This updated guide explains how to pick a short, memorable, and brandable domain name, why .com remains useful, and what technical and security steps to take. It also outlines simple upselling strategies - multi-year pricing, service bundles, and partnerships - to increase customer retention and recurring revenue.

Why a good domain name still matters

A clear domain name helps people remember and type your site, builds brand trust, and makes marketing easier. Search engines use many signals, so a domain alone won't guarantee top rankings, but a strong name improves discoverability and credibility.

Practical naming rules

  • Keep it short and simple. Short names reduce typos and fit better in ads and social profiles.
  • Favor brandability over exact keywords. Exact-match domains used to boost SEO more than they do now; a memorable, easy-to-spell name typically performs better in the long run.
  • Prefer .com for broad consumer recognition. New and niche TLDs (for example .io or .ai) work well for startups and tech projects, but .com still reads as the default for many users.
  • Avoid hyphens and numbers. They are harder to communicate by voice and increase the chance of user error.
  • Check for trademarks and confusingly similar names. Avoid domains that could infringe established brands or be easily mixed up with competitors.
  • Make it readable. If your domain uses multiple words, consider capitalization for display (MyDomainName.com) to help clarity in written materials.

Technical and security considerations

  • Use a reputable registrar and enable auto-renew to avoid accidental expiration. Also enable registrar lock and two-factor authentication when available to protect transfers.
  • Consider domain privacy (WHOIS privacy) if you do not want your personal contact details publicly available.
  • Plan DNS and email: choose a provider that supports reliable DNS and email routing, or bundle hosting and email at purchase.

Selling and retaining customers (upselling tactics)

  • Offer multi-year registration discounts or transparent multi-year pricing. Many customers value one transaction and the peace of mind of extended ownership.
  • Bundle services: website hosting, managed DNS, SSL certificates, professional email, and simple site builders are common add-ons that increase lifetime value.
  • Build partnerships: work with web designers, marketing agencies, or SaaS providers to offer package deals that solve more than just domain registration.
  • Provide renewal reminders and a smooth transfer process. Clear communication reduces churn and builds trust.

Final checklist before you register

  1. Is it short, easy to spell, and easy to say aloud?
  1. Does it avoid trademarks or confusing similarity?
  1. Is the matching social handle available?
  1. Does your registrar offer privacy, auto-renew, and security controls?
Choosing a good domain is part creativity, part practical planning. Keep names simple, protect them with basic security, and consider bundling services to grow recurring revenue.

FAQs about Good Domain Name

Are keywords in a domain still important for SEO?
Keywords in a domain can help with relevance, but search engines weigh many signals today. Prioritize brandability and user experience over exact-match keywords.
Should I always buy the .com version?
If available, .com is generally the best choice for broad consumer recognition. Niche TLDs like .io or .ai suit specific audiences, but consider brand fit and user expectations.
Is it worth registering a domain for multiple years?
Multi-year registration can reduce renewal risk and increase customer lifetime value. Offer clear pricing and the option for auto-renew to lower churn.
How can I protect my domain from theft?
Use a reputable registrar, enable registrar lock and two-factor authentication, enable auto-renew, and consider WHOIS privacy to keep contact details private.
What services should I bundle with domain registration?
Common bundles include web hosting, managed DNS, SSL certificates, professional email, and site builders. Bundles add convenience for customers and increase recurring revenue.