Choosing a good domain name

You keep a domain name for years. A few extra minutes of thought saves a decade of explaining.

Pronounceable over the phone

That is the best test. If you have to spell your name every time, it is too complicated. Avoid hyphens and digits for that reason.

Short rather than descriptive

A name describing exactly what you do today limits you in five years. A shorter, more neutral name grows with you.

The extension

In Belgium .be remains the standard for a local audience. Take the .com as well if you like, but pick one as your main address and redirect the other.

Check before you buy

Is the name already in use as a trademark? Is there a spam history on the domain? Both take minutes to check and save a lot of trouble.

Do not buy ten variants

One main address and possibly a defensive registration. Ten redirecting domains give no search benefit.