen a couple bloggers enter the scene with names way too similar to existing bloggers…not good IMO.
Great point, Angela! Thanks for adding it!
Hi Amy,
I spent a lot of time reading your blogs this past weekend. I have really been encouraged by both of them! Thanks for all the information you so readily share.
You have motivated me to jump in and go for it. I blogged for a few years and then took a long break. I'm just starting to get back into it. Now I am wondering about my domain name! I think it might be too long and perhaps difficult to say and spell. It is hard to know once you say it to yourself so many times
I have desired to use WordPress, but was afraid. I can see that you like it – that has given me some courage to try it myself.
Thanks!
Stacy
Yay! I'm so glad it's been helpful! Here's my advice:
If you've spent a long time blogging, have established a good following and are making some income, stick with your current domain. If not and you want to switch your domain, now might be a good time!
Hi Amy,
Thanks for your reply. Because of my long blogging absence I am basically starting over. I think it would be OK to change the name. If I can think of something to change it to! That is the hard part.
Thanks again.
Great advice! I wholeheartedly agree with choosing a name that's easily spelled. I would add that it should be spelled as the real word is spelled. For example, RawkinRebates would be really hard to remember because people will think of RockinRebates. I've run into this a few times in the frugal niche, and I've not been able to find a blog I want to revisit.
GOOD point Jennifer! Thanks for adding that!
I subscribed to your blog sometime ago and just love the wealth of information here! i specifically came tonight to find a post on choosing a domain name and here it is! lol
I'm really banging my head against the wall trying to figure out what I should go with. After months of contemplation, I decided to start a new blog. I've blogged for sometime now and have my own url. However, it was a personal blog that really had no theme.
After prodding from God and nudging from friends, i am going to start a frugality blog. (yes, another one of those).lol I would like to start doing workshops in my local area and I'm envisioning the blog as a resource for real life acquaintances. If it makes a dent in the blog world, that is great.
What I'm struggling with is should I go with frugal in the domain name or not? I blog as Flamingo Mama and will continue to do so. I'm thinking either frugalflamingo.com or flamingomama.com
Having frugal in the domain name would help others figure out what my blog is about. However, flamingomama.com would allow me to expand into other areas if the time came (ie. home management, ect)
Of course, I could forget the whole thing and start with a whole new name:)
Just thought you may have some thoughts.
Thanks for all of your help!
I think you could go with both. It sounds like you are already thinking you might expand down the road, so if that's the case, of the two, I would vote for flamingomama.com.
I am wondering if using well known and recognizable numbers in a domain name is considered ok or if it is best to stay away from this.
I would stay away from numbers if you can, simply because if I'm typing the domain in, should I use the numeral or should I write the word out?
Thanks for the advice…back to the drawing board.
I just found your blog via a friend and am learning a lot from these posts, and there's still so much more content on here! These are some great tips. Thank you for the guide! I have been in the planning stage for some time now and am stuck on the domain name. There's a little bit of that "paralysis by analysis" like you mentioned in one of these steps. I'm trying to come up with the *perfect* name, but I need to just get out there! Thanks for the motivation to do just that!
I would add one more piece of advice for choosing the domain name, and that would be to type your name in your search engine to see what comes up. Sometimes the name you want is available but there's something very closely related or maybe even something offensive or contradictory to your blog, something that someone might get confused with if trying to find you in a search from memory. Things come and go all the time, so that could change, but it only takes a second, and you never know…
Great tip!
Hi Amy,
I'm thinking of starting a blog on traveling with kids. We've got two little ones and travel all over and I'd like to do travel tips, reviews, ways to make travel cheaper, personal stories, etc! The goal would be to encourage and equip families for traveling to more out of the box location. I've been pondering this for a while and came across your site and I am learning so much. I'm still very much in the thinking and planning stage, so I really appreciate all of your insight!
My question has to do with naming, I was thinking of using "more than Mickey" as a domain name, is that a bad idea since it ties to Disneyland? I wouldn't want to cause a problem with infringement of their name.
Would you move away from that or do you think it's permissible?
