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- How to make a portfolio for a job: a step-by-step guide for any industry
Ready to showcase your best work? Start building your portfolio → When you're job hunting, a great portfolio can be the difference between getting a callback—or getting ghosted. Whether you're a designer, developer, writer or marketing pro, learning how to make a portfolio for a job helps you showcase your best work, tell your story and prove your value. In this guide, we’ll walk you through why portfolios matter, how to make a portfolio using a website builder and inspiring examples made on Wix that can help you start strong—even if you're just learning how to make a website from scratch . Want help choosing the right platform? Check out the best website builders for portfolios —plus examples of the best portfolio websites to spark ideas. With Wix’s portfolio builder, you can create a professional, eye-catching portfolio in just a few clicks. Customizable templates and intuitive tools make it easy to showcase your work with confidence, leaving a lasting impression on every visitor. What is a work portfolio? A work portfolio (also called a career portfolio or job portfolio) is a curated collection of your best professional work. Unlike a resume, which lists your experience, a portfolio shows your skills in action—through visuals, case studies, results and testimonials . It can be a digital document or, more commonly, a website that you can link to in job applications, emails or social media profiles. Resume vs. work portfolio: What’s the difference? Feature Resume Work portfolio Purpose Summarizes experience and qualifications. Showcases actual work and skills in context. Format Usually one-page document (PDF or Word) Interactive website with multiple sections. Content Job titles, dates, responsibilities. Work samples, project breakdowns, results, testimonials. Design Basic formatting, minimal visuals. Custom branding, images, layouts and user-friendly navigation. Best for All industries. Visual, creative and tech fields (design, dev, marketing, etc.). Interactivity Static. Clickable, scrollable, multi-media rich. Discovery Often shared as an attachment. Can be found online via link or search engine. While your resume tells employers what you’ve done, your career portfolio shows how you do it—with real results. What to include in a job portfolio Wondering what to include in your portfolio? Here’s a breakdown (including several tips from a CMO for creating a portfolio that beats referrals ): Your best work (3–6 strong samples), including any relevant self-initiated work Project descriptions explaining your role and impact About section that tells your story Resume or downloadable CV Skills list or toolset you use Testimonials (optional but powerful) Contact info or CTA How to select your best work samples Not sure which projects to include? Ask yourself: Is this relevant to the job I want? Does it show my strongest skills? Did I have a major role in the outcome? Can I speak confidently about it in an interview? If you’re early in your career or switching industries, include personal projects, freelance work or even mock case studies. Need inspiration? We’ve included job portfolio examples built on Wix later in this post. Learn more: Best resume website builders Best website builders for freelancers Portfolio design How to design a website How to make a business website How to make an engineering portfolio Sample portfolio websites TL;DR: how to make a portfolio for a job Before we dive in, here’s a quick TL;DR to help you visualize the process. Whether you’re learning how to make a website from scratch or using an AI website builder , this table covers the core steps. Step What to do Why it matters Define your goal What job are you targeting? Tailor your context for that role. Help recruiters understand your value quickly. Choose a website builder Use an easy-to-use website builder like Wix to get started in minutes. You don’t need to code. Get a polished look fast. Choose a portfolio template Find a template that resonates with your niche. Easily design your job portfolio with a pre-designed template of your liking. Select and present your best work Upload work samples and explain your role, process and results. Add context—recruiters love this. Include an “About” and add a resume Share your background, skills and values. Make your story clear and human. Optimize for mobile and SEO Make sure your portfolio gets found by recruiters or clients. Implement SEO strategies and optimize your portfolio for mobile. Add a clear call to action Let them know how to contact or hire you. Turn visitors into opportunities. How to make a job portfolio step by step Define your goals and audience Choose a website builder Choose a portfolio template and design your site Select and present your best work Include an “About” and resume Optimize for mobile and SEO Add a clear call to action 01. Define your goals and audience Before you dive into building, clarify what you want your professional portfolio to achieve. Are you applying for a graphic design job? A role in UX? A digital marketing internship? Each goal calls for a different presentation of your skills and samples. Knowing your direction early helps shape everything that follows—from design to messaging to layout. Keep your focus narrow. A strong professional portfolio highlights your best work, not everything you’ve ever done. Think of it as your greatest hits collection—tailored to the job you want most. Once your goals are clear, the next step is to target your audience. Think about who will be reviewing your portfolio, such as employers, recruiters or clients. Consider what skills and qualities matter most to them. Understanding your audience helps guide decisions in the next steps of your portfolio. Pro tip: Keep it tight. This is a highlight reel, not a full archive. 02. Choose a website builder Once your content strategy is in place, it’s time to claim your space on the web. Start by choosing a domain name that reflects your name or personal brand. Not sure where to start? Use a domain name generator or conduct a domain name search to see what’s available and on-brand. Keep it short, memorable and relevant to your industry. After choosing your domain, you’ll need to register a domain and connect it to a host. If you’re wondering what is web hosting , it’s the service that makes your site accessible online. Platforms like Wix simplify this with free website hosting already included—so you don’t need to worry about tech setup. It's a fast, user-friendly option if you're learning how to make a website from scratch. Learn more: How to register a domain name If you’re not a coder, a platform like Wix is your best friend. You can use its AI website builder to answer a few questions and get a full, personalized portfolio site in minutes. "An outstanding portfolio is all about storytelling. It’s not just a showcase of work but a narrative that weaves together a professional’s skills, creativity and personality. Features like dynamic presets, AI setup and beautiful templates let creators bring their stories to life, ensuring that every portfolio not only stands out for its aesthetic appeal but also tells a compelling story about the creator behind it." - Hani Safe, product lead (Showcase) at Wix 03. Choose a portfolio template and design your site Time to bring your brand to life. This is where web design comes in. Start with a website template that fits your field—clean and modern for tech, bold and creative for design. Many portfolio templates are built specifically to highlight work samples, making it easy to plug in your content. Great web design isn’t just about visuals—it’s about structure and clarity. A strong portfolio template will guide the viewer’s eye naturally from your work to your story and then to your contact info. Prioritize easy website navigation , clear labels and section breaks for your projects, “About” blurb, resume and call to action . 04. Select and present your best work Now for the fun part: uploading work samples. Only include 3–6 pieces that reflect your skill set and align with the job you’re targeting. These can be client projects, internships, personal experiments or even class assignments if you're just getting started. Each item should be more than a screenshot. Include short project descriptions with context. What was the goal? What did you do? What were the results? This storytelling element turns static work into a narrative hiring managers can understand and connect with. For each item in your portfolio, go beyond the surface. Briefly explain: The goal of the project Your role Tools or skills used The outcome or impact This turns visuals into a compelling narrative hiring managers can follow. Learn more: What is web design? 05. Include an "About" and resume Your “About” section helps employers connect with the person behind the work. Use a few clear sentences to explain who you are, what drives you and the kind of work you’re looking for. Think of it as your personal elevator pitch—friendly, focused and professional. Make sure to include a downloadable resume or an embedded version. Even if your professional portfolio site is strong, some recruiters still prefer traditional resumes when sharing your info internally. Bonus points for matching the style of your resume to the look of your site. Check out the best resume website examples for inspiration. 06. Optimize for mobile and SEO Most p eople will view your site on their phone—so it must work well on small screens. If you're wondering what is a mobile website , it’s a version of your site that looks great and functions smoothly on phones and tablets. Using a responsive platform like Wix, one of the best mobile website builders , ensures your content adjusts automatically. Knowing how to make a website mobile friendly gives you a serious edge. Clean spacing, readable fonts and thumb-friendly buttons make for better mobile websites —which leads to lower bounce rates and higher engagement. While you're at it, enable built-in SEO features like alt text, optimized URLs and meta descriptions. Wix doubles as a powerful blog maker , so you can also add articles and learn how to start a blog to boost your blog SEO and overall website SEO . Looking for inspiration? Check out the best website builders for SEO and consider how SEO website design can get your site seen by more recruiters. To make sure your portfolio gets found by recruiters or clients, follow these SEO basics: Use a custom domain (e.g. yourname.com) Add alt text to all images Write keyword-rich descriptions for each project Use clear headings and page titles Make your site mobile-friendly and fast-loading 07. Add a clear call to action A great call to action turns curious visitors into opportunities. Whether it’s a “Let’s Work Together” button, a “Hire Me” form or direct links to your LinkedIn or email, make it easy for employers to reach out. This is where conversions happen. Want ideas? Browse some strong call to action examples or skim a guide on call to actions to learn what gets results. Your CTA should be visible, clear and repeated in key areas—like your homepage, project pages and contact section. Don’t be shy—ask for the job or connection you want. “People who just clicked an ad have a very specific intent, so you can’t overwhelm them with information. Give them a very focused, clean, no-fluff page. Just one big, bold header, a CTA and three value propositions. That’s what really works.” - Esin D. Habif, product marketing lead at Wix Check out these niche industry portfolios: Fashion portfolio examples Model portfolio examples Interior design portfolio examples UX portfolio examples Illustration portfolio examples Industrial design portfolio examples Animation portfolio examples Social media portfolio examples Writing portfolio examples Digital portfolio examples What jobs require a career portfolio? Not just for artists anymore, portfolios are a go-to tool in many industries. Here are jobs that typically require one: Industry Why a portfolio helps Graphic design Shows visual style and range. Marketing Displays campaigns, strategy, ROI. UX/UI Demonstrates process and usability thinking. Development Showcases apps, websites, GitHub repos. Writing/editing Highlights tone, audience fit, formats. Architecture Illustrates technical and design skills. Photography/video Showcases style, mood and storytelling. Learn more: How to write a cover letter for a portfolio Job portfolio examples built on Wix + templates Still not sure where to start? Check out these incredible portfolios built using Wix for some inspiration: 01. Ca alto With a clever name that riffs on "call to action," Caalto 's portfolio adds personality to an already standout art portfolio example. The playful CTA right in the center of the homepage draws you in—a perfect branding moment for anyone learning how to make an artist website . The layout spotlights work effectively and gives off high-quality energy, which also makes it a model for creatives researching how to sell art online . It ranks among the best arts and crafts websites thanks to its originality, aesthetic and message. Truly one of the more charming artist websites out there. 02. Kevin Digital Kevin Digital ’s portfolio nails it in both visual flair and UX. As one of the more refined web design portfolios , it features a clean homepage , smooth transitions and a smartly organized navigation bar. The site name itself is snappy and on-brand—ideal inspiration for those researching portfolio name ideas . It’s a strong showcase for designers looking for the best website builder for graphic designers and offers a compelling look at how a graphic design portfolio example can present both personality and professionalism. 03. Jonathan Kelly Jonathan Kelly ’s site is a minimalist website masterpiece that lets the visuals speak for themselves. He uses a simple layout to showcase an architecture portfolio example, with a subtle nod to branding through clean lines and modern typography . His name doubles as his brand—simple, elegant and effective. Pro tip: To get a custom logo design like Jonathan, use a logo maker for added visual identity. If you’re looking into how to design a logo or even how to start an architecture blog , this portfolio sets a strong foundation. 04. Elhm Graphics Elhm Graphic 's vibrant site pairs a sleek graphic design portfolio with a functional online store —perfect for creatives who also want to sell their work. The product pages are visually striking and easy to navigate, showing a solid grasp of eCommerce website optimization . For anyone learning how to make an eCommerce website , this portfolio is a great example of blending personal branding with monetization. Built with Wix, one of the best eCommerce website builders , it shows that a creative portfolio can double as a polished storefront. 05. Jenna M Bianco Jenna M Bianco ’s job portfolio grabs attention with her website color scheme and a pop-art sensibility, making it a memorable photography portfolio at first glance. Each section is visually distinct and she even includes a downloadable resume—great for those curious about combining strong resume design with digital work. The site is a great reference for anyone wondering how to make a photography portfolio or how to write a resume that matches their personal brand. It’s fun, functional and refreshingly original. Free portfolio templates on Wix: Artist portfolio template Photographer portfolio template Illustrator portfolio template Videographer portfolio template Branding portfolio template Graphic designer portfolio template Architecture portfolio template Acting portfolio template Fashion designer portfolio template Art director portfolio template UX designer and web developer portfolio template Copywriter portfolio template 3D designer portfolio template Makeup artist portfolio template Model portfolio template Resume website templates Your portfolio is more than a collection of your best work; it’s your opportunity to make a lasting impression. Give it the care and attention it deserves and it could be the stepping stone to your next big career move. Now that you have the tools to build an amazing job portfolio, it’s time to get started. Try Wix’s professionally designed templates and begin crafting something you’ll be proud to share. How to make a portfolio for a job FAQ How can I create my work portfolio? Start by choosing a website builder that makes showcasing your work easy (hint: Wix can help). From there, pick a template that fits your industry, upload your best projects and add text that explains what you did and why it matters. Organize everything so visitors can explore your skills with ease—think clean layout, clear categories and bold CTAs. How do I build my own portfolio? Building a portfolio from scratch might sound intimidating, but with the right tools, it’s totally doable. First, gather the work you’re proud of. Then, create a website where you can tell your story visually and professionally. With an AI website builder like Wix, you can generate a custom portfolio in minutes—then fine-tune it with your personal style, brand colors and voice. What is a portfolio for a job? A job portfolio is a collection of your best work, presented in a way that shows what you can do. It goes beyond a resume by giving hiring managers a closer look at your skills through real examples—designs, reports, writing samples, case studies and more. It’s your chance to show (not just tell) what makes you the right fit. How do I make a portfolio for my CV? Think of your portfolio as the visual companion to your CV. You’ll want to highlight the same roles and achievements, but with added depth. For example, if your CV says you managed a campaign, your portfolio can show the final deliverables and performance metrics. Link to your online portfolio directly from your CV to give employers a quick way to dive into your work.
