Choosing the right domain name for your website is one of the most important decisions you‘ll make when starting a new online venture. An awesome domain name is short, memorable, descriptive, easy to spell, and gives your visitors a hint about what your website is all about.
But coming up with a domain name that checks all those boxes can be tricky! To help you on your quest for domain name perfection, here are 21 clever tactics to spark your creativity:
1. Combine Your Niche or Keywords with a Location
One effective template for creating a domain name is to take your primary keyword or niche and combine it with a location or destination word. For example:
- Fishing + Palace = FishingPalace.com
- Cooking + Kitchen = CookingKitchen.com
- Yoga + Retreat = YogaRetreats.com
This gives site visitors the impression that your website covers a tangible, physical location while clearly communicating what you offer.
2. Make it Personal with Pronouns
Using pronouns like “your” or “my” in a domain can make it feel more customized and personal to each visitor. For example:
- YourCookingCoach.com
- MyGraphicDesigns.com
- OurFamilyTravels.com
People inherently like personalization, so this tactic helps make them feel important and catered to.
3. Tap Into Emotions with Adjectives
Much like pronouns, using adjective words that tap into emotions helps visitors connect with your brand on a deeper level. Some examples:
- InspiringArtist.com
- PassionateTeacher.com
- CreativeWriting.com
4. Combine Two Words with a Portmanteau
A portmanteau is when you blend two words together to create something new. For example, “podcast” is a combination of the words “iPod” and “broadcast.”
Some website examples:
- Pinterest (Pin + Interest)
- Tumblr (Tumble + Blog)
- Flickr (Flip + Flickr)
This is a smart way to create a short, unique word for your domain name.
5. Describe Your Niche with Adjectives
Similar to using emotional adjectives, you can also describe your niche to make it clear to visitors what you offer. For example:
- SmartBlogger.com
- EthicalMarketing.com
- PowerfulBotanicals.com
Using a descriptive word helps communicate the essence of your brand.
6. Add Authority with Occupations
Sometimes you want your domain name to portray you as an expert in your field. Using authoritative occupations can accomplish that.
For example:
- ProfessorEnglish.com
- DoctorFinance.com
- LawyerEcommerce.com
Just be sure to use appropriately high-level job titles that match your expertise.
7. Show Your Website Type or Purpose
If education or connecting with a community will be central focuses of your site, add a word about that purpose to your domain. For example:
- DIYTutorials.com
- MomMeetups.com
- CodingLessons.com
Clearly stating your website’s purpose helps attract the right visitors.
8. Use an Action Verb
Transformation words can be inspiring in a domain name. Verbs like improve, progress, enrich and transform work well.
Some examples:
- ProgressEnglish.com
- TransformHealth.com
- EnrichRelationships.com
These give visitors incentive to come to your site for positive change.
9. Inspire with Adjectives
Uplifting, motivational words also make great domain name fodder. Words like hope, courage, joy and thrive work wonderfully.
For example:
- CourageousLiving.com
- ThrivingFamily.com
- JoyfulLearning.com
These sites feel inspiring before visitors even arrive!
10. Add Interest with Animals or Creatures
Giving your domain “character” with a fun animal or imaginary creature word sparks visual interest and memorability.
For example:
- WritingMonkeys.com
- BudgetBuffalos.com
- EasyIguanas.com
Just be sure it matches your brand personality and niche.
11. Localize with a Location
If you serve a particular city or country, adding your location to the domain name helps visitors instantly know your service area.
For example:
- MiamiHouseCleaning.com
- CanadaCarpentry.com
- BristolBakehouse.com
But don’t limit yourself unnecessarily if you hope to later go national or global.
12. Use a Thesaurus to Find Alternatives
Can’t get the exact domain name you want? Plug your keywords into a thesaurus to discover close alternatives that may be available to register.
For example:
- TotalFishing.com (taken)
- CompleteFishing.com (available)
- UtterFishing.com (available)
13. Show Community with Descriptors
Words like family, tribe, troop, circle, crew and league convey togetherness and community – perfect for niche sites wanting visitor engagement.
For example:
- ZenTribe.com
- ClassroomCircle.com
- FinanceTroop.com
14. Leverage Related Words
Don’t want to completely give away your niche in the domain name? Using a related words generator can help you discover keywords that are relevant but not obvious.
For example, for a tech blog:
- TechnoScope.com
- DigitalInsight.com
- InnovateHub.com
15. Use a Related Catchphrase Instead
Rather than force fitting awkward keywords, create a short catchphrase that summarizes your niche instead.
For example:
- CaptainOfTheSeas.com (fishing)
- CameraLegends.com (photography)
- TheMindfulKitchen.com (cooking)
These are more natural while maintaining topic relevance.
16. Twist Competitor Domains
Spy on competitors’ domains for inspiration. Tweak a word or two to put your own spin on it.
For example:
- TackleBox.com (taken)
- HookBox.com (available)
- ReelCrate.com (available)
Review sites in your space to spur new domain ideas you can model after.
17. Make a Domain Name Formula
Create a formula combining your keyword and goals. What do you want visitors to do on your site? Add that action.
For example:
- {Keyword} + Learn (CookingLearn.com)
- {Keyword} + University (WritingUniversity.com)
- {Keyword} + Habits (MoneyHabits.com)
Mix and match for customizable templates you can replicate.
18. Use Your Name or Pen Name
If you’re building a personal brand site, your domain name should feature your real name or professional nickname.
For example:
- AdamConnell.com
- CarolynTwain.com
- SarahJeckyll.com
This helps visitors instantly associate content with you.
19. Try a Domain Name Generator
If all else fails, let a domain name generator suggest creative ideas you can tweak or use as-is. Namesilo and Panabee are two good generators to try.
20. Play with Alliteration
Domains with repeating first letters and sounds tend to be catchier and more unforgettable.
For example:
- SavvySocial.com
- BraveBudgeting.com
- CleverCleaning.com
Aim for 2-3 words in your domain for ideal stickiness.
21. Combine Multiple Tactics
Don’t limit yourself to just one naming method. Blend multiples together for truly one-of-a-kind domains.
For example:
- Noun + Verb + Keyword (TheGrillingGal.com)
- Emotive + Keyword + Location (JoyfulParentingTexas.com)
- Pen Name + Related Word + Description + Alliteration (BettysBrilliantBlogging.com)
Go wild mixing and mashing to concoct your own secret sauce domain name!
Choosing your ideal available domain name takes both creativity and perseverance. But follow this guide, harness these 21 naming tactics, and you’ll be able to discover (or invent) your perfect website domain match.
The ultimate keys for domain name perfection are:
- Short – Between 5 and 15 letters
- Memorable – Interesting word choice, alliteration
- Descriptive – Communicates your niche
- Easy to spell – No confusing spellings
- Hints at purpose – Includes keyword, action, type of site, etc.
It also must be available to register for a reasonable price. Once you’ve brainstormed potential names, be sure to check availability right away so you don’t fall love with a domain you can’t actually have.
Our recommended domain name registrar for both affordability and usability is Namecheap. It‘s where we register all of our domain names.
Best of luck crafting that perfect website domain identity. Go forth to hook visitors and make your online presence unforgettable!
