How to choose a good domain name for the website?

In the era of the internet, having a domain name is essential, whether it's for a website, a mobile app, or a mini-program. A domain name serves as the digital address or identity of your online presence. Let's discuss how to choose a good domain name following the principles of simplicity, memorability, and brevity, with a maximum of 12 characters.

1. Simplicity

Simplicity means your domain name should be clear and easy to understand at first glance. Avoid using a combination of numbers and letters in your domain. For example, the old domain name for JD.com used to be 360buy.com or buy360.com, but it became much simpler and memorable as JD.com, which stands for Jing Dong, the company's initials. While there are successful domain names with alphanumeric combinations, like hao123.com, it's important to note that hao123.com's success was partly due to its early entry into the internet market when competition was limited.

2. Memorability

A memorable domain name is one that can be easily remembered with a quick glance. Examples include baidu.com (Baidu), qq.com (Tencent QQ), yumingblog.com (Domain Blog), and weibo.com (Sina Weibo). If you look at the domain qiushibaike.com, you can probably pronounce it just by looking at the pinyin. The goal is to make your domain name instantly recognizable and easy to recall.

3. Brevity

Short domain names are generally better because they are easier to remember and type. However, finding short domain names can be challenging, as many have already been registered by domain investors. When registering a domain, try to keep it under 12 characters to ensure it's easily memorable. For example, VIP.com (formerly vipshop.com) is a great example of a short and memorable domain name that boosted brand recognition for VIP.com.

4. Alignment with Brand

Your domain name should align with your brand name. It wouldn't make sense to register baidu.com if your brand name is Google. When choosing a domain name, opt for one that matches your company or product's brand identity. In China, Chinese pinyin domain names often work well, considering that not everyone is proficient in English. Cultural differences play a significant role in domain name preferences.

It's important to note that finding an ideal domain name is not always easy, especially for short, memorable names, as many were registered in the mid-1990s. If you're determined to find the right domain, you can consider working with domain brokers to negotiate and acquire the domain you want.