- What is a domain name and why it matters
The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain → What exactly is a domain name and why is it so important? Let’s break it down in simple terms. A domain name is your unique web address that makes it easy for people to find and visit your website. Think of it like your home address but for the internet. It’s made up of a name and a top-level domain (TLD), like "example.com." Without domain names, we’d have to remember a bunch of random numbers ( IP address ) just to visit websites – and let’s be honest, that would be a complete hassle, especially considering that there are over 169 million .com and .net domain names registered. Get your domain name now and then learn how to make a website to go with it. So, if you’re planning on building any sort of online presence—whether it’s to open an online store or to display your online portfolio for potential employees to hire you—then you must get familiar with the ins and outs of domain names. At Wix, we went for the simple yet impactful choice of using our brand name as our domain name. It’s easy to remember, aligns with our identity and portrays credibility right from the start. Your domain name isn’t just how people find your website–it’s also their first impression of your brand. Choose wisely, because as they say, you only get one chance to make a first impression. TL;DR: what is a domain name and why it matters To help you get started, we’ve put together a detailed guide on all things domain names. You’ll learn what a domain name is, how it works and the best practices for picking and registering one that fits your goals. Here’s what you’ll find in this guide (you can skip ahead to any of the sections below): What is a domain name? How do domains work? The difference between domain and hosting Different types of domains How to choose a domain name Why do domains matter? Domain examples How to buy a domain name What is a domain name registrar? Can you buy a domain name forever? What is a domain name? A domain name is the web address people type into a browser to visit a site. Like a fingerprint, each domain is unique. Domains make it easier to access websites without remembering IP addresses. For example, typing "google.com" is much simpler than entering a string of numbers. Domain names are structured with labels separated by dots, making them easy to read and share. IP addresses are just four numbers between 0 and 255, separated by periods. While computers work well with these numbers, humans prefer words we can remember. That’s where domain names come in—they’re an easy shortcut to access sites like "google.com" instead of a series of numbers. Behind the scenes, the domain name system (DNS) acts like the internet’s phone book, translating these names into numeric IP addresses. This process, called a DNS lookup, ensures your request is sent to the correct website quickly. Difference between a domain name and a URL A lot of people use the terms domain name and Universal Resource Locator ( URL ) interchangeably but there’s actually a bit of a difference. A domain name is just one part of a URL. Think of it as the main part of the web address that includes two main elements: the name itself and the extension. For example, in “google.com,” “Google” is the name and “ .com ” is the top-level domain. But when you look at your browser’s address bar, you’ll see more than just that–it’s made up of several parts of a URL working together to form the full URL. Learn more: What is a parked domain? URI vs URL Parts of a domain How do domains work? The internet is a global network of computers connected by submarine cables, with each computer having an IP address to send and retrieve data. Domain names are easier-to-remember versions of these IP addresses, like saving a friend’s number under their name in your phone. The domain name system (DNS) acts as the internet’s phone book, translating domain names into numeric IP addresses. When you type a domain name in your browser, DNS servers find the matching IP address and send your request to the “name servers,” managed by your web hosting provider . The name servers connect to the web server hosting the site, and the data is sent back to your browser—all in seconds. In fact, approximately 16.4 billion searches are made daily on Google alone , relying on the DNS to connect users to the correct websites quickly and efficiently. Learn more: Domain vs. website The history of domains Domain names revolutionized the early days of the internet. Before they existed, users had to input long numeric IP addresses to access websites—a frustrating and complicated process. In 1983, Paul Mockapetris and Jon Postel introduced the Domain Name System (DNS), pairing human-readable names (like “example.com”) with IP addresses. This breakthrough made navigating the web simple and accessible, laying the foundation for the internet we know today. Initially, domain names came with just a few extensions. The first top-level domains (TLDs) launched in 1985—.com for businesses, .org for organizations, .net for networks and a few others. While these TLDs started with specific purposes, their use quickly expanded as the internet grew. The difference between domain and hosting To create a website , you need a domain name and web hosting. These two are often provided by the same company, which can make their roles confusing. Together, they form the foundation of your website’s infrastructure . Think of your website as an apartment complex. Web hosting is the land where your building (the website) stands, storing all its files on web servers. The domain name is like the building’s address, making it easy for visitors to find you—just as a physical address does. Adding a path, such as “/blog,” directs visitors to a specific page, much like an apartment number guides someone to a particular unit. The internet itself acts as the street that connects visitors to your virtual building. Learn more: Web host vs. domain registrar Different types of domains The DNS uses a unique tree-like structure to keep its huge database organized. At the top is the root domain, represented by a dot. Everything below that dot forms the domain name space, broken into different levels based on how fast down they fall from the root. This results in different types of domains , all of which serve a different purpose: Top-level domains (TLD), including new top-level domains Second-level domains (SLD) Third-level domains Top-level domains (TLD) A top-level domain , generally referred to as TLD or domain extension, is the right-most segment of a domain name located after the last dot. It serves to recognize certain characteristics of a website address, such as location and purpose. In August 2022, there were 1,487 TLDs available for registration , the majority of which were added in the last decade. If you’re picking a TLD, choose one that matches your website’s vibe and audience. The options are endless, so you’re sure to find one that makes your site unique. Learn more about how to find the owner of a domain or domain name trends . Let’s take a look at the most popular categorizations: Generic top-level domains (gTLD): Commonly known simply as gTLDs, generic top-level domains are made of three or more characters and are open for registration by anyone. gTLDs account for the vast majority of domain extension options, with more than a thousand added in recent years through ICANN’s new gTLDs program . Available options range from the traditional .org vs. .com and .net to newer options such as .biz , .llc , .tips , .store , .co , .photos , .love , .work , .space , .digital , .club , .tv , .blog , .info , .site , .land , .company , .solutions , .website , .tech , .training , .coach , .world , .party , .yoga , .wiki , .ninja , .directory , .guru , .live , .fit , .studio , .today , .design , .pictures , .expert , .technology , .top , . co.uk , .london , .tokyo , .email and .xyz . Sponsored top-level domains (sTLD): These are more niche and managed by specific organizations. To register an sTLDA, you usually need to meet certain criteria related to a community or theme. If your website caters to a specific group, an sTLD can help establish credibility and trust right away. Country code top-level domains (ccTLD): There are 308 country code top-level domains , each of which is identified by a unique, two-letter string. While country code top-level domains were originally intended for business and individuals operating in specific geographical areas, there is also a significant number of website owners who register ccTLDs for branding purposes or to take advantage of certain benefits. This is the case with extensions such as .ai (Anguilla), which is particularly popular within companies in the artificial intelligence industry, and .gg (Bailiwick of Guernsey), which has seen a significant popularity rise in the gaming sphere. Other ccTLD include: .de (Germany), .nl (Netherlands), .at (Austria), .mx (Mexico), .me (Montenegro), .ch (Switzerland), .br (Brazil), .be (Belgium), .fr (France), .in (India) and .ca (Canada). Claim a premium domain to boost your brand authority and make marketing easier from day one. Second-level domains (SLDs) The second-level domain (SLD) is the part of a domain name that comes before the TLD. It’s typically where you’ll find your brand name, like "wix" is the SLD in "www.wix.com." In some cases, the SLD can also show the type of website in a region. For example, commercial websites in Spain may be registered with the domain extension .com.es whereas in the UK they appear as .co.uk. Likewise, in these same countries academic institutions may be registered under .edu.es and .ac.uk respectively. Third-level domains A third-level domain (or subdomain ) adds a prefix to a main domain and creates a separate section of your site. It’s perfect for things like blogs, online stores or resource pages without needing to buy a whole new domain. For example, when creating a free Wix website, your URL might look like username.wixsite.com/siteaddress. But once you buy your own domain, you can add custom subdomains like shop.yourwebsite.com or blog.yourwebsite.com. Third-level domains can get longer if you start adding more nodes. You might come across four-level domains like news.bbc.co.uk or even five-level ones like www.village.fairport.ny.us. While it’s rare to see a domain with more than four levels, it’s possible. For more in-depth examples, check out the most popular domain extensions . How to choose a domain name With over 349.9 million domains registered and thousands added daily, finding the perfect domain requires creativity, SEO knowledge and foresight. This guide to how to choose a domain name will help you cover your bases. Here are the most important steps to get you started: Make it easy to type and pronounce: Avoid tricky words, abbreviations or alternate spellings. Test ideas with friends to ensure they’re simple and memorable. Stay on brand: Your domain should reflect your brand name. If it’s taken, add a keyword or use a domain name generator to find alternatives. Register your domain as soon as you choose your business name. Choose the right extension: According to a study by GrowthBadger , ".com" is the most memorable and most trusted TLD of them all, but weigh options before settling on one. Keep it memorable and relatable: Short, catchy names stick. For example, Bhavik Sarkhedi, founder and creative director of Ohh My Brand , shares, "A great domain name has to stick. My current company, OhhMyBrand, plays off the phrase "Ohh my God," which makes it relatable and fun. My first business was called Write Right-straight to the point and easy to recall... All short, all catchy, all under 12 characters." As Bhavik continues to experience: "The funny thing is, even though I've sold those companies, people still ping me because they remember the names. That's the magic of keeping it simple, relatable and memorable. If your name has recall value, especially in your industry, it's a game-changer. Short and sharp-that's the rule I swear by." Learn more: Domain lifecycle Best .com alternatives according to 33 business owners .org domain How much a domain name costs Starting a business Business name generator Why do domains matter? A strong domain name helps your website and brand in several ways: Branding: Establishes your brand’s identity online and makes your site look professional. Memorability and accessibility: Makes it easier for visitors to find, remember and return to your website. Trust and credibility: Shows users your site is reliable and builds confidence in your brand. Studies show that 75% of users admit they judge a company’s credibility based on its website design, including its domain name . Connectivity: The Domain Name System (DNS) ensures users can reach your site seamlessly. Promotion: Works well on social media, business cards and custom email addresses. Learn more about how to create an email with your domain. Take the case of Nissan Motors v. Nissan Computer . N issan Motors had to use “nissanusa.com” after another company had already registered “nissan.com,” showing how important a domain is for branding, trust and user recognition. Learn more: What is a custom domain? I have a domain name, now what? The worst