Choosing the Right Domain for Your Squarespace Website

Your domain name is more than just a web address—it’s your brand’s first impression and a key element of your online presence. It helps establish credibility and trust with your audience while making it easier for them to find and remember you. Whether you're launching a business, a portfolio, or a blog, choosing the right domain for your Squarespace website is essential. Here’s how to find the perfect one.

1. Keep It Simple and Memorable

A great domain name is easy to spell, pronounce, and remember. Avoid long, complicated words or unusual spellings that might confuse visitors. The simpler it is, the easier it will be for people to find you. A short, catchy name also increases the chances of word-of-mouth referrals, as people are more likely to share a domain that’s easy to recall. If possible, try saying it out loud to see if it sounds natural and effortless.

2. Use Keywords Wisely

Incorporating relevant keywords can help with SEO and make it clear what your website is about. For example, if you're a photographer, a domain like “JaneDoePhotography.com” can instantly convey your services. Keywords can also make your site more discoverable on search engines, potentially driving organic traffic. However, avoid keyword stuffing—your domain should still sound professional and brandable rather than overly generic or spammy.

3. Choose the Right Domain Extension

The .com extension is the most popular and widely recognised, but there are many other options, such as .co, .net, or industry-specific extensions like .design or .shop. If your desired .com domain isn’t available, consider alternative extensions that still make sense for your brand. Some niche extensions can actually enhance your branding, like .tech for technology businesses or .studio for creative professionals. Just make sure the extension you choose aligns with your audience’s expectations and doesn’t confuse potential visitors.

4. Avoid Hyphens and Numbers

Hyphens and numbers can make a domain harder to communicate verbally and increase the chances of typos. Stick to words that flow naturally together. For instance, a domain like "Best-Plumbing-Services123.com" is cumbersome and prone to errors, whereas "BestPlumbingServices.com" is much cleaner and easier to remember. Additionally, if people hear your domain spoken aloud, they may not know whether to use a numeral or spell out the number.

5. Check Availability and Trademarks

Before finalising your choice, check if the domain is available and if it’s already trademarked by another business. Squarespace allows you to search for and register domains directly through their platform.

6. Think Long-Term

Your domain should be able to grow with your business. Avoid overly specific names that might limit your expansion in the future. For example, “SmithsBakery.com” might not work well if you later expand into catering or coffee roasting. Instead, consider something broader, like “SmithsEats.com” or “SmithsKitchen.com”, which gives you flexibility for future business growth. A well-thought-out domain ensures you won’t have to rebrand later, saving you time and effort.

7. Secure Social Media Handles

For brand consistency, check if the matching social media handles are available. This helps create a cohesive online presence across multiple platforms. If your ideal domain is available but the social handles aren’t, consider slight variations that keep your brand identity intact, such as adding “official” or “hq” at the end. Having consistent branding across your website and social channels makes it easier for customers to find and engage with you.

8. Register Your Domain ASAP

Good domain names get snapped up quickly. Once you’ve found the perfect one, register it as soon as possible to secure your online identity. Even if you’re not ready to build your website right away, owning the domain ensures that no one else can claim it. Additionally, consider purchasing similar variations or common misspellings of your domain to prevent competitors from capitalising on your brand’s traffic.

Ready to Launch Your Squarespace Site?

Choosing the right domain is just the first step in building a strong online presence. If you need help setting up your Squarespace website, designing a professional look, or optimising it for search engines, I’m here to help! With my expertise, I can ensure that your site is visually appealing, functional, and primed for success. Get in touch to bring your vision to life.