Hmmm…good question. I'm not sure about infringement (I guess a lawyer would have to tell you that), but when I see "more than Mickey" it makes me think of large commercialized travel destinations…but just aren't Disney-related. From your description though, it seems you're thinking beyond just commercial stuff (??). For that reason, I'd encourage you to brainstorm a bit more and come up with something that defines you and not in light of what you are (or aren't) in relation to Disney.
I'm not sure that even makes much sense.
Hi Amy, I have just started a blog on travelling with kids the "old fashioned" way. I have started it on a free site. I really think I have a knack at this, but am afraid of putting money into it, when we are hurting for money as it is. I seen in a different post that it is worth coming up with your own domain, as you said you get what you pay for. Anyways, my question is that I am really excited about this travelling part, but I have a lot of other interests too, my children, scrapbooking, camping, sign language… should I come up with a different domain then travellingwithtoddlers? Or could I squeeze my other interests into that blog?
Hi Amanda!
I would recommend choosing a different domain name, not so much because of the topics, but because of the trickiness of the spelling of "traveling" or "travelling." I know it can be spelled either way (usually with one "l" here in the States but often with two in Britain and elsewhere). The goal is to be found easily, so unless your blog will be specifically local (and the majority of your readers would not find it confusing), you might take the opportunity to think of something else. And of course, then you could try to incorporate more of your other interests if you'd like too.
Excellent pointers! Sharing this with my Facebook readers!
Just found your site and I'm so excited because this is what I have been looking for these past 10 months since I've been blogging! I've questioned my blog name a few times but after reading your post I think I chose a good name!
Hi Amy,
I love you blog. Thank you so much for the great information. I have been blogging for over three years (personal blog) but started a new project back in the summer. I was in a Mom's group and met, got to know and become friends with so many wonderful women who are trying to find their niche and start a stay at home business with that niche. From sewing, to painting, to working with special needs kids, starting new charities…the list is endless and so inspiring to me. So I decided to start a blog highlighting and showing off these wonderful women and providing a platform for them to do some free advertising as well as support one another, share ideas, and basically learn from each other. So far it is going great but like you said a long process to get started and noticed. I am struggling with the idea of combing my personal blog with this new blog. I love to write and my personal blog gives me that outlet. But this new adventure is more a business blog although my writings and such appear there as well. In a nut shell any advice you have on running a professional blog but also want to share a second blog would be great. I hope all of this makes sense. Sorry to ramble… Again thanks for such awesome content. I will be here a lot.
Mary
Well, you could probably go either way, however, from what you describe, I might keep them separate so your personal readers don't feel overwhelmed by your business readers and vice versa.
Do you think Heart of a Working Mom is catchy enough? It's available and it's what I'm using already on Blogger.
My blog is for all working moms, but the idea was to encourage moms who have to work but are really longing to be home with their kids.
Thanks for the help,
Hannah
If you're already using it and it fits with your niche, I say go for it. I think many of us will concur that it can be tricky to find a domain name so I'd grab it while you can.
Hi Amy, I just came across your site today and am loving it. Thank you so much for the wealth of information. I have been baking cakes for several years now and would like to get into party planning. My question is, is Kiersten'sConfectionsandpartyplanning.com too long? It seems too long. Do you have any other suggestions? Thanks!
Yes, I would say it's too long.
Maybe something like partiesandpastries.com (not sure if that's available) or another catchy business name.
Oooooo Amy! I just checked and partiesandpastries.com IS available! I have been raking my brain trying to think of something clever like that! THANK YOU SO MUCH! I am going to start working on it right away and use all your incredibly helpful tips, and of course, I will be giving all the credit to you girl! Thanks again!
I love your blog Amy! You are so very helpful and insightful!!!
I am having a difficult time choosing a domain. While initially my blog will focus on a particular niche I see it as something that will grow significantly from that point. My husband and I both have significant ministry callings and our personal brand is something we've already started working on…
Originally I thought I would use a domain name that was specific to the blog I'm starting currently, using the name of the blog, footnotesinthesand.com, for example. Is it better to have a broader domain that other domains branch from? Like mclucasministries.com for instance? Can you have more than one blog or website off the same domain name or is that a bad idea? For example footnotesinthesand.mclucasministries.com. Our family blog then could be mclucasfamily.mclucasministries.com. Am I explaining my question effectively? What are your thoughts about this?
