“I’m struggling to settle on a domain name! The one I want is already taken. Are hyphens ok? What about using a .biz or .net or .co? Help!”
Have you ever asked questions like these? We get them in the forums and emails all the time. It’s time we shared our honest advice and stories on it.
In this episode we get into all the important domain name issues like choosing a TLD (.com, .co, .net, etc.), dealing with trademarks, choosing registrars, hosting, competitive research, etc.
And below I list off a bunch of topics (and the time in the podcast we mention them) as well as a boat load of tools to help you. Enjoy!
Here’s a list of factors to think about when you’re picking a domain name. Be sure to listen to the conversation above for insights about each!
We created a new resource for you to solve the ancient problem of finding the right name!
1. First timer: If you’re not already into WordPress, just go with Squarespace. 24/7 support, beautiful themes, reliable, professional, etc. If I was starting today, I would go this way (and I’ve been designing websites for 10 years).
2. First timer + WordPress: If you want to use WordPress and don’t own a bunch of domains just go to Bluehost ($3.95/mo discount through that affiliate link) and buy your domain there and setup your new website! (They make it real easy.)
3. Intermediate: If you own a handful of domains (or plan to) buy your domains through one of these. You’ll be able to setup your hosting with anyone.
I’ll list these out in order from those I like most to least. If you know of any others, please share them in the comments!
For each of these I did a search for “Mustache” and sometimes a few other words so you can see the results they delivered.
The 10-category name evaluation worksheet — a free worksheet we made at Fizzle to help you evaluate any name you come up with by 10 important categories.
Ready or not, here come the new Internet top-level domain names | ZDNet — “On February 4, you’ll be able to get Internet domain names with such new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) names as .CHEAP, .NINJA, or .SEXY.”
Steve Jobs: How Apple got its name. Computer – YouTube — “We decided we’d call it Apple Computers unless someone suggested a better name by 5 o’clock. Partly because I like apples a lot, and it comes before Atari in the phone book.”
Fizzle Web Hosting Guide — “Planning a new website or blog? Looking to upgrade your existing site? We’ve got you covered with this hosting guide.”
USPTO Search for Trademarks — Search for trademarks.
Trademarkia — Search for defunct trademarks! Shinola did.
12 Rules for Choosing the Right Domain Name – Moz — “I’ve listed 12 tips I find indispensable when helping people select a great domain name.”
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