The cursor blinked at me from the domain registration page, and I felt completely stuck. Although I had a brilliant business idea brewing in my head, I was frozen by a simple question: what should I call my website?
If you’re staring at that same blank field right now, wondering if you’re too late to the internet party, I completely understand. You’ve got this fantastic idea for an online business, but choosing a domain name feels like trying to pick the perfect name for someone else’s baby. What if all the good ones are taken? What if you sound unprofessional next to all those younger entrepreneurs? What if you pick something awful and everyone can tell you’re new to this?
Take a deep breath. Here’s what I wish someone had told me back then: choosing a domain name isn’t about being the most creative person in the room. It’s about being clear, helpful, and authentic. Three things you’ve probably mastered through your decades of life experience.
A domain name is your online address, the thing people type to find your website. It’s often the first impression of your business, which means it’s worth getting right. But it doesn’t need to be complicated or clever. Let me share seven practical tips that will make this process much easier and help you feel confident in your choice.
1. Keep It Short and Sweet
The best domain names are the ones people can remember without writing them down. Aim for something under 15 characters if possible. I know it’s tempting to be descriptive, but long names are harder to type correctly and more prone to typos.
Think about successful online businesses started by women like us. Names like FiftyFlowers.co.uk or WiseOwlCrafts.com work because they’re short, clear, and memorable. You don’t need to explain your entire business model in your domain name.
2. Make It Easy to Spell and Say
If you tell someone your domain name over the phone, they should be able to spell it without asking you to repeat it three times. I learned this lesson the hard way with my first attempt at a domain name. I thought “CreativeConnexions” (with an X) was terribly clever until I realised I’d spend half my life spelling it out for people.
Stick with common words and standard spellings. Your domain name isn’t the place to show off your creativity with unusual spelling choices.
3. Use Keywords That Actually Help
Including a relevant keyword can help people understand what you do before they even visit your site. If you’re starting a blog about growing vegetables in small spaces, something like ContainerGardening.co.uk immediately tells visitors what to expect.
But here’s the thing: don’t force it. If your perfect keyword domain is taken or sounds awkward, it’s better to choose something clear and brandable instead. You can always optimise your website content for search engines later.
4. Stick to .com or .co.uk When Possible
People automatically assume .com or .co.uk when typing website addresses. I’ve watched friends struggle with .info or .biz domains because visitors couldn’t remember the extension. While other options exist, they often feel less trustworthy to older generations, which might include some of your potential customers.
If your ideal .com is taken, check the .co.uk version. Sometimes being specifically British can actually work in your favour, especially if you’re targeting UK customers.
5. Check Social Media Before You Commit
One thing that caught me off guard was discovering my chosen domain name was completely different from available social media handles. Consistency across platforms makes it easier for people to find and follow you everywhere.
Take five minutes to check Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. You don’t need identical names, but they should be similar enough that people can make the connection (without the X!).
6. Avoid Hyphens and Numbers
Trust me on this one. If your domain includes hyphens or numbers, you’ll spend ages explaining it to people. “It’s Five-Star-Bakes with the number five, not the word, and there are hyphens between each word.”
Keep it simple with just letters. Your future self will thank you every time someone can find your website without a detailed explanation.
7. Act Quickly When You Find the Right One
Good domain names disappear fast. I once spent a week deliberating over a perfect name, only to discover someone else had registered it while I was thinking it over. These days, domain registration costs less than a monthly coffee shop habit, so there’s no reason to wait once you’ve found something you like.
Most registrars make the process straightforward, and you can secure your name for just a few pounds per year.
Now, here’s something that might surprise you. Take five minutes right now to write down what your business will actually do for people. Not the fancy marketing version, just the honest, helpful truth. Your perfect domain name is probably hiding in that simple description.
👇 Pause and Think: What domain name ideas have popped into your head while reading this? Grab a notebook and write down three possibilities.
My Domain Name Journey
Let me tell you about my spectacular first failure. I spent days crafting what I thought was the perfect domain. It was for my doggy blog, and I was being a bit too clever. But I stuck with it, and still have it however many years later. And I still wish I hadn’t been quite so clever. Other domain names I’ve loved. But then I haven’t really loved the niche so they have tumbled by the wayside.
What If You Choose Wrong?
Here’s something nobody talks about enough: you can change your domain name later if you need to. Yes, it’s easier to get it right the first time, but it’s not a life sentence. I know successful bloggers who’ve rebranded completely and maintained their audience through the transition.
The key is not to let perfectionism stop you from starting. A decent domain name with a live website beats a perfect domain name that never gets used because you’re still deciding.
A Simple Exercise to Find Your Name
Try this approach that worked for me, and I wish I’d found it earlier:
Write down three words that describe what you actually do for people. Not what you hope to do someday, but what you’re planning to start with. Add your location or target audience if it’s relevant. Check if any combinations are available. Say them out loud to yourself. If you can say it clearly without stumbling, you’re on the right track.
For example, if you’re starting a blog about budget-friendly home decorating for people over 50, you might write: Budget, Décor, Mature. That could become BudgetDecorIdeas.co.uk or MatureHomeStyle.com.
Final Thoughts
Remember, we’re all figuring this out together. Starting an online business in your 50s or 60s isn’t about competing with 25-year-old influencers. It’s about bringing your wisdom, experience, and authentic perspective to people who need exactly what you offer.
Your domain name doesn’t need to be the cleverest thing on the internet. It just needs to be clear, professional, and easy for your ideal customers to find and remember. Choose something that feels right for you, register it, and move on to the exciting part: building your actual business.
What name ideas have come to mind while reading this? I’d love to hear what you’re considering in the comments below. Sometimes talking through options with other women on similar journeys can help clarify your thinking.
coming up next – what is the best platform for building a website.