Top 3 Domain Name Disasters - and how to avoid these costly mistakes

Picking the perfect domain name is really important for your business. It's like choosing a name for your kid – you want something memorable that represents you well. But choosing the wrong domain name could end up costing you big time.

In this post, I’ll share the top 5 domain name disasters you should avoid. By understanding these common pitfalls, you can make sure your business has a strong online presence.

Mistake #1: Using Numbers or Hyphens

While it might seem like a good idea to use numbers or hyphens to make your domain name more unique, it can actually do the opposite. These characters can make your domain name harder to remember and spell, which can lead to fewer visitors to your website.

For instance, let's say your business is 'Quick-Fix Solutions' While quick-fix-solutions is a clean and easy-to-remember domain, quick-fix-solutions with the hyphens can be more difficult for people to type and remember vs simply using ‘quickfixsolutions.com’

If your business name includes a number, consider registering both versions. For instance, if your business is “1stChoiceConsulting,” you should register both:

• the one with the number '1stChoiceConsulting.com’ AND

• the one with the number spelled out. 'firstchoiceconsulting.com’

to capture potential traffic from both variations.

Mistake #2: Making the Name Too Long or Complicated

A long and complicated domain name can be a big turn-off for potential customers. It's difficult to remember, type, and might not look professional.

Here are some strategies to shorten and simplify your domain name:

1. Focus on Location and Service:

• Example: Let's say your business is called ‘Chavez and Sons Landscaping Company’ This is a mouthful! Instead, you could use a shorter domain like ‘portlandlandscaper.com’ (assuming you're located in Portland). It's clear, concise, and tells potential customers exactly what you do and where you serve.

2. Consider Alternative Domain Extensions:

• If your preferred ".com" domain is unavailable, explore other extensions like ".co" or even ".local". These can be a good alternative, especially for local businesses.

3. Use Creative Abbreviations or Keywords:

• Adding an adverb can work in some cases, but it might not always be the best option.

• You could consider using a creative abbreviation of your business name or keywords related to your services.

• Example: Instead of ‘chavezandsonslandscapingcompany.com’ you could try ‘chavezlawncare.com’ (assuming "lawn care" is a key service) or ‘hirechavezandsons.com’ (doesn’t include the keyword but it’s more memorable).

4. Brainstorm Variations:

• Don't be afraid to brainstorm different variations and check availability. Online domain name generators can be a helpful tool for this such as

Remember: Keep the ideal domain name length between 10-15 characters (excluding the extension) for optimal readability and memorability.

Mistake #3: Choosing a Domain Name Too Similar to a Popular Website

Let's be honest, sometimes it's tempting to follow in the footsteps of a successful brand or website. However, copying a popular brand's name, even slightly, can lead to confusion and potential legal issues.

For example, I recently visited New York City and was excited to try the famous "Los Tacos No. 1." However, I also noticed another taco shop simply named "Los Tacos." This similarity can easily confuse potential customers and although it may occasionally seem to be in your favor, it leaves a bad impression for those who were looking for “Los Tacos #1.

To avoid this pitfall, do your research and choose a unique domain name that reflects your brand's personality. Consider using keywords related to your specific niche or location to help you stand out in search engine results.

You're setting yourself up for success by choosing a distinctive domain name. So, let’s get creative and pick a name that will make your business truly stand out!

Now, I'd love to hear about your biggest domain name challenges or successes, let me know in the comments!