domain name advice you should definitely avoid Why do you need a domain name? What is a domain name example? We've put together some of the world's most well-known domain examples, categorized by niche and as proof that the right domain name is essential to the branding of your business and website. Here are some examples of popular domain names: harvard.edumit.edu amazon.com wix.com spotify.com airbnb.com How to get a domain name Once you’ve chosen the perfect domain name for your site, it’s time to make it yours and purchase it. There are a few things to keep in mind when figuring out how to register a domain name , including: Checking if your domain name is available Choosing the right registrar for your needs Planning for the long term so your domain stays secure Let’s take a closer look at how to handle each step. Search for your domain name First things first, make sure no one else is using the domain name you want. While you could check manually, it can be a hassle if your top choice is already taken. A domain name search tool saves time and effort by showing you whether your domain is available and suggesting similar options (you can also explore the best domain name generators to help you come up with similar domain names). These tools also give you domain pricing details so you can compare your choices and pick the best one for your site. Pick a domain registrar Once you’ve found the perfect domain name, it’s time to decide where to buy a domain name . Not all domain registrars are created equal–pricing, customer support and extra features like privacy protection and domain management can vary. Keep these points in mind: Pricing Watch out for registrars offering low first-year fees but charging sky-high renewals later. Instead, look for transparent pricing or deals or registrars that provide free domain names . Tip: Sign up for a Wix Premium plan , and learn how to get a free domain name with a one-year domain name voucher. Private domain registration ICANN requires everyone who purchases a domain to provide personal information (including full name, email, address and phone number) that is then made publicly available on a database known as WHOIS . If you’re concerned about privacy or want to minimize the chances of spam and identity theft, you can hide this information using WHOIS privacy protection. Some domain registrars include WHOIS privacy protection as part of their offering, immediately protecting your personal data when you learn how to buy a domain name , while others offer it as a paid add-on. Learn more: What is domain privacy ? Web hosting pairing Pairing your domain with hosting from the same provider keeps things simple and can save you money. It allows you to manage all site assets within a single platform, thus minimizing the overall cost and headache. Tip: When you host a site on Wix, you’ll have advanced security monitoring, automatic set-up and enterprise-grade reliability of 99.9% uptime. This helps protect against domain squatting and domain spoofing amongst other cyber threats. Customer support The availability of customer support is one of the most overlooked aspects when it comes to finding a domain registrar. If you ever have any issues at 3 am and can’t get a hold of anyone, you’ll kick your past self for not choosing a registrar that offers live customer support 24/7. Domain age Domain age refers to the amount of time that a domain name has existed, or, as it sounds, how old it is. You’ll want to know your domain age for the following reasons: If you take a domain that previously belonged to a different business, it can indicate the business’s age. This can affect brand trust—both good or bad—if the domain has built an associated reputation over time. This also can make it necessary to check domain history. Older domains may have some SEO benefits since they have had time to build traffic. You can verify domain trademark claims based on domain age and the date it was originally registered. Domain email Some domain registrars’ offerings extend beyond website-focused features. Keep an eye out for additional products and tools that may interest you, as it will make it much easier to connect and manage them through your website. For example, if you want a business email address that uses your domain name instead of that of a generic mail provider, you should look for a registrar that also offers personalized email addresses. Bulk purchasing If you’re planning to expand or launch new brands, buying multiple domains now could save you time and money later. This is especially relevant if you plan to expand your operations to other geographic locations or have a certain product you’d like to promote as a stand-alone brand. How to keep a domain name secure Protecting your domain name is important to keep your website safe. Here are some simple tips to help you secure your domain: Choose a reputable domain registrar : Pick a domain registrar known for solid domain security and great customer service. As Daniel Yeromka, CEO of HostZealot, notes: "A domain seems like a simple thing that you buy and forget. I didn't know that domain registrars might get acquired, or that there might be regulatory changes around domain ownership and enforcement...[If I could do things over now,] I would look at the registrar's stability, their registry policies and any trademark overlaps." (Read Daniel’s advice in our blog on 12 web domain-related questions you're too shy to ask .) Use a strong password: Create a password that’s at least 12 characters long with a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Adding 2FA means you’ll need to enter a code from your phone when logging in, giving you an extra layer of protection. Keep your contact information updated: Make sure your contact information with your domain registrar is up to date. This will help them to contact you if there is any suspicious activity on your account. Watch out for phishing emails: Phishing emails are designed to trick you into revealing your personal information, such as your domain registrar account password. Be careful about clicking on links in emails, even if they appear to be from legitimate sources. Keep your domain registration information private: Domain privacy is critical. Don't share your domain registration information with anyone you don't trust. This includes your domain registrar account password, your domain name and your contact information. Read also: Tips for future-proofing your domain , Most common industry domain name Domain vs. URL vs. IP address It’s easy to mix up a domain name, a URL and an IP address, but each serves a distinct purpose on the internet. Understanding the difference helps you navigate the web more confidently and explains how websites are found and accessed. Domain name URL (uniform resource locator) IP address (internet protocol) Example wix.com https://www.wix.com/about/ 192.0.2.2 (IPv4) Function A human-friendly address that points to a specific website. The full web address that points to a specific page or file on a website. A unique numerical identifier for a device on the internet that allows computers to communicate. Relationship The core part of a URL. Includes the domain name, the protocol (https://) and the specific path (/about/). The actual address that the domain name is mapped to by the DNS. The domain name is the readable address you type in your browser. The URL is the complete path to a specific page and the IP address is the number your computer uses to find the website behind the scenes. Together they make it possible to navigate the web smoothly. Plan ahead by purchasing your domain name If you’re looking to buy a domain or just curious, you’ve likely realized how important domain names are. The US domain name industry is an 8.1 billion-dollar market that’s still growing, including the lucrative business of domain trading. Once you register a domain, it’s yours—so long as you renew it annually or within your registrar’s time frame. This makes it crucial to secure the domain name for any business you start. It can be simple, like your name, or highly marketable, like business.com, which sold for $345 million . This practice, known as domain parking , often aims at domain flipping , and it’s more common than you might think. Consider purchasing additional TLDs you might want in the future to prevent others from taking them—otherwise, you could find yourself paying in the domain name trade. Learn more: What's the easiest way to get a domain? What is a domain name FAQ What is ICANN? The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers ( ICANN ) oversees all domain registrations, allocates and assigns IP addresses, runs accreditation systems for domain registrars and keeps a centralized database of all domain names and their IPs. The ICANN also has the authority to approve new domain extensions (also known as TLDs), manage them and shut them down if they don’t follow the determined rules. They can also approve domain registrars to manage domain extensions and domain registration. How do I find my domain name? Your domain name is the unique web address people use to find your website (e.g., www.yourbusiness.com ). If you already own one, you can find it through the domain registrar where you purchased it. Log in to your account there, and you’ll see your domain listed. If you're starting fresh, you can easily choose and purchase a domain through a website builder or domain registrar. Do I need a domain for a website? Yes, having a domain is essential if you want people to find your website on the internet. A domain acts as your website’s address, making it easy for visitors to reach you. Some platforms offer free website options with subdomains (e.g., yourbusiness.wix.com ), but a custom domain looks more professional and builds trust with your audience. What is the difference between a website name and a domain name? A website name is what you call or brand your site—it's how you refer to it publicly, like "Your Business" or "John's Blog." A domain name, on the other hand, is its web address (e.g., www.johnsblog.com ). Think of the website name as your site’s identity, while the domain name is the way people access it online. What is a domain name in computing? A domain name in computing is a web address used to access websites, making it easier to locate online resources without relying on numerical IP addresses. Beyond websites, the term “domain” can also refer to organizational functions in networking, where it manages grouped resources like user accounts and servers, or in software development, where it defines specific areas of focus such as healthcare app components or database management with domain-specific languages like SQL (structured query language). What is a domain registry? A domain registry is the organization that oversees domain name databases and manages all the information related to domain owners. They keep things organized based on different TLDs like .com, .net. or . co.uk . For example, Nominet handles . co.uk extensions in the UK. Registries set the rules for how domain names can be registered and used, making sure everything runs smoothly. They also provide access to domain registrars, like Wix, allowing users to see and register available domain names. What is a domain in email? A domain in email is what comes after the "@" symbol in an email address, like "yourbusiness.com" in "info@yourbusiness.com." With Wix, you can create a personalized email address that matches your custom domain, helping your business look professional and trustworthy. This domain not only routes emails to the right servers but also reinforces your brand's identity every time you send a message. How do I create a domain name? Start by brainstorming names that are short, memorable and relevant to your brand or niche. Use a domain registrar like Wix, GoDaddy or Namecheap to check availability and register your chosen name. Make sure it’s easy to spell and pronounce so it sticks with visitors. Do I need an LLC for a domain? No, you don't need an LLC to register a domain. You can buy a domain as an individual, but forming an LLC offers legal protection and credibility if you're running a business. It really comes down to your business setup not your domain ownership. Can I get a domain for free? Yes, some platforms offer free domains, usually as a subdomain (like yoursite.wixsite.com). For a professional look and more control, buying a custom domain is recommended—it’s affordable and avoids the limitations of free subdomains. Who actually owns a domain name? The person or entity that registers the domain through a registrar owns it for the period of registration. Ownership is maintained as long as you keep renewing it and follow the registrar's rules. Can I run my website without a domain? Technically you can use a platform’s free subdomain to run your website. But, a custom domain adds credibility and trust and makes it much easier for people to find and remember your site. What to avoid in a domain name? Avoid long, complicated or hard-to-spell names, numbers and hyphens that confuse visitors. Steer clear of trademarks or names that could infringe on other brands to prevent legal issues. Keep it simple, catchy and relevant to your business.
- How much does a domain name cost?
