How to Get the Best Domain Name for Your Website: The #1 Tip That Everybody Seems to Miss

The Problem with Taken Domain Names

There are so many guides out there that explain how to choose a domain name for a company, but what most of them miss is the obvious problem: What do you do when a domain you want is taken? After all, if we apply the ultimate list of criteria and choose a good name accordingly, chances are the domain is taken. Why is it taken? Well, because it's a nice name. Because it is desired.

If we only choose according to what's available, it significantly lowers our chances to land the right strike. Why would a good domain in the .com extension be available? Only two options are: Either you know something all of the others don't, or it's simply not a desired name. It may be an okay name, bearable, but not so nice.

Assessing Domain Quality

Fact is, a good name will most likely be taken in many other extensions as well besides .com. You can learn a lot about the quality of a domain by checking how many extensions it is taken in. Typically, if a .com domain is available, it will also be available in all other extensions, meaning it is registered in ZERO extensions. What does that mean? No interest whatsoever. That's not a good start for choosing your domain name.

The Value of Aftermarket Domains

Thankfully, these days you can still buy a good domain name from other people in the aftermarket. Yes, they cost money. Because they have value. Because they are nice.

Good domains, that have been registered for twenty-plus years and make for good, short, pronounceable, memorable names, are what you want. And you can get one if you are willing to think outside the box/like a pro and allocate a budget for it. It is the foundation on which you will build everything else. Consider it might justify a budget. And you don't need to spend much. Even a $500 domain name is likely way better than any available alternative you may have found.

The Investment Perspective

How much will the website cost? How much are you going to pay for a logo? You pay hundreds if not thousands of dollars for your PC or Mac, which you will have to replace in a few years, and you limit yourself to a 20 bucks domain name that will accompany you for life?

When you start realizing the lifetime value of a good domain name, you will be willing to pay for it. In fact, you will start appreciating the fact that it is even possible to get one and be happy to make that investment.

Budgeting for a Good Domain

True, only the very few can afford the really good ones. You probably do not plan on spending 7 figures on your domain name like this guy did. But you certainly still can learn a lot from investigating why good domain names trade for that kind of money and draw conclusions for your own online endeavor. In 2020, it is still possible to acquire a splendid domain name for 4 figures, and sometimes less than that. We believe this to be a time-sensitive opportunity to get a global presence for what is comparatively peanuts.

Payment Plans for Domain Names

One more tip: If you realize the value for you but cash flow is your biggest issue, you can check with the owner whether they'd be willing to offer a payment plan so that you can pay off your domain name on a monthly basis until you pay it off, and then it's yours forever (you do need to remember to renew the domain on an annual basis at your registrar). This payment schedule option is gaining popularity as more and more are unable to come up with the whole sum upfront.

We, at Domain Poodle, also offer payment plans for the higher-priced names to help make the right domain match possible for your company. Simply reach out and ask us if and which payment plan we offer on your desired domain name.