Thank you very much!
What you are describing is one domain with several subdomains. This is possible and is done by some. If you're thinking you'll want to branch out in the future on the same blog, I'd choose a more broad name and not get super specific, or use just your name. You also might consider registering your name and then creating offshots from there and using your name as a "hub." This is what I've done at amylynnandrews.com. That might work too, especially if you've already starting building a brand around your name. I hope that helps!
Is subdomains what Mandi Ehman has done at life.yourway.net (she also has organizing.yourway.net, motherhood.yourway.net, etc)? Does one have to pay an additional fee to register a subdomain? If I decide to go this route I think I will do as Mandi did and find a way to only change one word, which makes it much easier to remember and feels much more congruent.
Thanks for the link to amylynandrews.com. The "hub" idea might be more like what I need… In my future I believe I have a faith blog, a work of fiction, and possibly a design blog/site. None of these things are really related, but as people get interested in one of these things I want them to be led to the other parts which all working together will hopefully lead them to a relationship with Christ. For instance, someone reads my book, becomes curious about me, finds my faith blog, and through that is led to Christ. A bit ambitious perhaps, but I have trouble getting enthusiastic about the things I have to do unless I can be assured that in the end it points to Christ- There just must be a bigger purpose for what so often feels like wasted energy, LOL.
Yes, I believe that's what Mandi does. Just note that Google treats subdomains a bit like separate sites which means if you're concerned about search engine optimization and being found in search results, your "link juice" is split between them.
Hi Amy,
You are awesome. Thank you so much for blessing us with your wisdom on blogging. I have been praying about doing a blog for a looong time:) But it was just too overwhelming to think of. After stumbling upon Money Saving Mom and a link that led me to you I have now bought my domain name with confidence!! I know exactly what my target is BUT I'm not sure where to put my first posts. What I mean is, that I have not gone over to BlueHost yet and am not sure where to save my first 10 posts? On the new Website or just on a word doc on my computer. Does that make sense?
Thanks so much and God Bless
Shari
You can save a draft in WordPress. I just type my post directly into the "Add Page" window from my WordPress Dashboard and instead of publishing, just "Save as Draft." I hope that makes sense. (Congrats!)
I've been toying with setting up a blog or website to present the quantitative etf (exchange-traded fund) investing plan that I have come up with and am currently using. A regular website might be better than a blog because my system is a monthly system and I don't want to write every day. I might want to write on a weekly basis though. What do you think of the following domain name: etfsbythenumbers.com. I could also do etfplanforyou, etfsmadesimple, etfsontheupswing… Thanks for your advice!
What about exchangetradedfund.com or etfund.com? I'd try to make it as short as possible.
Thanks, Amy.
Thanks for these tips, Amy. I actually have posts written and I'm excited about starting a blog, but I'm stuck on the domain name. I like something like my simple home or something along those lines. Any ideas? Also, how do I know if it is available on FB and twitter and how do I set up that page? I don't want to get any name until I'm sure it is available everywhere. Thanks!
Try here, Johanna.
I am confused about where to register a domain. I currently use wordpress.com. I want to get a domain, set up hosting, and switch to wordpress.org. WordPress.com keeps offering me to make my page a domain for $17 a month. Is this a smart option? Or is it better to get a domain through somewhere like godaddy.com?
I wouldn't register with WordPress.com. I explain how I register all my domains in this post.
Amy,
Thanks for responding! Do you think that becomingaproverbs31woman.com is too much? I am having trouble finding a name that is not taken.
Niice tips to choose a good domain name. I like your tips. Thanks for share.
ok, one last burning question- I already have a domain name (www.bethcoulton.com) that I chose last year when registering a domain name came available for Blogger. I would want to keep this same domain name to use for my WordPress blog, as I like using the simplicity of my name. Does this mean that people will in no way be able to get to my old Blogger blog? I'm assuming they'll type in http://www.bethcoulton.com and head straight to WordPress, of course. I'm really riding the fence about what to do – wish I hadn't already done that with Blogger.