The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain → A domain name is a big deal for your business. Picking the wrong one can cost you traffic, customers or make your site look less professional. Domain name prices can range from a few bucks to thousands of dollars depending on the extension, popularity and length. Knowing what goes into the cost can help you make a smart choice and avoid overpaying. TL;DR: How much does a domain name cost? While most domains cost between $10–$45 per year, premium or sought-after domains can cost a lot more. The price can change based on factors like TLD s, subdomains, domain length, keyword value, registration length and aftermarket prices. Good news: many website plans give you a free domain for the first year plus features like SSL and privacy protection to help you get started on the right foot. Secure your perfect domain in just a few clicks with Wix. Get everything you need in one place: business email, reliable hosting, SSL protection and full privacy. With 24/7 support and no hidden fees, getting your site live is simple and worry-free. What you'll learn: Typical domain name costs by extension Factors that influence pricing Differences between standard, premium and aftermarket domains How to buy, register and manage domains Tips for choosing a memorable SEO-friendly domain Wix features that simplify domain and URL management Domain name price ranges by TLD To help you budget for your domain, here’s a quick look at the typical yearly registration costs for some of the most popular Wix domain extensions: Domain extension (TLD) Description Starting price for 1 year 1st year free with Wix plan .com The original, most popular domain $9.90 ✓ .net A versatile, widely-used domain $14.95 ✓ .org Common for nonprofits and orgs $14.95 ✓ .xyz Creative and unique websites $15.95 ✓ .online For a variety of online projects $36.00 ✓ .co.uk United Kingdom business domain $14.95 ✓ .biz For businesses of all types $15.95 ✓ .info Ideal for informational sites $16.95 ✓ .de Germany’s country-code domain $14.95 ✓ .blog For blogs and personal sites $25.00 ✓ Note: Prices were updated as of June 22nd, 2025. Learn more: What is a domain? What is domain protection? Most expensive domain names How to get a free domain name How to choose a domain registrar How much does a domain name cost? Most domains will cost between $10 and $45 per year—though some prices may be higher. Many factors can affect domain prices, so it’s important to understand your potential return on investment for each option. For instance, though a domain could be expensive, it could give you enough recognition, reputability and organic traffic that resulting sales would pay for the cost many times over. Some of the best domain name generators tell you the cost of your preferred domain as well as the price of similar domains. Register your domain name today or learn how to make a website on a paid plan to get a free domain name voucher. Domain name prices depend on demand, length and clarity, with short names, strong keywords and .com domains usually costing more. Prices can also vary by domain registrar, registration length, bundled services and the aftermarket, where existing domains are resold based on brand appeal and competition. 8 factors that influence domain name cost Web hosting Domain extension Domain registrar Premium or popular domain names Privacy protection or other extras Length of domain registration Domain aftermarket Regional differences 01. Web hosting Many website builders bundle web hosting and domain registration fees into their pricing plans. For example, Wix offers free web hosting to all users (including those with a free plan) and a voucher for one free year of domain ownership to Premium users. Learn more: What is web hosting? 02. Domain extension A domain is made up of a top-level domain ( TLD ) and a second-level domain (SLD). The SLD is the first part of a domain and the website identity. The TLD, otherwise known as the domain name extension , is the second part of a domain. For example, the TLD for Wix.com is “.com” and the SLD is “Wix.” Often, if your original choice for a domain isn’t available, you might be able to buy the same SLD with a different TLD. Additionally, some TLDs are less expensive than others. You can choose from three main groups of TLDs: gTLD : A generic TLD is a domain name extension with three or more characters. The most common gTLDs are .com, .org and .net domains . Besides .com , .org and .net , while other gTLDs include .tech , .me , . co , . digital , .store , .company , .world , .website , .yoga , .studio , . ninja , . guru , . party, . company , .wiki , .tv , . directory . ccTLD : Country code TLDs are typically less expensive than gTLDs, but some of them must meet the policies of the related countries and territories. For example, if a domain name has a .fr domain , the site must have a French presence. The same is not true of all ccTLD however. Other examples of ccTLD include: .de , .nl , .ch , . co.uk , .in . sTLD : Sponsored TLDs represent private organizations. Buyers must meet certain requirements to be eligible. Some of the most popular sTLDs are .edu, .gov and .museum. Every Uniform Resource Locator ( URL ) follows the same sequence: transfer protocol (HTTP or HTTPs ), machine name (www.), SLD, TLD, then the path (which forms the hierarchy of a site). Subdomains —which get sandwiched between machine names and SLDs—aren’t essential, but they can organize particularly complex or tangential sections of your website. Learn more about smart domain name management strategies to keep your online presence strong. Or, discover the best .com alternatives (according to other business owners). 03. Domain registrar The cost of a domain name depends on the registrar you choose, as each one sets its own pricing. Different companies may charge varying prices for the same domain. Factors like market demand, included features and ongoing promotions can all influence the price. Learn more: Is Wix a domain registrar? Why do I need a domain name? Some registrars focus on affordable, basic plans, which is great if you’re looking for simplicity and low upfront costs. Others bundle extra services, which may cost more but provide added value for those seeking a more comprehensive solution. Many registrars offer first-year discounts but charge higher rates when it’s time to renew, so keep an eye out for hidden fees or price increases. Pro tip: When you get a Wix site plan, it comes with a free domain name for a year. When choosing a domain registrar , compare registration and renewal fees, extra costs for privacy or email and any bundled services. Look for discounts on multi-year registrations and watch out for transfer fees. 04. Premium or popular domain names Some domain types are more valuable than others. For example, ‘LasVegas.com’ sold for $90 million in 2005 , making it the most expensive domain ever purchased. When you consider that “Las Vegas” has an average search volume of 1.9 million per month, it doesn’t seem quite as outrageous. Premium domain names are short, catchy and easy to remember. They have a high search volume and a .com extension. These characteristics can give you a leg-up on SEO and attract people to your online business. Still, owning a premium domain name with a high search volume doesn’t guarantee traffic—you still need to optimize your website for search engines. Therefore, it’s important to weigh the costs of a premium domain name against the potential benefits. Read more: Why some business owners are wiling to pay $100+ a year for a premium domain . What are custom domains? .com domains are popular and trusted. They often cost more than other extensions. Short easy-to-remember names and common words usually have a higher price tag. When picking a .com domain compare registrar prices for registration and renewal fees. You can also lock in a multi-year registration to avoid future price hikes. 05. Privacy protection or other extras All domain owners must share their name and contact information with ICANN —the nonprofit corporation that assigns and maintains domains—but some domain registrars offer privacy protection for an additional cost. Tip : Wix domains come with privacy protections that prevent spam, but you can activate privacy protection for an added fee if you don’t want any of your information to be listed in the WHOIS directory. 06. Length of domain registration The amount of time you register a domain for can impact its cost. Under ICANN regulations, the longest a domain name can be registered for at one time is ten years. A domain name registered for ten years will likely be more expensive than annual domain registration but some registrars may offer discount pricing on longer registration signups. Domain names can not be bought permanently, instead they're registered on a lease basis. You can explore the precise cost of domain extensions on Wix with this top-level domains list . Read also: Tips for future-proofing your domain 07. Domain aftermarket If a domain is unavailable and you’re set on making it yours, you might be able to buy it through the domain aftermarket. Aftermarket domains can be quite expensive ($1,000-$30,000), so it’s important to set a budget beforehand. First, you’ll have to find the domain name owner’s contact information through ICANN. Then, you’ll send them an email asking if the domain is for sale. If it is, you can start the bidding process. Finally, you’ll send the payment through a secure third-party payment service. The domain aftermarket has become an industry in itself, with auction sites and domain brokers that save you the hassle of tracking down the current owner of the domain. Unfortunately, many scams exist, so be wary of offers that seem too good to be true. 08. Regional differences Domain name prices vary based on location, influenced by factors like local regulations, demand and economic conditions. For example, domains such as .de (Germany) or .uk (United Kingdom) are often more affordable due to competitive local registrars. On the other hand, extensions like .io (British Indian Ocean Territory) or .tv (Tuvalu) can be pricier because they’re popular in industries like tech and media. For example, .de (Germany) accounted for over 17 million registered domains in 2025, making it one of the most popular country-code TLDs globally. Some domains, like .ca (Canada) or .jp (Japan), may require proof of residency or business registration, which can add complexity and cost. Currency fluctuations and taxes can also impact pricing, so planning ahead is key. While .net domains are typically cheaper than .coms, they still offer great value for tech and network-focused businesses. Prices vary based on length keywords and demand, with shorter memorable names costing more. As you choose your .net domain, compare registration and renewal fees across registrars. Also look out for extra costs like privacy protection or bundled services to ensure the total investment fits your budget. Why is owning a unique domain name so important? As Kerry Anderson, the Co-Founder of RankingCo says: After 15 years scaling businesses and helping companies go from $1M to $200M+ in revenue, I've seen domain choices make or break digital strategies. My biggest rule: Keep it brandable, not keyword-stuffed. Your website is often a customer’s first impression of your business. A quality domain name makes your website easy to find, establishes your brand and stabilizes your online presence. Together, these factors contribute to your online visibility, which translates into more business opportunities, and ultimately, more sales. Owning a domain name also simplifies tasks like how to create a business email , ensuring your brand’s professionalism in every interaction. Furthermore, having a unique domain inspires trust and gives you room to explore email name ideas that strengthen your branding efforts. This is why registering your own domain is a crucial step to take when you create a website and optimizing your site's infrastructure. Learn more: How much does a business email cost Is .shop a good domain? How to buy a domain name? You can change just about everything about your business, but changing the domain name down the road can be a serious headache. Because your website will function as the central hub of your online business, changing its domain is like pulling the bottom block of a Jenga tower. For that reason, take care when buying a domain name. Here are instructions for how to buy a domain name : Choose a good domain name Check if your desired domain is available Find a reputable domain registrar Claim the domain name Buying a domain with costs in mind starts with comparing registrars to find the best registration and renewal rates. Check for extra fees for privacy protection, email or SSL certificates and see if multi-year registration discounts are available. 01. Choose a good domain name Understand how to choose a domain name that's simple, short and informative to appeal to visitors and search engine crawlers. Simple : Your domain should be simple enough for people to pronounce and spell so people can easily remember it. Therefore, it’s also best to avoid peculiar spellings or arbitrary symbols. Short : The longer a domain name gets, the harder it is for visitors to remember. Whereas the average domain length is 13 characters long, the average domain amongst the world's 500 most popular websites is seven characters. On-brand : Your domain should incorporate your business name, or at least a variation of it. This will make your website immediately recognizable and consistent with your other branding elements. Don't have a business name? Create yours now with the help of the Business Name Generator . SEO-friendly : Your domain name is one of the first things Google assesses when ranking your site. Consider incorporating keywords that describe your business. Incorporating a location into the domain (e.g., jennalaska.com or jenn.us) is helpful for businesses that want to improve their local SEO. Characterize your business according to your industry (e.g., jennphotography.com or jennsphotos.biz). Easy to pronounce: People don't just have to type your domain, many times they will need to say it out loud. As Rafael Romis the CEO of Weberous Web Design says, the radio test is key. He notes, "You want a name that people can easily talk about. If your domain is hard to pronounce or you can't spell it, then you're making it harder for people to follow along. You want to make it as easy as possible." "Our domain name is Weberous.com. Try to say that out loud. Nine times out of ten people will ask, 'Did you say Webers?' or 'Is it Weberoos?' Almost nobody remembers it, and nobody gets it on the first try. You want people to get it on the first try." All that said, if you already have a domain name that doesn't have those characteristics, it is more SEO-friendly to maintain the same domain over your business’s entire lifetime than to redirect the domain to a shorter, simpler and more informative one. Subscribe to the Wix blog for a weekly dose of fresh web design tips and trends. 02. Check if your desired domain is available Another business may have already taken your desired domain name, so the first step is to do a domain name search . If your first choice isn’t available, pop it into a domain name generator , which can help you find a similar domain name. You might be able to keep your SLD and just change the extension. For more ideas, check out the most popular domain extensions . 03. Find a reputable domain registrar In order to claim your desired domain, you need to go through an ICANN-accredited domain registrar. The registrar will manage your domain and keep track of renewals. Therefore, research a domain registrar’s reputation and its terms and conditions before signing up. Some registrars have hidden fees—such as for administration and renewal fees—that push the domain name cost higher than it should be. This list of best domain registrars can help you with this, too. Learn more: What's the easiest way to get a domain? To register a domain on a budget , compare costs across multiple registrars. Look for bundled service deals, choose cheaper extensions if .com is too pricey and consider multi-year payments. 04. Claim the domain name Finally, it’s time to learn how to register a domain name . You’ll have the opportunity to claim it for one, two or three years. Once you’ve finished the registration process, just connect the domain to your site and publish. Learn more: I have a domain name, now what? How to find the exact domain cost Finding the exact cost of a domain is simple when you know where to look: Visit a domain registrar or website builder: Go to your chosen platform to search for your desired domain name. Search for your domain: Enter your desired name in a registrar or website builder to check availability and pricing. Check renewal prices: Look at the annual renewal cost to plan your budget for the future. Consider bundles: Some website plans include a free domain for the first year, which can save money and simplify setup. Compare options: Review different extensions and registration lengths to find the best fit for your website and budget. Domain pricing trends The domain name market is experiencing noticeable changes in both pricing and regulation. Staying informed about these trends can help you make smarter, more cost-effective decisions. Here's what you need to know: Continued growth in domain registrations: The overall domain name base across all TLDs reached 368.4 million by the first quarter of 2025, marking a 1.1% increase from the previous quarter . .com price increases and regulatory concerns: Since 2018, VeriSign, the company that exclusively operates the .com TLD, has increased prices by 30%. This has raised concerns among U.S. lawmakers, who are pushing for investigations into potential antitrust violations . They argue that VeriSign may be using its monopoly to overcharge customers without providing better services. If you're managing .com domains, keep an eye on these developments—they could impact your costs moving forward. The rise of alternative TLDs: While .com is still the top choice, with over 157 million registrations , other TLDs are becoming popular alternatives. For example: de (Germany) has approximately 17.6 million registrations, .net has 12.6 million and .org has 11.1 million. Growing demand for .ai domains: The .ai extension , originally designated for Anguilla, is gaining momentum as startups and tech companies adopt it to signal innovation and alignment with artificial intelligence. As demand rises, so do prices: .ai domains now cost significantly more than standard options, often starting at $70–100 per year. Renewals can also be higher than average. With over 20,000 new registrations each month—a trend likely to accelerate—it’s worth considering whether the branding value justifies the long-term investment. Hidden fees when buying a domain When buying a domain, keep an eye out for hidden fees. Renewal costs are often higher than the initial price, so check long-term pricing upfront. Privacy protection, which keeps your personal details off public registries, may cost extra. Planning to transfer your domain later? Some registrars charge transfer fees. Additional services, like email hosting, can also increase your expenses. Read the terms carefully to avoid surprises and make the best choice for your needs. With Wix, domain pricing is transparent. Costs typically include: Annual registration fee Free SSL certificate Free domain privacy (WHOIS protection) No hidden setup fees Additional services like Premium DNS are optional. Renewal prices are clearly stated too. Always review all terms before purchasing a domain to avoid surprises. How to negotiate a lower price for your domain There are over 368 million registered domain names worldwide, and the most valuable names are claimed fast. Securing the perfect domain name might seem challenging, but negotiating the price doesn’t have to be. Start by researching domain prices across registrars and resellers. Understanding the typical price range for your desired domain—or similar ones—gives you a solid foundation. Check if the domain is listed in auctions or with brokers to explore pricing flexibility. When it’s time to negotiate, approach the seller with confidence and professionalism. Share your interest and make a counteroffer based on your research. If the seller isn’t willing to budge, don’t hesitate to walk away—this can sometimes encourage a change in their stance. Ask about potential savings, like discounts for multiyear purchases, to get more value in the long term. Stay patient, focused and committed to finding a deal that works for your budget and goals. Domain name cost FAQ Why do some domain names cost more than others? Domain name costs vary depending on factors like the popularity of the extension (e.g., .com typically costs more), the length and simplicity of the name, keyword value for SEO and the brandability of the domain. Additional elements such as existing traffic, backlinks, the age of the domain and demand within specific industries can also influence pricing. Premium domains with higher market demand will usually cost more. Do I need more than one domain? Having more than one domain helps protect your brand by securing variations and preventing misuse. It’s great for targeting specific markets through region-based domains or audience-focused URLs. Strategically used, multiple domains can also support SEO by highlighting key areas of your site. How often do I need to pay for my domain? Domain payments are typically annual. Wix offers a minimum 1-year registration, with renewals occurring yearly. You can opt for auto-renewal or multi-year registrations (up to 5 years). Wix also sends renewal reminders and offers a grace period after expiration, usually 30 days. Wix Premium plans include a free domain for the first year. What's the difference in cost between different domain extensions? The cost of a domain extension on Wix varies depending on the extension itself. For example, a .com domain typically costs $9.90 per year, while .org and .net extensions are priced similarly. Country-specific extensions like .co.uk are often more affordable, while newer extensions like .xyz or .site are typically cheaper. Premium domains can be significantly more expensive, depending on the demand and their commercial potential. Are there any additional costs for domain privacy? With Wix, domain privacy is included at no additional cost with free WHOIS protection, automatically applied to eligible domains. This helps shield any personal information from public view, in term preventing spam and identity theft. There no hidden fees involved and is available for most domain extensions. Does Wix offer competitive pricing for domain names? Yes, Wix offers competitive pricing compared to other major registrars. They provide first-year discounts, a free domain with annual premium plans and no hidden fees. Additional perks include a free SSL certificate, free domain privacy via WHOIS and transparent renewal costs. Wix also runs regular promotions and offers easy domain management within its platform. Can domain name prices vary over time? Yes, domain name prices can fluctuate. Factors like popularity, age and market demand influence pricing. Popular extensions like .com and .net are generally more expensive. What are the costs of an expired domain name? Expired domain names go through an auction process. The cost depends on factors like age, popularity and competition. Some can sell for significant amounts, especially if they have a strong online history. How do you buy a domain name that’s not listed? If a desired domain is unavailable, consider looking for similar options, contacting the owner, using a domain broker or waiting for it to expire. Is a good domain name worth the money? A good domain name can enhance brand recognition, improve SEO and make your website more memorable. While premium domains can be costly, a well-chosen and affordable one can be effective. Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific needs and budget.
