You’ve got a business idea, maybe even a logo sketched out, and now it’s time to put your name on the internet. That’s when you sit down to search domain names. Seems simple enough. But here’s the thing – this is where many people slip up, especially first-timers.
Getting a domain isn’t just a technical step. It’s your online identity. If it doesn’t work, your site could get lost in the noise or mislead your audience. So before you hit that “buy” button, it’s worth knowing what not to do.
Not Thinking It Through
Some folks pick the first available name and move on. Sounds efficient, right? But a few months later, they realise it doesn’t match their brand voice or is tough to remember. Worse, it confuses people.
Take a pause before deciding. Say the name out loud. Write it down. Ask someone else to type it from memory. If it fails any of these tests, it might not be the one.
Making It Too Complicated
You’ve probably come across websites with names like “xpress-solutions247.biz” or something full of hyphens and numbers. Hard to remember, harder to trust. A clean, simple name usually works better.
Watch out for:
- Random spellings to be “creative”
- Words that sound like others (site vs. sight)
- Symbols, dashes, or digits unless truly needed
You want something that’s easy to type on both desktop and phone, especially for local audiences who may not be tech-savvy.
Ignoring Local Touch
In Singapore, we’re quite proud of our local presence, and it shows in how we engage online. If your target is a Singapore-based audience, consider a .sg domain. It builds instant recognition. It tells users you’re here, not operating remotely.
That said, it’s not only about the extension. Think of the name itself. Will it make sense to someone here? Does it sound like a global brand or a small local blog? Both are fine, but they have different expectations.
Forgetting About Social Platforms
You’re not just building a website. You’re building a brand. If your domain is available, that’s great. But if someone else is using the same name on Instagram or Facebook, that’s going to be a problem. It confuses people and scatters your audience.
So once you search domain names and find one you like, do a quick handle check across all the usual platforms. Even if you don’t plan to use them yet, reserve them.
Missing Trademark Checks
Here’s something many overlook. Just because a name is available doesn’t mean it’s safe. It could still be a registered trademark, and using it can get you into legal trouble down the road.
In Singapore, checking trademarks is simple. A quick search on IPOSGo or the official database can tell you what’s taken. It’s better to know now than to get a takedown notice after months of marketing.
Going Too Generic
Let’s say you’re selling flowers and pick “bestflowers.com”. That name sounds fine, but it’s also forgettable. Too broad. Too similar to dozens of others.
Instead, try combining a keyword with something unique to you – your name, your location, or even your style. “BloomsbyJia” or “BotanicEast.sg” is more memorable than something plain.
Not Checking Domain History
Here’s another sneaky issue. Some domains have a past. Maybe they were used for spam or had bad content. If you buy one of those, search engines may still associate it with that history.
Use tools like the Wayback Machine to see what was on the site before. If it looks shady, it probably is. Better to find a clean slate.
Locking Yourself into a Niche
It’s easy to name your site after your current product or service. But what if you pivot later? Say you start with handmade candles and call your site “ScentedWicks.sg”. It’s nice until you expand into diffusers and bath products. Now the name feels limiting.
Choose something flexible, especially if your plans might evolve. Keep it broad enough to allow change, but still true to your identity today.
Not Securing Variations
If you’ve found the perfect domain, it’s wise to grab similar ones too. Plural forms, common misspellings, or different extensions can be used by others to redirect traffic or even impersonate your brand.
It’s a small investment that protects your online identity. Even just redirecting them to your main site makes sure no traffic goes to the wrong place.
Conclusion
When you search domain names, you’re not just finding a URL. You’re setting the tone for your digital future. Mistakes here can cost time, effort, and credibility. So go slow, think wide, and check everything; your audience, your brand, your future goals. A well-chosen domain does more than look good. It helps people find, trust, and remember you.