What Domain Name Should I Choose for My Blog?
What domain name should I choose for my blog? There’s much to consider, including branding and SEO strategy. Read on to learn more about choosing a domain.
What domain name should I choose for my blog? You ask. There’s a lot to consider before slapping any ol’ URL and blog name to your website because it’s cute. You must consider SEO and your SEO strategy. A great domain name can get you to rank on Google search. Sounds confusing? No worries, I am here to help! I’m going to teach you how to choose a good domain name for SEO.
What Domain Name Should I Choose for My Blog?
What’s considered a good domain name for SEO? One that has been well-researched and selected strategically. Your domain name may be the first point of entry for readers. You want it to stand out and to speak to your audience. And yes, you want it to be brandtastic. Your domain name should also attract organic traffic from Google.
How to Choose a Good Domain Name for SEO
The first step to a strategic blog domain is to research SEO keywords. If you do not know how to do so, you can check out my Blog SEO Strategy Guide, an ebook that breaks down how to conduct SEO research in a snap. Once you’ve conducted the research consider the following:
Add your primary keyword in the domain (URL)
Do you write about recipes? Then "recipes" should be part of your URL. Do you sell tulle skirts? You guessed it, "tulle skirts" should be part of your URL.
When using primary keywords in your URL Google is very happy, which means it will make you happy. Cause you get traffic! Search engines and readers alike will know exactly what your website is about and that's exactly what you want. Extra tip: add your keyword at the beginning of your URL. Google likes that too.
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Brainstorm various names
Don't get stuck on one name because it's kitschy and so you. In fact, your domain should be less about you and more about strategy.
Brainstorm a few names (with keywords at the beginning of the URL). Do not decide on a name and shout it out on the 'Gram until you know if it’s available. That’s just one of the things you need to do before launching a blog. I list 20 other things right here in 22 Things to Do Before You Launch a Blog, a very detailed checklist for newbie bloggers.
Always use a .com
You're so excited, you're so excited (enter Saved by the Bell gif here!) you're so…scared!
Because your thought-out, well-researched name is taken!
"So what?" you say, "I love my new blog domain. I can just grab the .net."
STAAAAAAAAAAAAAHP!
As desperate as you may be to hold onto that domain, don't do it. It reeks of Amateur Hour. So, what domain name should I choose, Sujeiry? It’s time to go back to the drawing board. You’ll find a good domain for SEO that is available, I swear!
Keep it simple and short
You do not want a 30-letter domain name. Not only is it not as memorable, but a long domain name will become a hindrance when you actually publish blogs.
Imagine having this domain: youarethebestmomever.com
And then, you have a blog titled How to Discipline Your Kids with Love and the slug for the blog post is /discipline-your-kids-with-love
That means that the URL for that blog post will be: youarethebestmomever.com/discipline-your-kids-with-love
Holy Guacamole! That’s a long URL. In other words, disastrously long and horrible for SEO. In fact, SEO's best strategies state that your article URL should be no more than 50-60 characters. So, do yourself a favor and keep that domain name short, sweet, and to the point.
Avoid hyphens
When you introduce yourself to a potential brand and/or client, you don't say, "Hello, nice to meet you! My name is Sujeiry hyphen Gonzalez hyphen Blogging hyphen Coach!" That's what it sounds like when you add hyphens to your domain. Do not do it!
And last but certainly not least, think long term.
It's a bitch to change a domain name after you've published loads of blog posts. If you don’t move the content strategically to the new URL, your blog will be full of broken links (404 errors) and that hurt your SEO.
Think long-term when choosing your blog name for SEO. What are your long-term goals for this blog? How will you monetize it eventually? What direction do you want to take it in? It will save you a world of time if you map out your monetization plan, your blog content strategy, and your long-term blogging goals.
Cliff Notes for the Extra Busy
So, what domain should I choose again, Sujeiry? How do I choose a good domain name for SEO? Here’s a quick recap:
Conduct an SEO strategy for your domain name.
Create a list of domain names that are great for SEO and that also feel true to your brand, blog niche, and audience. If you don’t have all this squared away just yet, check out 22 Things to Do Before Launching a Blog.
Always use a .com.
A shorter domain name is better for everyone.
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