Your domain name is your address on the internet - on your website, email, visiting cards and every advertisement. A good one is easy to say, easy to type and lasts for decades. A poor one causes misspelt emails and lost visitors for years. Here is a simple, practical way to choose the right domain name for your business.
Keep it short, clear and easy to spell
- Shorter is better - aim for something people can type correctly after hearing it once.
- Avoid hyphens and numbers; they are easy to forget when said aloud.
- Avoid unusual spellings of common words.
- Say it over the phone to someone - if they ask "how do you spell that?", keep looking.
Use your brand name, then add a keyword if needed
Your business name is usually the best domain. If it is taken, add a short word that describes what you do or where you are - for example adding "tech", "school", "clinic" or your city. Keep the brand first so the domain still sounds like your company.
Choose the right extension: .com, .in or .co.in
| Extension | Best for |
|---|---|
| .com | Businesses serving customers in India and abroad; the most recognised worldwide |
| .in / .co.in | Businesses focused on Indian customers - clearly signals an Indian company |
| .org | NGOs, trusts and associations |
| .online, .store, .tech | Newer extensions - useful when the .com is taken, often cheaper in the first year |
If budget allows, register both the .com and the .in of your name and point one to the other. It protects your brand and catches visitors who type the other one.
Check before you buy
- Search availability and compare first-year and renewal prices - renewals can be higher.
- Check that the name is not a trademark of another company.
- Check social media handles with the same name.
- Make sure the domain is registered in your name and email, not the developer's.
After registration: protect and use it
- Turn on auto-renewal or renewal reminders - expired domains can be lost.
- Enable privacy protection where available.
- Set up business email on the domain (you@yourcompany.com) - it builds trust far more than a free email address.
- Add an SSL certificate so your website shows the padlock.
You can search and register .com, .in, .co.in and many more in Netmore's domain store, with business email, hosting and SSL, a GST invoice and renewal reminders included.
Frequently asked questions
Is .com or .in better for an Indian business?
Both work well. Choose .in or .co.in if your customers are mainly in India, .com if you also serve customers abroad - and register both if you can.
What if my business name is already taken?
Add a short descriptive word or your city to the name, or choose another extension such as .in, .co.in or a newer extension.
Can I move my domain to another provider later?
Yes. A domain can be transferred using its transfer (EPP) code, usually with one extra year of registration added.