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How to choose a domain name for your site
You pick a domain rarely — and live with it for years. A good name is easy to say, remember, and type; a bad one gets mixed up with competitors or forgotten after outdoor ads.
Below: practical criteria — zone, uniqueness, region, length, and how well it survives a phone call. TLD levels and zone SEO are separate; payment steps at the registrar are in the registration guide.
Zone and audience habit
For business in Russia, `.ru` and `.рф` are familiar. New thematic gTLDs fit campaigns, but as the main address they’re often harder to remember.
If the audience is wider than the CIS — look at `.com` or local ccTLDs on purpose, not “because it’s free.”
Uniqueness and competitor mix-ups
A name like neighbors in the niche — one letter changed, or “tech/mech/service” swapped — sends leads to the wrong place and costs you yours.
List competitor domains before you register. Avoid hyphen mirrors of an already taken non-hyphen name.
Short names that survive a phone call
Rule of thumb: short (often up to ~12 second-level characters), one or two clear roots, no rare letters people spell differently by ear (w/v, j/y, and so on).
Test: dictate the name to colleagues on the phone. If they argue about spelling — simplify.
Name checklist:
- zone is clear to the audience
- not confused with competitors
- easy to dictate
- no extra hyphens
- domain history checked before purchase
FAQ
Which zone for a Russian audience?
Most often `.ru` or `.рф` for local traffic. Exotic gTLDs fit promos better than as the only main address.
Register with the host?
You can, but a separate registrar is easier: switch hosting later without losing control of the name.
Should the domain include a region?
Helpful if you work in one city or area. A downside — with national growth the name can feel too tight.
Is a keyword in the domain required?
No. A clear brand beats a long hyphenated exact-match.
Are hyphens OK?
Better without — people often skip the hyphen when typing. If the non-hyphen version is taken, weigh the confusion risk.
Several domains for one site?
Yes: a short one for ads plus a branded corporate name, with 301 to the canonical.
Mix Russian and English in the name?
Pick one transliteration or language logic so people don’t guess when typing.
Picking a domain you’ll dictate for years — still guessing the spelling?
We’ll check zone, uniqueness, spoken clarity, and history so the name helps marketing instead of confusing clients.
Discuss the task