- Domain name for business: 6 signs yours isn't working
The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain→ Most people choose a domain name for business thinking it’s a one-and-done deal, but I’ve seen many outgrow their domain names or run into issues they didn’t see coming. Whether you’re ready to buy a domain or start fresh with a free website builder , it’s better to address potential problems early than fix them later. In this blog, I’ll help you decide when it’s time to finally face the music and make a change. Here are the top reasons why you might want to consider switching your domain name for business, based on my experience. Secure your perfect domain in just a few clicks with Wix. Get everything you need in one place: business email, reliable hosting, SSL protection and full privacy. With 24/7 support and no hidden fees, getting your site live is simple and worry-free. TL;DR: domain name for business Choosing the right domain name for business is more important than you might think. A confusing, hard-to-remember or outdated domain can hurt branding, SEO and credibility. And if you’re learning how to make a website , this guide will help you spot the warnings signs and show you what to do about it. Key signs your domain might need a change Customers can’t spell or remember it easily. Domain extensions that hurts credibility ( .shop vs .com / .net ). It doesn’t reflect your brand clearly. Poor search engine rankings or SEO penalties. Too similar to another brand’s domain. You’re rebranding or expanding. Issue What to look for Quick fixes Hard to remember Misspellings, long URLs Shorten, simplify, remove hyphens/numbers TLD hurting credibility Unfamiliar extensions Consider .com, .net or widely accepted alternatives Doesn’t match brand Extra words, outdated keywords Secure premium or exact-match domain Low SEO performance Poor rankings, old penalties Audit domain history, set up 301 redirects Too similar to another brand Confusing or trademark conflicts Choose a distinct name, check trademarks Rebranding/expanding Business growth or new focus Update domain, redirect old URLs, secure misspellings & social handles Pair your domain with a professional business email to boost credibility and keep your brand consistent. 6 signs your domain name for business needs an update If you’re wondering whether your domain name for business is holding you back, here are the key issues to look out for. We’ve also included relevant domain name statistics to help you understand trends and see how your site compares. Jump to the section most relevant to you: Customers can't spell or remember your domain Your domain extension hurts credibility Your domain doesn't reflect your brand Your site isn't ranking well in search engines Your domain is too similar to another brand's You're rebranding or expanding 01. Your customers can’t spell or remember your domain name The logic here is simple. If your customers struggle to spell or recall your domain, then they’re less likely to end up on your site. Understanding what is a domain can help you see why this matters, it’s more than just an address; it’s a key part of your brand identity. One way to see if you’re experiencing this issue is by looking at search trends. Do you see people frequently misspelling your domain on Google or on social media? Alternatively, ask your customers for direct feedback or look at referral traffic for an idea of how many people are finding your site organically. Adam Garcia, founder of TheStockDork.com , once told us, “Last year alone, our domain name helped drive over 100,000 organic visits, since people actually remember and type it directly, rather than having to search for us on Google.” As Adam points out, your domain is a marketing asset. Make sure it’s serving you well. Tips for fixing this issue: Keep your domain name short, and snip out words like “the” if they’re nonessential. According to Wix data, the average domain length is 20 characters, including the “.com”/TLD. Use common words as opposed to jargon or complicated phrases. Avoid numbers and hyphens if you can help it (they’re easy to forget or mix up). When implementing marketing strategies , use title capitalization to make the URL more readable (for example, “BestCoffeeShop.com” versus “bestcoffeeshop.com”). If your domain is the same name as your business but is hard for people to remember, try a shorter abbreviation (just like how American Eagle Outfitters use ae.com). Learn more: Guide to domain extensions Cheapest domain extensions Most popular domain extensions Best domain extension for personal website What is an example of a domain name Can you buy a domain name forever? How to check if a domain name is available 02. You have a domain extension that’s hurting credibility These days, there are a number of different top-level domains ( TLDs ) you can choose from. There’s .ai , .shop, even .xyz . But while some TLDs, like .shop, can act as helpful descriptors, others might look awkward or unprofessional to your customers. From my experience, a .com domain and a .net domain remain the most universally accepted TLDs. That said, if you’re creating a website for a nonprofit or other organization, .org extensions are great too. At the end of the day, it comes down to your core audience and how they perceive a specific TLD. If you use an uncommon TLD and see lower-than-average click-through rates (CTR) on your online ads or posts, this might indicate that people don’t quite trust your domain. Or, if you notice that you’re the only one in your industry using a specific TLD, you might want to consider switching to a more familiar extension. Tips for fixing this issue: A/B test other TLDs by running the same campaigns with a different domain. Do you see any changes in user engagement? If possible, buy your domain with multiple extensions (e.g., einat.com and einat.net) to connect them all to your site and protect your brand. View more domain name trends , explore .org vs .com or see the best .com alternatives (according to business owners). 03. Your domain doesn’t reflect your brand When you’re starting a business website and learning how to register a domain for the first time, you might end up throwing in an extra word or punctuation mark to get a domain that matches your brand the closest. For example, before Dropbox landed dropbox.com, it used getdropbox.com to avoid paying a load of money for the cleaner, more direct URL. However as the company grew, it found that more and more people were searching dropbox.com (without the “get”), and they were thereby losing valuable web traffic. Finally, in October 2009, TechCrunch reported , “Dropbox Acquires The Domain Everyone Thought It Had.” In the same vein, if you find yourself stuck with a second-best domain, ask yourself if it’s time to make a change. Tips for fixing this issue: While .com remains king, using another widely accepted TLD like .co or .net could help you secure an exact-match domain name if the .com version is taken. Consider using a country-code TLD as another alternative to .com. Sometimes, premium domains are worth their price. As Cyrus Partow, CEO of ShipTheDeal.com notes, “I found that investing $250 a year in ShipTheDeal.com was worth every penny since it perfectly matches our brand…After trying cheaper alternatives with hyphens and longer names that confused customers, I realized a clean, memorable domain actually saves money in marketing and builds more trust with shoppers.” Try a domain name generator to spark ideas or do a domain name search to see what’s available and secure your ideal URL today. 04. Your site isn’t ranking well in search engines In some cases, different types of domains can actively work against your SEO goals. For instance, if your domain includes irrelevant or outdated keywords that no longer reflect your offerings, search engines may misinterpret what your site is about. This can, in turn, lead to lower rankings and less qualified traffic. In another instance, a domain might carry a history of spammy behavior or SEO penalties from a previous owner. This type of history can be difficult to fully recover from and may continue to suppress your visibility in search results. Even beyond technical SEO, a confusing or untrustworthy-looking domain can negatively impact your CTR, which search engines pay attention to. Switching to a cleaner, more relevant and brandable domain can help reset your SEO standing and bring in more qualified traffic. Tips for fixing this issue: Audit your domain history using WHOIS Lookup (to check for frequent ownership changes that could have left behind a negative footprint) and Google Search Console (to see if any penalties have been applied). Evaluate your current domain rankings and keyword relevance using a tool like Semrush. Consider switching to a fresh, brandable domain. Make sure to set up 301 redirects, update all internal links and follow other best practices for how to change a domain name . Learn more about domain management ➔ 05. Your domain is too similar to another brand’s If your domain resembles a competitor’s or an existing brand’s too closely, you risk confusing visitors and facing legal issues. As an example, let’s say you’re launching a wellness brand with the URL GlowNaturals.com, only to find out there’s a massively popular skincare company called Glow Natural. It’s likely that consumers will mistype your URL, assuming you’re affiliated with Glow Natural. Search engines might similarly struggle to differentiate your brand. Worse, you could end up with a trademark dispute on your hands. Even if things don’t escalate legally, the brand confusion could hurt your credibility and make it nearly impossible to build a strong identity. If people constantly ask, “Wait, are you the same as…?,” that’s a pretty clear sign that it’s time for a more distinct domain name. Using domain privacy when registering your new domain can also protect your personal information and keep your ownership secure during this process. Tips for fixing this issue: Before making any changes, test your current domain with real people. Ask friends, colleagues or potential customers what they think of your name and if it reminds them of anything else. Do a thorough trademark search on your new name. Search national and international trademark databases to ensure you're not encroaching on someone else's brand. Claim matching social media handles and domains, staying consistent across platforms reinforces your brand and prevents confusion. Claim a premium domain to boost your brand authority and make marketing easier from day one. 06. You’re rebranding or expanding If your business has outgrown its original name or focus, it’s time for your domain to catch up. Maybe you started as a local business, and now you’re expanding to a global audience. Or, perhaps you’re heading in the same direction as Dunkin’, which dropped the “Donuts” from its original name (Dunkin’ Donuts) to reflect its expanding product line and its dreams of being known as a beverage company. Your domain should ultimately appeal to the right audiences and reflect where your brand’s headed. Tips for fixing this issue: Choose a domain that reflects your future, not just your past (read my tips for future-proofing your domain ). Try it out in conversation and consider a soft launch, where you slowly introduce your new domain to your customers or select focus groups. Announce the change clearly. Let your audience know what’s changing and why. When rebranding your website, update your email addresses, social profiles, marketing materials and anywhere else that uses your old domain. When moving to a new name, register (and redirect from) common misspellings and other extensions (like .net domain ) to avoid confusion and keep copycats at bay. Also, consider keeping your current domain if it closely matches your new one. This can help you avoid losing SEO equity and traffic from loyal visitors who may still type in your original URL. Sign up for Wix today and get the perfect domain name in minutes ➔ Domain name for business FAQ What is a domain name for business? A domain name for business is your website’s address on the internet (like YourBrand.com) that represents your brand online. It’s a key part of your identity and can affect branding, SEO features and customer trust. How do I know if my domain name for business isn't working? Signs your domain name for business may need an update include: Customers can’t spell or remember it It doesn’t reflect your brand Poor search engine rankings Confusion with other brands Outdated domain extensions Should I buy a domain for my business? Yes, buying a domain gives you full control over your online brand, protects your business from competitors and helps with credibility. You can purchase one directly or secure multiple extensions to protect your brand.
