A domain name converts an IP address to words making it easier for your customers to remember your website. The domain name is one of the first steps for a web presence but can also be used for adding your brand to your emails (i.e. @fincomp.co.uk) or integrating your business with Microsoft 365.  The name should be chosen with some thought as this will inevitably be your businesses brand and how you will be remembered. What do you need to think about when you are choosing a domain name?

1. Keep it short, memorable and easy to type. Using more than 2-3 words, adding special characters (hyphens) or using uncommon words can lead to mistyping and the customer not remembering your website resulting in a loss of a site visitor or a lost email
2. Choose a good Top-Level Domains (TLDs). This is the ending of your domain name (.com or .co.uk). The most common TLDs are .com and .co.uk but there are a lot available. You can get industry specific TLDs, for example accountants can get a .accountants or digital marketers can get .media TLD.
3. Do some research. Do a google search on your domain name. Ensure that the name you have chosen hasn’t been trademarked or copyrighted and check on other websites with a similar name (i.e. one or two letters difference). This alternative website could lead a user to your competitor or to an unsavoury website