Give Your Site the Right Name
Take the time to choose the right name for your site
Choosing a name for your website can feel like a big decision. And honestly, it is. Your name is often the first thing people see, and you want it to stick in their minds.
But here's the good news: you don't have to decide right away. Your SimDif account comes with a free simdif.com address which you can use for as long as you like. This gives you time to think, and find something that feels right.
A simple test for any name
The best test is surprisingly straightforward. Tell a few people your web address out loud, then ask them to type it. If they can do it correctly without asking questions, you've found a good name.
This test reveals problems you might not notice on your own. Names that look fine on screen can be confusing when spoken. If someone has to ask "Is that with a 'y' or an 'i'?" or "Are there hyphens?", the name might need rethinking.
A name that's easy to remember and easy to type will serve you well for years to come.
Your brand name, or words that describe what you do?
If you already have a business name that people know, make sure it's in your domain. For example, if your café is called Lucia, you might choose cafelucia•com or luciacafe•com.
But many people are starting fresh, without an established brand. In that case, think about how strangers might search for what you offer. Someone looking for bike repairs in Cape Town isn't going to search for your name. They'll search for "bike repair cape town" or something similar.
This is where descriptive keywords become valuable. A name like bikerepaircapetown•com tells visitors exactly what they'll find. It also helps Google understand what your site is about.
Sometimes you can combine both approaches. marisolbakerypuebla•com includes the brand name, what's offered, and where it is. Just make sure the result is clear and easy to remember. Two or three terms work well. More than that can be difficult.
When hyphens help (and when they don't)
If your preferred name is available without hyphens, that's usually the better choice. Non-hyphenated names are easier to remember, easier to share out loud, and look more professional.
Avoid using more than one hyphen. A name like marisol-bakery-puebla•com might look untrustworthy to visitors. But if marisolbakery•com is already taken, marisol-bakery•com is perfectly fine.