- How to get a domain name fast and easy
The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain→ Choosing a domain name shouldn’t slow you down. The right process makes it easy to grab a name that fits your brand, avoid legal or technical headaches, and move from idea to live website in minutes. TL;DR: how to get a domain name fast and easy A strong domain is easy to remember, fits your business and is protected across different extensions. From picking a name to checking availability, choosing the right extension, registering securely and protecting your brand, the process can be quick and simple with the right tools. You’ll learn: How to choose a domain name that’s short, clear and brand-aligned How to check availability and explore extension options Steps to register your domain and set up essentials like SSL and email How to secure variations and related domains for long-term brand protection Secure your perfect domain in just a few clicks with Wix. Get everything you need in one place: business email, reliable hosting, SSL protection and full privacy. With 24/7 support and no hidden fees, getting your site live is simple and worry-free. Why getting your domain should be simple Grabbing your domain name right away is a smart move for your brand. Great names are popular and go fast so waiting might mean missing out on the one that fits your vision. Plus the sooner you get yours the sooner you can get your site live and start meeting new customers. Claiming your name should be as quick and fun as coming up with the idea itself. If the process feels tricky it’s easy to get overwhelmed or settle for a name that isn't quite right. We’re here to make the experience simple and friendly so you can pick the best domain and start building with confidence. Learn more: What is a domain name? Easiest way to get a domain: step by step guide Whether you're launching a blog, a business website an online portfolio or an online store choosing a domain name is one of the first and more important steps. Choose a domain name Easily check if your domain name is available Choose the right domain extension Register and buy your domain name 01. Choose a domain name The easiest way to learn how to choose a domain name is to use a domain name generator . Once you have a list of names, these tips can help make it easier to narrow down the right one. Keep it short and simple Use keywords if possible Avoid numbers and hyphens Make it brandable Check spelling and pronunciation When it came to selecting a domain for Carepatron, CEO Jamie Frew says the most important factors were clarity, accessibility and alignment with our mission. “We wanted a name that clearly conveyed our focus on healthcare while being memorable and easy for users worldwide to understand. 'Care' captures our commitment to healthcare and well-being, while 'patron' reflects support and partnership, a core part of our mission to empower both healthcare practitioners and patients.” A good example of a domain name would be — petguru.com A less than idea example would be — my-pet-services-1234.biz Claim a premium domain to boost your brand authority and make marketing easier from day one. 02. Easily check if your domain name is available You can do this with a domain name search tool, like Wix. If your name isn't available the search tool will let you know and give recommendations for other alternatives. They might suggest using an alternative domain extension with the same name. For example if, spablisssalon.com is unavailable but spablissalon.net is — they'll give you this alternative to use. Wix makes domain transfer easy, with free SSL, reliable hosting, privacy options and 24/7 support. 03. Choose the right domain extension A domain extension is the .com , .net or .org that comes at the end of a url. It’s also called a TLD (top-level domain). Some of the most common domain extensions are: .com: Most popular and trusted .net: Often used by tech companies .org: Typically used by nonprofits .co: Modern alternative to .com .shop, .tech, .studio: Niche-specific If your exact .com is taken you can: Use a different extension (like .co) Modify your name slightly (e.g., sunnybakeryonline.com) 04. Register and buy your domain A domain registrar, like Wix, is a company authorized to sell domain names. Learn more: What is a domain name registrar? How to register a domain name Best domain registrars Is Wix good for business email? Can you buy a domain name forever? If you're looking to easily get a domain name look for the following in your domain registrar: Free WHOIS privacy protection (included with Wix) Transparent renewal pricing Easy DNS management Good customer support Learn more: How to buy a domain name Once you're ready registering a domain is easy to do: Add the domain to your cart Choose registration length (1 year is standard, multi-year options are often available) Enable auto-renew if you don’t want it to expire Add privacy protection Complete your payment If you have a Wix paid plan , registering a customized domain is free. If you're learning how to make your own website , the easiest way to get a domain name is with a website maker like Wix. Tips for easily choosing a domain name When you pick a domain, make sure the plan includes web hosting so you’re not stuck sorting out tech pieces one by one. With a Wix website , hosting is already built in. This means your domain connects smoothly and your site loads fast without extra setup from you. Setting up your domain the smart way Think beyond just the domain itself. You’ll also want business email options to create branded addresses, SSL to keep your site secure, privacy protection to hide your personal info, DNS controls for things like subdomains and solid uptime so your site stays available. Wix bundles all of this into one place so you can connect your domain, set up your email, manage security and start building without jumping between different providers. Secure multiple domains for your brand Protect your brand name by picking up extra versions of it so no one else can. Start with the obvious ones like com, .net, or .org then grab regional extensions if you serve specific countries. You should also think about common typos, plural vs singular versions and shorter versions people might type in a rush. Forward all these domains to your main site so every visitor lands in the right place. This way no competitor or scammer can use a close variation to confuse your audience. This also helps you hold onto your brand long term as you grow and expand into new products, niches or locations. How to get a good domain name A strong domain name makes your site easy to find and remember, so it’s worth spending a little time to get it right. Here’s how to choose one that’s clear, simple and matches your brand. Keep it short and clean : Go for a name that’s easy to type and say. Short words or pairs of short words stick in people’s minds and help reduce typos. Avoid hyphens, numbers or unusual spellings that might confuse visitors. Connect it to your craft: Add a word that gives a little hint about what you do. This helps visitors get a sense of your business right away. For example, you can add words like “studio” “design” “tutor” “bakery” “shop” or “media” to make your name more descriptive without making it too long. Say it aloud: If a name is hard to say, it’s probably not the one. Choose something that’s easy to say so you can share it in conversation, on social media, podcasts and marketing materials. Check extension options: While a .com is still the most familiar extension it’s not your only choice. Many businesses use alternatives like .co, .io, .store, .blog or .design. Choose one that fits your brand and feels trustworthy for your audience. Avoid trademark trouble: Before you commit run a quick search to make sure the name isn’t already tied to another brand in your industry. This saves you from legal issues forced rebrands or SEO setbacks later. Grab related domains: If you find a name you love register close variations or other extensions to protect the brand you’re building. You can forward them all to your main site so visitors always land in the right place. Check socials too: Consistency helps people find you faster. Look up username availability on the platforms you plan to use so your branding stays aligned across your site email and social channels. Choose it early: Domains move fast. Once you find something that fits register it quickly. Securing your name early gives you room to plan your site set up email and build your brand without surprises later. How fast a domain actually becomes active Most of the time your domain will be up and running within minutes. Other times it might take a few hours for everything to sync up. Once you register, your domain info needs a little time to spread across servers worldwide. This is called DNS propagation. You might notice your site loads on your phone but not your laptop or works in Safari but not Chrome. If it’s been less than 24 hours, patience is your best friend. Tweaking your settings over and over can actually reset the clock and slow things down. Once a full day has passed, you can jump back in to check your DNS settings and make sure your account is good to go. Setting up your email can take a bit longer than the website itself. Since any change to your DNS records can restart the clock, it’s best to get your settings right the first time and then let them settle. Learn more: I want to buy a domain name What is domain authority? ccTLD meaning Domain name and website hosting Why do I need a domain name? What is SSL certificate? What's the easiest way to get a domain FAQ Can I get a domain easily for free? Yes but with limitations, some website builders (like Wix) offer a free subdomain (e.g., yourname.wixsite.com). Can I change my domain name later? Yes but your audience and SEO rankings might be affected so pick carefully the first time if possible. How long does it take to activate a domain? Usually within minutes, but DNS changes (e.g., pointing to a host) can take up to 48 hours to fully propagate. How can I permanently buy a domain name? You can’t buy a domain forever since domain registration is a lease. While you can’t own it permanently you can register it for up to 10 years at a time. To keep your domain indefinitely just make sure to renew it. Many registrars even offer an auto-renewal feature so you don’t have to worry about it expiring. Do I need an LLC for a domain? No, you don’t need an LLC to register a domain. Anyone can purchase and manage a domain as an individual. Having an LLC or other business structure provides legal protection, credibility and separation of personal and business assets. It’s more about your business setup than domain ownership. Do I have to pay for my domain name every year? Yes, you’ll need to pay an annual renewal fee for your domain. If you forget to renew, you could lose your domain to someone else. To make things easy, most registrars offer multi-year registrations and automatic renewals so you don’t have to worry about your domain expiring. How do I protect my domain from squatters? To protect your domain from squatters use domain privacy to hide your personal info. This makes it harder for them to target you. It's also smart to register variations of your domain like common misspellings and different extensions. Enable auto-renewal so your domain doesn’t accidentally expire and set up alerts to catch any suspicious activity early.