Hi! I just started a blog called dinnerwithpam.com (just a couple of days ago) and after reading your site some I think I should change it to something like pamsfoodblog or something like that. I am afraid the dinner part might be limiting my options for clear branding. Any thoughts here? I am also loving the idea that some day my blog would be my actual job and make money at it!! I love to cook and have many recipes I have developed myself and not only do I love cooking it is my passion. I love cooking any day of the week and I also love to make a few meals in one day and then I am ready for the week ahead. I also love to get a good deal on food. Oh and I love to shop my pantry and come up with a recipe too! Many thoughts I am wrestling with right now. Do you have any suggestions for me?
Your site is a wealth of information! My 12 year old daughter and I thought it would be fun to start a blog together. She's very crafty, but doesn't like to stick with one thing for a long time, so a blog would be good for her. She can perfect a particular project and then move on to another. We are trying to come up with a name that's catchy and trendy, but not too trendy. I don't want her to sound like a little old lady doing old fashioned crafts either. We thought of i♥2cre8 but then I realized that the "heart" won't work. Any suggestions? Many thanks!
Hmmmm…not off the top of my head, but I'd definitely recommend something that's easy to say verbally (that you don't have to specify, "the number two," or "the number eight" etc.). Hope that helps a bit. Maybe put your daughter's name in there somewhere?? Sounds like she's creative, so I'm sure she can come up with something fun!
Thanks for your feedback! After more brainstorming, we came up with Sophiescreationstation. Obviously, there should be an apostrophe, so do we just leave it out?
I would still use it on the blog, such as in the header, but in the domain itself, you would leave it out.
Cute name!
Thanks Amy for the tips! There are several people who have my name! As you can see I am using numbers after my name in my email address. I really want to use my name since I am a teacher. Any other advise about this?
I know how it is. My preferred domain was taken too. You could try contacting the owner of the domain you want and see if they'd be willing to part with the domain. That worked for me with one domain once. You might have to pay though. If that's not an option, I would use a middle name or a nickname or somehow otherwise shorten it in some way. You could also use a phrase you say a lot or some other fun phrase students associate with you. Hope that gives you more ideas!
First,I want to thank you! You have made everything so easy to understand!
I have just started toying with the blog idea, I have had an Etsy shop for about 5 months and would like to expand my brand and thought blogging should be a great idea. Any thoughts ????
Should my blog name be the same as my Etsy shop? My Etsy shop is: lollipopfigurine.etsy.com
I want my blog to kinda center around "eclectic home decor" with DIY's, and daily post about thrifty shopping and upcycled decor
Thanks
I think having a blog would be a great idea. An excellent example of someone who has done this well in the handcrafting niche is Gussy from Gussy Sews. I'm not sure if she has an Etsy shop or if she sells directly on her site, but she has blended her blog and shop quite well. I think the key is to make sure your name allows you room to grow in the future so if your current shop name would do that for you, go for it!
What are your thoughts on changing blog names? I currently blog as Thrifty Veggie Mama. My blog idea is affordable and family friendly vegetarian recipes. I have had the blog for close to 2 years and feel I am starting to get some traction but worry that having Thrifty in my name is hurting me (maybe doesn't sound "classy") enough? I have been toying with the idea of a name change but don't have any ideas and don't really look forward to starting over! Do you have any thoughts?
Given what you've explained and I was in your shoes, I'd stick with it. Sounds like it fits exactly what you're trying to communicate and you can always start another more classier blog if you want.
Amy, Your site is ruining my sleep! It is so informative. Thanks. I am planning a blog or website. My passion is discussing topic like realities of managing projects in Africa, encouraging Africans to improve their values and develop themselves…in short my audience is mainly African and I feel I have a lot to share with this audience. This target audience is not widely discussed with.
So, what domain name to have? Should I go for a personalised or something like africawakeup.com?
Thanks
If you are specifically targeting Africa, I'd probably include Africa in my domain name.
I love Africa. I was born there.
Hi Amy
Just stopping by via Sonia @logallot's 26 women bloggers post to say hi.
