If you do already have a name for your artist brand, choosing a domain name can be just as easy as adding a .com<\/em> to the end of it. In fact, that\u2019s exactly what you should do if you can. The problem here is that your brand name might not be available as a .com<\/em>, so that\u2019s where the rest of this article can help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The .com <\/em>domain extension is still the most widely used throughout the internet. Fun fact: it stands for commercial! Most people are familiar with this extension and might even assume that a brand has a .com<\/em> extension even if it doesn\u2019t, because that\u2019s how popular it is. Its popularity makes it the easiest to remember. A .com<\/em> extension can also give you more domain authority, which will help you rank higher up in Google search results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re lucky and your brand name is available with a .com<\/em> extension, then definitely snap it up! This is the easiest approach for you and your customers. If they already know your brand name, they\u2019ll have no trouble finding you online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you can\u2019t use .com<\/em>, try using another top-level domain extension like .net, .org<\/em>, or .co<\/em>. Like words, these extensions can have connotations. For instance, .net <\/em>is often associated with technology services, and .org<\/em> with non-profits. However, this isn\u2019t a fixed rule, so if you want to use .net<\/em> but aren\u2019t a tech company, you still have the option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The more characters someone needs to type into the search bar, the more chances there are for them to make a typo. Keeping your domain short cuts down on the room for error. It also helps with linking in the future; for times when you\u2019re posting your link around the internet (like on social media), a shorter link will look cleaner and be able to fit in shorter character limits if necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This one is a given, but it can also be hard to gauge how memorable something is. A memorable domain is one that has straight-forward spelling and doesn\u2019t have unnecessary characters in it. It can be hard for people to recall if a word is spelled differently in your domain, so it\u2019s best to avoid the confusion all together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Numbers come in two forms, the numeral and the spelled-out version. That means you\u2019ll always have to specify which one is used in your domain. How many times do you want to say \u201cit\u2019s five, but spelled out f-i-v-e instead of the number 5\u201d? Probably not that many\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n A similar concept applies here. If something is hyphenated, you\u2019ll need to tell them where the hyphen is. Many people also use the word \u201cdash\u201d which can get confusing. Is it the end of the world if your domain has a hyphen? Definitely not, but avoiding them can make your life just a bit easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It might sound obvious to check to see if anyone else uses a domain name before you do, especially because if it already exists, you won\u2019t be able to purchase it. In this case, it\u2019s wise to see if there are existing trademarks using the same name. If another brand uses the same name but doesn\u2019t have a website, you could get into hot water in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do a Google search, then head to the UK government\u2019s tradema<\/a>r<\/a>k database<\/a> to be completely sure before you purchase your domain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Everything is simpler when your channels are the same. If possible, keep your brand name, social media handles, and domain name the same. It\u2019s familiar and people will always know where to find you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re familiar with SEO<\/a>, you\u2019ll know that keywords are the phrases that best describe the content of a page. They\u2019re also what people type into a search engine (like Google) to find what they\u2019re looking for. You don\u2019t have to use a keyword in your domain \u2013 in fact, many websites don\u2019t \u2013 but it can be helpful. Since a keyword describes your content, people will know roughly what your business is from your domain name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An example of this would be if you\u2019re selling\u00a0loungewear<\/a>\u00a0and you use that word in your domain name. If you\u2019ve decided on \u201cLux\u201d to be the name of your brand, consider making your domain LuxLoungewear.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now you have created the perfect domain name it is time to watch your business grow. But with growth comes minor setbacks and mistakes, but we have you covered. Check out this video on common online business mistakes, so you can avoid them.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTips For Choosing a Domain Name<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Use .Com<\/em> If You Can<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Domain](\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shutterstock_111435881-1.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n2. Make it Short<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Make it Memorable<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Domain](\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shutterstock_1463229359.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n4. Stay Away From Numbers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. And From Hyphens<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Do Your Research<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Domain](\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shutterstock_223570405-1.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n7. Consistency is Key<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8. Consider Keywords<\/h3>\n\n\n\n