- How to register a domain name for your website
The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain → Your website starts with a name and a good one makes all the difference. Choosing and registering a domain name can feel tricky—names get snapped up fast, extensions can be confusing and tech details can be overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to slow you down. This guide walks you through the process step by step so you can claim a domain that fits your brand, works for your audience and gets your website online. TL;DR: How to register a domain name Registering your domain starts with picking a registrar you trust and a name that perfectly fits your brand. After you make sure it's available and choose the right domain extension just enter your details and complete the registration. Next you’ll connect it to your website or email manage your DNS settings and set up privacy protection. Don't forget to keep an eye on renewals to stay in control. While you can also transfer domains or buy pre-owned ones staying on top of management and security is what makes it work for your business. Secure your perfect domain in just a few clicks with Wix. Get everything you need in one place—business email, reliable hosting, SSL protection and full privacy. With 24/7 support and no hidden fees, getting your site live is simple and worry-free. You’ll learn: How to pick a memorable, brand-ready domain name How to check availability and what to do if your preferred domain is taken Free vs paid domains and understanding long-term costs How to choose the right domain extension How to transfer a domain without downtime Common security risks and how to protect your domain What happens after registration, including DNS setup, renewals and ownership Legal considerations, including trademarks, copyrights and compliance What is a domain name? What is a domain name , exactly? This term describes the address that you type into a browser to arrive at a website. It is essentially a website’s home, so every domain is unique. An example is www.wix.com. Domain names were created so people could more easily access a website’s Internet Protocol (IP ), a string of numbers representing individual websites. Every URL has an IP address, and unless you are a computer, a domain is much simpler to remember than a string of numbers. For example, take the IP address 185.230.63.164: to most, this is just a complicated string of numbers. Its domain name, wix.com , is not only easy to remember, but it also conveys a distinct brand that numbers cannot. How to register a domain name Select a domain registrar Choose the best domain name Check the availability of your domain name Select your domain extension Enter your details Purchase your domain To register a domain, choose a trusted registrar, pick an available name and extension, enter your contact and payment details and complete the purchase. Connect it to your website or email and enable privacy and auto-renew to keep it secure. 01. Select a domain registrar Before you can start choosing a domain name, you need to first know where and how to buy a domain name . A domain registrar is a company that reserves and manages domain names. While the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers ( ICANN ) manages all domains worldwide, a registrar deals with ICANN on your behalf. When picking a domain registrar , choose a company with a good reputation reliable customer support and strong security. Check out their domain extensions renewal policies and transfer rules. See if they offer extras like email hosting or SSL certificates. Make sure they’re ICANN-accredited and offer privacy protection to keep your personal info safe. When choosing among the best domain registrars , keep in mind: Customer support: Check if the registrar offers 24/7 support, accessible via phone, live chat or email. Reliable customer support can be crucial if you encounter technical issues or need help managing your domain. Range of domain extensions: Consider the variety of domain extensions (TLDs) available, especially if you're interested in less common or niche extensions, such as .tech, .ai or country-specific domains. Additional offerings: Look for value-added services such as web hosting, email hosting, SSL certificates and a free website builder , which can simplify managing your online presence in one. Reputation: Research the registrar’s reputation by reading customer reviews and checking industry ratings. A trustworthy registrar with a good track record is less likely to experience outages or take unexpected actions like domain locking or price hikes. Security: Consider the infrastructure the registrar has in place to ensure your domain is secure. Attacks specifically targeting domains include domain hijacking, DNS spoofing , DDoS attacks , typosquatting, domain squatting and malware distribution, so make sure you understand how to secure your domain. Privacy: Look for a registrar that offers domain privacy protection to keep your personal information safe from public Whois searches. With Wix you can opt for domain privacy for no extra fee, when you register your domain. ICANN accreditation: Choose a registrar accredited by ICANN to ensure they follow industry standards and operate legitimately. Renewal fees: Pay attention to the renewal costs of your domain. While initial prices are often low, you’ll need to renew periodically, so understanding ongoing fees is important to avoid surprises. Learn more: how much does an SSL certificate cost? Tip: With Wix, you can get a unique domain and create your site all in one place. When you upgrade to a premium plan , you’ll even get a voucher for a free domain name for your first year. All Wix sites come with SSL and TLS protocols for added security plus you can set up a custom business email to help you build your brand. Register your domain → 02. Choose the best domain name You must consider many factors when choosing a domain name for your site. First, select a name that reflects your brand’s tone and messaging. Stick to a name that is short and catchy, so that people can easily remember it, such as nbc.com. To improve your SEO efforts, you can incorporate an associated keyword into your brand’s domain name, too. Basic rules for a valid domain name When selecting a domain name, it’s important to follow these basic rules to ensure it’s functional, professional and compliant with domain standards: No spaces : Keep your domain as one continuous string of characters. Stick to letters, numbers and hyphens : Special characters like @ or % aren’t allowed. Use hyphens wisely : Avoid placing them at the beginning or end and don’t use multiple hyphens in a row. Stay within the character limit : Each section of your domain can be 3–63 characters with a total length of up to 253 characters. Case doesn’t matter : Your domain works the same in uppercase or lowercase. Tips for a memorable and brand-friendly domain Keep it short and simple : Choose a name under 20 characters so it’s easy to remember and type. Align it with your brand : Your domain should reflect your business name or purpose to strengthen your identity. Avoid tricky combinations : Watch how words flow together to prevent accidental or confusing meanings. Stick to standard spellings : Creative spellings can be fun but might make it harder for people to find you. Try not to overcomplicate things either, as Lindsay Sutula, founder and CEO of Top Fox Marketing, says as she prioritized three key factors: simplicity, memorability and alignment with their brand identity. According to Lindsay: "I wanted a name that was easy to spell and remember, especially in an age where a strong online presence is critical. The domain had to resonate with our audience and reflect the essence of what we do-helping businesses navigate the complexities of digital marketing with clarity and strategy." Tip : Try using a website name generator to brainstorm ideas to include in your domain name. Also, consider these tips for future-proofing your domain or the best .com alternatives (according to other business owners). 03. Check the availability of your domain name Existing companies may already own your preferred domain names which is why it's important to check for availability. Try out an unlimited number of options for free on a domain name search platform. If your desired name is unavailable, the tool will come up with additional ideas. You can also play around with alternatives with a domain name generator until you find the perfect one. Once you've chosen your name and completed the process of registering it, your details including your name, email and phone number, will be submitted to the WHOIS database. This is a global resource which is publicly accessible and can be queried through the WHOIS protocol (this just means sending a request to the WHOIS server to deliver all of the stored information for a specific domain name) or through an online tool which can send the query. This information can be useful when pursuing intellectual property rights, and cybersecurity threats arising from domain name abuse or hacking. In order to run a WHOIS search, simply use Wix's Whois Lookup tool. You can block access to your information being public accessible via the WHOIS privacy protocol. This involves paying an extra fee to replace your contact information as the domain owner with a third party service. This service will then handle any messages or requests made to you via WHOIS. However this is generally not recommended for public service websites or businesses required to provide contact information. Claim a premium domain to boost your brand authority and make marketing easier from day one. 04. Select your domain extension According to Nick Drewe, the Founder & CEO of Wethrift, Consider the extension. While .com is the go-to, don't shy away from specific ones like .store or .tech if they fit your niche. Lastly, avoid numbers and hyphens. They often confuse people—"Is that 'five' or '5'?" Plus, they just don't look as clean or professional. Understanding domain extensions and TLDs Also known as top-level domains (TLD), domain extensions quickly identify certain website elements such as purpose, owner or geographic location. There are five official types of TLDs, with generic top-level domains (gTLD) accounting for the majority of the 366 million registered domains worldwide. The most popular gTLD choices are .org, .com and .net , making them the easiest to recall. Other specific and significant domain types besides the classic .com , .co , or .net are some of the most popular domain extensions. Other specific and significant domain types besides the classic .com, .co or .net are also gaining traction. For example, .ai , originally a country code TLD for Anguilla, is now widely adopted by artificial intelligence startups and tech-forward companies due to its relevance and memorability. With over 20,000 new registrations each month, this extension continues to grow in popularity as AI-driven businesses look for names that reflect their niche. Other options include .edu and .gov. Country domain extensions, also often known as country code top level domains ( ccTLD s), are a popular choice as well, such as . co.uk (United Kingdom) or .de (Germany). You can check out ICANN’s complete list of domain extensions here . Second-level domains Generally the name you place before your extension, is referred to as the second level domain. So for example, in www.wix.com the second-level domain is "wix." Our domain name "wix.com" is registered with the ".com" top-level domain extension, which is managed by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) and is one of the most commonly used top-level domain extensions for commercial websites. If your domain name is already taken, try it out with a different extension—you may find an available option. However, keep in mind that an extension like .org is better used for nonprofit organizations, while .com usually represents for-profit companies. Learn more with our guide to domain extensions , what .com is and what .net is . 05. Enter your details Once you’ve selected a domain name for your site, claim it before someone else does. Start by entering accurate contact details—your name, address, email and phone number. This information is essential for managing your domain and staying compliant with ICANN regulations. Double-check everything to avoid issues with renewals or updates later. Next, add your billing details to complete the registration. Make sure your payment info is current to avoid any delays. Many registrars offer an auto-renewal option, which is a great way to ensure your domain stays active without interruptions. With your details submitted, you’re ready to finalize your purchase and officially own your domain. 06. Purchase your domain Here’s how to register a domain name with Wix: Head over to the domain registrar. Type in your preferred domain name and click Search . If your name is available, click Get It to proceed. If not, browse the additional ideas or type another option into the search bar. Once you’ve found a domain name that suits your site’s needs, click Get It . Next, decide whether you’d like to register for one, two or three years. The longer your registration period, the more money you save each year. Once you’ve chosen, click Continue and continue to checkout. Connect the domain name to your site and share it with your desired audience, be it friends and family or an internet niche. Learn more: What is domain protection? Types of domains Top-level domains (TLDs) are the last part of a domain name and the highest level in the Domain Name System (DNS) . They include: Generic TLDs (gTLDs): Non-geographic domains for general use, like .com, .net and .org. There are over 1,500 gTLDs available. Country-code TLDs (ccTLDs): Geographic domains for specific countries, like .uk, .ca and .au. There are over 300 ccTLDs. Internationalized TLDs (IDN TLDs): Domains in non-Latin scripts, such as Arabic, Chinese or Cyrillic, to make the internet more accessible globally. Test TLDs: Used to test new domains before public release, not intended for general use. Learn more: Domain lifecycle What is a domain registrar? Answering 12 web domain-related questions you’re probably too shy to ask What happens after you register a domain Registering a domain is only the starting point. Once it's yours, it's time to put it to work by connecting it to your website or email service. This is done through DNS settings, which act like a map telling the internet where to find you. If you're using a website builder, this step is usually handled for you. If not, you can manually update your nameservers or DNS records to get everything connected. Next, lock down ownership basics. Turn on auto-renew so you don’t lose the domain by accident and enable domain privacy to keep your contact details out of public records. Many domains are lost because renewal emails went to an outdated address or payment failed. Taking five minutes to confirm renewal settings can save you from expensive recovery fees later. Lastly, take a moment to learn where to manage your domain. You should know how to update DNS, change contact info and review renewal dates. Treat your domain like a long-term asset, not a one-time purchase. Domain ownership and management Registering a domain gives you the exclusive right to use it, but only for the period you’ve paid for. Most domains are registered for one to ten years and ownership is maintained through timely renewals. If you renew on time, nothing changes. If you don’t, the domain doesn’t disappear instantly. It usually enters a short grace period, then a redemption phase where recovery gets more expensive, and finally it can be released back to the public. Active domain name management is key to keeping ownership intact. This means tracking expiration dates, enabling auto-renew and knowing exactly where your domain is registered. Many domains are lost simply because renewal emails were missed or went to an outdated inbox. Management also includes DNS control, transfers and registrar changes. You should know how to update name servers, lock your domain to prevent unauthorized transfers and move it if pricing or service isn’t working for you. Domain security and potential risks Domains are a common target for bad actors because they can unlock your website email and brand trust all at once. Your biggest risk is account security. If someone gets into your registrar account through a weak password reused credentials or a hacked email they can change your DNS settings redirect traffic or even transfer the domain away from you. Recovering your domain after a takeover is a long process. It can involve identity verification registrar disputes and working with registries. While this is happening your website and email might be offline or misused. If you didn't have the right security steps in place you may not get your domain back at all. Your registration details can also be a hidden risk. Incorrect or outdated contact info can block renewals prevent transfers and cause you to fail ownership checks. Many registrars use email verification for important actions. If that email address doesn't work you can lose control without even knowing it. Transferring a domain later You’re not stuck with one registrar forever. Domains can usually be transferred after they’ve been registered for 60 days as long as they’re unlocked and you have the authorization code. Transfers are common when people consolidate services, find better renewal pricing or move their site to a new platform. The process is simple but time-sensitive. Transfers typically take a few days and require approval from both registrars. During this time, your website and email usually stay active, but mistakes like expired domains or incorrect contact emails can cause delays. Before you transfer, check renewal dates and fees. Some registrars add a year to your registration during transfer while others don’t. Planning ahead helps you avoid downtime and unexpected costs. Buying a domain that’s already taken If your ideal domain is unavailable it doesn’t always mean it’s gone for good. Many registered domains aren’t actively used and you can get them through the aftermarket. These domains are sold by their current owners often at higher prices based on demand length or keyword value. Before buying do your research. Check how the domain was previously used confirm it hasn’t been associated with spam or penalties and understand its true market