Great tips on domain name selection, I'd also add that sometimes the combination of words that you choose can read as something else too. Back in the early days when I was green, I bought the domain keywordsexposed…as you might imagine it seemed to read as keyword sex posed….doh! lessons learned.
Yes, so true!
That is cracking me up.
Good post, useful tips.
Thanks for sharing it.
Hey, Thanks for all the great information! I'm currently in the research phase before creating my blog so I don't know much at this point. My blog is going to be about cats as I am an expert in the field so I'm trying to fit the keywords "cat" or "feline" in the name. But you suggested possibly using your personal name to establish your brand but if I was to do that I'm curious as to how people would ever find your blog in a google search or otherwise considering there wouldn't be any keywords connecting the blog with its subject matter/content ?? Hope I explained myself clearly. Need help!
Thanks
Yes, it totally makes sense and is a great question. Initially there wouldn't be any connection until you established yourself as the person who provides info about cats. It sounds like you're pretty sure about your topic so I would definitely try to snag a domain with cat. I would still register my name, but just forward that domain to your main site. Does that help at all?
Hi Amy- Thanks for all the great info! I want to create a website NOW and stop dwelling on the domain name so much. I don't know what it's going to be about yet, but I'm thinking about just getting a site up with my name for now so I can start messing around with stuff which I love to do. How is having your middle name in your domain been for you? Of course Tanya Bryant is taken, so I'm thinking of going with TanyaLynnBryant, but do you think TanyaLBryant would be better? I thought it may be easier for people to remember the full name instead of just middle initial…Thanks…..Tanya
Well, I went with my full name just because it felt more personal to me. It also seemed to be less of an issue of being mistaken as Amy Landrews instead of Amy Andrews with a Lynn stuck in the middle (obviously you don't quite have the same problem as people will unlikely think it's Lbryant).
What I would do is check out other social media sites to see which of the two options you are most likely to get on most sites. Here's a tool you can use to do that.
Great advice – thank you so much for your help! Now hopefully I can stop spinning my wheels and get something going!
This was simple & informative. Thanks! Was wondering why using THE in your domain name is not alway recommend. For example, thefacebook.com became facebook.com
Found this video on youtube as well. Was also simple and informative.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyXwO1njp6w
Mostly it's because you want to keep your domain as short and simple as possible. Also eliminating extraneous words like "the" leaves only keywords which is better for SEO. I hope that makes sense.
How can a person avoid using a word/keyword in their domain name that is over used on the internet. For example, lots of blogs I follow have the word "simple" in them.
Hi Amy
I have been looking at buying a domain name so as to shorten my site address. As I started a blog as fun and didn't really give the name much thought and it is long winded too long I think. Going to go and see what I can find.
Great post thanks lee
My pleasure, Lee. Thanks.
Nice share amy.
Your article is really really great information.
Thanks
If your domain is gone and you dont want to use a middle name what about using something like imfirstnamelastname, iamfirstnamelastname or mynameisfirstnamelastname?
I think that would definitely be an option. The thing I'd be concerned about is the length. Ideally I'd want my domain to match all of my social media profiles across the internet, but if it's too long it might hinder that (especially on Twitter). So, I'd check knowem (Tip #11) for sure. Hope that helps!
I could really use some advice. I started my blog before really knowing what I was doing, and used a blogspot domain. I want to change it to a .com name but tipgarden is taken and locked in. Afraid to completely change away from the Tip Garden name, people are starting to type it in to find me now. Refuse to do anything but a .com name. I started a new blog to take the best of the stuff from Tip Garden and recreate a new blog from scratch but not sure if I should jump ship away from the name tip garden now to a brand new name so I can get a .com name or stay with the blogspot. I feel stuck. New blog is thefrugalpantry.com any advice out there for me?
sorry, I didn't put in the blog url: tipgarden.blogspot.com
The only things I can think of are buying the domain, or, do your readers know you by your name or any other phrase? You might also try adding something like "the" to the beginning or something like that. I'm sorry it's not available. That's always so disappointing, but it's possible and recommended to forward your old address to your new one once you get set up so if they go to your site, they'll get redirected.