When you’re setting up your pet services business online, one of the first—and most important—decisions you’ll make is choosing a domain name. Your domain name serves as your website’s address on the internet, and it’s crucial that it’s easy to remember, type, and share. But let’s be real: finding an available domain name can be tricky, especially when your business name includes common words like “dog,” “pet,” or “grooming.” (In fact, over 760 million domain names that have already been claimed—talk about a lot of competition!)
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of selecting the right domain name for your pet business, along with some important tips to keep in mind during your search.
Your Domain Name Really Matters
When it comes to your website, your domain name is more than just an address—it’s part of your brand’s identity. You want it to be:
- Easy to type: If your domain name is hard to spell or type, potential customers may get frustrated or make mistakes when trying to find you.
- Memorable: A catchy, straightforward name will make it easier for customers to remember and come back.
- Unique: Avoid names that could easily be confused with another website. You want to stand out, not get lost in a sea of similar-sounding sites.
The goal is to create a domain name that’s simple, clear, and makes a good first impression.
How to Search for an Available Domain
Finding the perfect domain name is often the hardest part. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone. There are plenty of tools that can help you find what’s available. One great resource is who.is, a domain name search tool where you can check if your desired name is already taken.
Tips for Searching:
- Start with your business name: If your business name is available as a domain, you’re in luck! But if it’s already taken, try adding a small variation or location-based keyword (e.g., “doggroomingNYC.com” or “PawsitiveCare.com”).
- Use keywords: Think about terms your customers are likely to search for (e.g., “dogcare,” “grooming,” “boarding,” etc.) and see if you can incorporate them into your domain name.
Avoid Hyphens, Misspellings, and Confusing Variations
While you might be tempted to get creative with your domain name, there are a few things you should avoid to make sure it’s easy for people to find and remember:
- No Hyphens: Hyphens can make your domain name harder to remember and prone to typing errors. Stick to simple, clean names without any punctuation.
- No Misspelled Words: Avoid using “creative” spellings of common words (like “Pawz” instead of “Paws”). While it might seem catchy, users could easily misspell it or not find your site. Keep it straightforward and simple.
Stick with a .com Domain, If Possible
If you’ve found that your perfect domain name is taken, you might be tempted to settle for a .net, .co, or another alternative. While this can work in some cases, it’s generally best to stick with a .com domain if you can. Here’s why:
- Users default to .com: When people think of a website, they almost always type “.com” automatically. If your domain has a different extension, they might end up on a competitor’s site instead.
- Trust and Credibility: .com domains have become the gold standard for credibility and trust online. A .net or other less common extension might make your website look less professional.
Keep It Short and Sweet
The shorter your domain name, the easier it is to remember and share. Avoid long, complicated names that are difficult to type or say. Ideally, aim for a name that’s two to three words long. This makes it more user-friendly and increases the chances that people will recall your domain when they need your services.
Consider Your Brand and Future Growth
As you brainstorm domain names, think about how it aligns with your brand. Your domain name will be tied to your online identity, so it should reflect the nature of your business. For example, if you’re running a high-end dog boarding facility, a simple, elegant name might be more fitting than something too cutesy or playful.
Also, consider how your domain will fit into your business’s future. Will you expand into new areas or services? If so, try to choose a name that’s flexible enough to grow with you. It might be tempting to use a specific service in your domain name (like “doggrooming.com”), but you might want to choose something more general in case you decide to offer additional services in the future.
Start Strong with a Great Domain Name
Selecting the right domain name is a crucial step in building your pet services business online. By keeping it simple, memorable, and professional, you’ll help ensure that your customers can easily find you and trust your brand. So, start brainstorming today, check availability on who.is, and choose a domain that reflects the unique personality of your pet business!
Need help getting your website up and running? At Pawjio, we specialize in building websites for pet services businesses with great domain names, easy-to-use designs, and powerful branding. Contact us today to get started!