value. Prices can range from reasonable to extremely high so you need to know when to walk away. In many cases a smart alternative name or different extension can perform just as well without the risk or cost. The goal isn’t owning the “perfect” domain at any price it’s choosing one that supports your brand and growth without creating unnecessary friction. Learn more: How to check if a domain name is available How to check domain authority Free domain name registration Here are a couple of ways to get a free domain name: Register a free subdomain . A subdomain is a prefix on a domain name that connects independently functioning sites. Certain hosting platforms and site builders offer users a fully-functioning website for free with a customized subdomain. For example, if you're learning how to build a website with Wix AI website builder , you can publish it for free using a URL like this: username.wixsite.com/siteaddress . Take advantage of free web hosting . Several hosting sites offer free customized domain registration with purchase, giving you a professional online presence without the cost. How much does a domain cost? While you can get a domain for free, you may want to purchase one instead. A free domain will contain a designated prefix of the registrar, which is best if you’re establishing an online presence or only temporarily need a website. If you want your website to professionally stand out and grow with your brand, however, then invest in a domain name. With Wix, the cost of a domain name depends on several factors, including: The plan you purchase Domain extension Local currency Local VAT laws However, all Wix premium plans come with a domain for one year, which otherwise cost between $14 and $39 a month. After a year, you can renew your domain for pricing plans anywhere between $13.95 and $15.95 a year. You can read more about domain name costs in detail, to understand what’s right for you and your business. Learn more: How much does a domain name cost Domain extension Typical use Starting price for 1 year at WIx Availability .com Commercial businesses, personal brands $9.90 Highly popular, often limited .org Nonprofits, charities, open communities $14.95 Moderately available .net Tech companies, networking services $14.95 More available than .com .co Startups, entrepreneurs, modern brands $30.95 Good availability . co.uk UK-based businesses or audiences $14.95 Widely used in the UK .de Germany-based businesses or audiences $14.95 Widely used in Germany .shop eCommerce stores, retail businesses $45.95 Generally good availability .online General online presence, portfolios, blogs $36.00 Generally good availability .biz Businesses and commercial use $15.95 Alternative to .com for businesses .info Informational sites, resources $16.95 Good for informational content .tech Technology startups, projects $40.00 Trending with tech-focused businesses The information presented in this table is true as of January 19th, 2026 unless mentioned otherwise. In general, some other factors to consider that can impact the cost of a domain include auto-renew costs, privacy and protection costs and transferring domains. For example, you can also purchase a domain that already exists from another person or business. This is why having a desirable domain name can be good for your bottom line—if you ever want to sell it, you can make significant money. For example, in 2010, CarInsurance.com was sold for $49.7 million as one of the ten most expensive domain names in the world . Domain name and email hosting Domain registration and email hosting are separate services, but many providers bundle them. Email hosting lets you create addresses like info@yourdomain.com, with features such as webmail access, spam filtering, virus protection and email forwarding. Bundling domain and email hosting can simplify setup and management. When choosing a provider, it’s also important to compare domain pricing , as costs can vary depending on the registrar, extension and registration length. With a website builder like Wix you can easily connect your domain and business email for a professional business website and streamlined brand building experience. Learn more: Does Wix have email for my business? Legal considerations when registering a domain Choosing a domain comes with legal responsibilities. Domains can create conflicts with trademarks, copyrights or local regulations if you’re not careful. Understanding these rules protects your website, prevents disputes and keeps your domain fully under your control. Trademarks and intellectual property Before you register a domain, do a quick trademark check. Even if a domain is available it could still infringe on another brand or product in your industry. A good place to start is your country’s trademark database. Remember to look for similar names not just exact matches. If you use a name that clashes with someone else’s trademark you could end up in a legal battle and lose your domain. Copyright considerations Steer clear of any copyrighted names, slogans or logos. This means staying away from famous phrases found in books, movies or software. Even short phrases can be protected if they’re unique to another brand. Stick to original names for your domain to avoid legal headaches and keep your site fully under your control. Accurate registration information ICANN needs your domain registration to have the right contact info, like your name, address, email and phone number. If things are out of date or wrong, you might run into trouble renewing your site, moving it or winning a dispute. Understanding registrar policies Each registrar has its own set of rules for things like renewals, transfers and domain locks. Give these terms of service a quick read so you’re always in the loop on how your domain is handled. We recommend turning on auto-renew and privacy protection—it’s an easy way to secure your ownership and keep your personal info hidden from public WHOIS records. Domain disputes and UDRP If a company claims your domain infringes on their trademark you might face a Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) claim. A UDRP is a process for settling trademark disputes and can force a transfer or cancellation of your domain. If this happens to you acting quickly with the right documents and understanding the process will help you keep it. Local regulations Country-specific domains (.uk, .de, .ca) often have eligibility rules. Some require proof of residency or business registration. Check local rules before registering to make sure your domain remains valid and avoid losing it unexpectedly. Avoiding cybersquatting Never register a domain just to resell it to another company. Cybersquatting is illegal and can lead to lawsuits, fines and forced domain transfer. Focus on choosing names that align with your brand, project or purpose to stay compliant and avoid legal issues. How to register a domain name FAQ Can I register a domain name for free? Some domain services provide free domain name registration. However you'll then have limited control over ownership of the name, and you may have to accept advertising and other conditions in exchange for a free name. How much does domain name registration cost? It varies between providers. Wix premium plans come with a domain for one year, which otherwise cost between $14 and $39 a month. After a year, you can renew your domain for pricing plans anywhere between $13.95 and $15.95 a year. How to register my domain name? Choose a domain registrar, the purchase and pricing plan you want, then choose your name. Can I register and own a domain name for forever? Generally, no. Registering a domain name does't constitute ownership of that name, it generally means you're renting it for an agreed period and it will need renewing every set number of years, according to the contract between you and your domain registrar or website builder. How to register a domain name for free? With Wix you can register a domain name for free with a paid plan, or use another free domain registrar. How to register a domain name online? To register a domain name online, you'll need to use an online domain registrar, like Wix and then follow the steps provided for registration. Can I permanently buy a domain name? No, it's not possible to permanently buy and own a domain name. They work on a leasing arrangement. They longest they can be registered for at a time is ten years and most are renewable every 1-2 years. ICANN sets the ten year limit to prevent individuals or businesses buying and hoarding domain names. It's common to ask can I buy a domain name permanently? We explain why that isn't an option and how to use a domain long term. How long do you own a domain name for? No one ever owns a domain name. They can be registered, aka leased. The maximum they can be leased for at one time is ten years. What makes a domain name valid? To be valid a domain name must meet naming protocols and be unregistered. For example, it can contain letters (English) and numbers but not special characters. It should include a recognized domain extension. Should I register my domain with an eCommerce hosting solution? If you’re planning to start an online store, consider registering your domain with an eCommerce hosting solution . This can streamline the setup process, ensuring compatibility with tools like inventory management and payment processing, while also offering a unified solution for your business. What's the easiest way to register a domain? The easiest way to register a domain, is to do it while you're building your website. If you're creating a site with a website builder you can do a domain name search, pick your name and domain extension and register it in minutes.
- How to choose a domain name (+ industry expert tips)
The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain → Choosing the right domain name sets the tone for your website. It’s your web address, your first impression and a key part of your brand. A good domain should be easy to remember, reflect your business and help people find you online. To make it simple, we’ve gathered tips from experts across industries on how they picked domains that work for their brands and grow with their business. Secure your perfect domain in just a few clicks with Wix. Get everything you need in one place—custom website, business email, reliable hosting, SSL protection and full privacy. With 24/7 support and no hidden fees, getting your site live is simple and worry-free. TL;DR: How to choose a domain name This guide breaks down how to choose a domain name that’s clear, memorable and aligned with your business goals. You’ll learn what makes a name effective, which mistakes to avoid and how extensions like .com, .org or .ai can shape how your audience perceives you. The article also includes expert-backed tips to help you make a confident choice, whether you’re launching a new brand or rethinking an old one. Choosing a domain name starts with clarity and relevance. Focus on something short, easy to type and pronounce and aligned with your brand. Use keywords, avoid numbers or dashes and pick an extension that suits your site. Check availability, potential trademark conflicts and competitor domains, and make sure it works with your social handles for a consistent presence. Key takeaways: Keep it short and memorable : Choose a name that’s easy to type, say and remember. Short names strengthen brand recognition and help your business stick in people’s minds. Use tools and do your research : Start with a domain name generator to explore ideas, check availability and avoid trademark conflicts. Research helps you pick a name that’s safe, effective and aligned with your brand. Pick the right extension and keywords : Choose a domain extension that fits your audience and industry, like .com, .ai or .org. Including relevant keywords can improve SEO and help visitors immediately understand what your business offers. How to choose a domain name: 15 tips Use a domain name generator Keep it short and memorable Make it easy to type and pronounce Avoid numbers and dashes (usually) Consider clarity and accessibility Target your area Stay on brand Include keywords Be descriptive Pick the right domain extension Do your research Check for trademark issues Think long term Act fast Match your domain with social handles 01. Use a domain name generator In order to make the brainstorming process much easier and productive, start your journey towards picking a domain name for your site with a list of options, rather than a blank page. By using one of the best domain name generators , you’ll be able to get a broad range of ideas based on keywords or phrases related to your brand. Try Wix's domain name generator today. 02. Keep it short and memorable Domain names can be up to 63 characters, but long names are hard to type and remember. Aim for a short, memorable name, ideally three to 12 characters and no more than two to three words. If your name is longer, try trimming or simplifying it. As Sanks Nair, COO of Recall shares: “Short and sweet was essential. [For Recall] the name needed to be easy to say, two syllables max, and roll off the tongue effortlessly. A short, memorable name strengthens brand recall and spreads faster through word of mouth.” Another hot tip from Sanks is to try out your domain name as a verb. She says, “From experience, a name that can turn into a verb creates a stronger brand. I was an early employee at Uber, originally 'UberCab.' Back then, no one would say, 'I UberCabbed here,' but today, 'I Ubered here' is natural. We wanted a name that could similarly evolve into common usage, like 'I'll recall that.'" 03. Make it easy to type and pronounce You don’t want potential visitors lingering over details such as spelling before hitting your page. For that reason, look for a domain name that will easily roll off the tongue - and fingers. It’s best to avoid frequently misspelled words, or anything that requires a double take before pronouncing. Run your chosen domain name by a few friends and see if they can get it right on their first attempt. If they struggle a little, go for a different name. As Ben Donovan, founder of Brand Builder University notes, when he was selecting a domain name for his business, he focused on it being four things: meaningful, memorable, short and unique. With this in mind, Ben says: “A domain that's easy to remember sticks in people's minds and makes it simple for them to return or recommend it. Shorter domains are especially helpful, precisely because they're easier to type and share.” In case you’re planning on using your personal name as the domain, but your last name isn’t intuitive in its spelling, use a combination of your first and middle names instead. Alternatively, combine your first name with your specialty—such as “bakingwithsam.” Another good practice is to choose a domain name that is predictable, meaning your audience won’t have to second guess how to write it properly. With this in mind, refrain from shorthand and spell out your words. For example, go for “you” instead of “u” and be wary of words that can be spelled numerous ways (is it “ok” or “okay?”). Already have an idea? Check the availability with a domain name search tool. 04. Avoid numbers and dashes (usually) Unlike a password, your domain name shouldn’t be a string of characters that makes sense solely to you. Therefore, refrain from using special characters such as hyphens and numbers. So “gr8cakes-4all,” for example, would be an especially bad domain name. Numbers and hyphens are too often confusing and are harder to remember and type. Numbers leave people wondering whether to go for the numeral digit or to spell them out (is it a 10 or a ten?). Hyphens, on the other hand, are easy to overlook or misplace when typing in the web address and are not immediately within reach on most mobile keyboards. However, there may be specific use cases or situations where hyphens are relevant. As Charles Hoffman, the owner of Guardian Pressure Washing experienced, his first domain name choice, "guardianpressurewashing.com," was taken, so he used an alternative domain. His first option was to use a different Top-Level Domain (TLD) like ".org," ".net" or ".site." For example, he says he could have chosen "guardianpressurewashing.site." According to Charles: “While the unprofessional stigma around using a TLD other than .com has largely fallen off over the years, I decided there was a benefit in taking a different approach. The URL that I went with was 'guardian-pressure-washing.com,' which I felt was easier to read because of the dashes. My work truck is wrapped with various branding, including my domain name. At a glance, people can easily discern the text in the URL.” Read also: 23 business owners share their worst domain naming mistakes Answering 12 web domain-related questions you’re probably too shy to ask The worst domain name advice you should definitely avoid 05. Consider clarity and accessibility When choosing a domain name, prioritize accessibility by keeping it simple, easy to read and free of ambiguous characters or confusing structures. This ensures it’s memorable, screen-reader-friendly and inclusive for a diverse audience while enhancing usability and SEO performance. Learn more about the parts of a domain name to help you with this decision. When it came to selecting a domain for Carepatron , CEO Jamie Frew says the most important factors were clarity, accessibility and alignment with our mission. “We wanted a name that clearly conveyed our focus on healthcare while being memorable and easy for users worldwide to understand. 'Care' captures our commitment to healthcare and well-being, while 'patron' reflects support and partnership, a core part of our mission to empower both healthcare practitioners and patients.” Carepatron also prioritized simplicity and ease of recall, as a straightforward domain name makes it easier for users to find and remember us. Jamie says that “after brainstorming and testing various options, Carepatron stood out because it encapsulated our values and the experience we aim to create. It was a name that felt natural, approachable and mission-driven, which is exactly the qualities we wanted our brand to convey.” 06. Target your area If your business serves a specific area, include your location in your domain. It helps local customers find you and can improve local search rankings—like SweetTreatsMiami.com for a bakery in Miami. You can also use a location-specific domain extension, such as .co.uk or other country code domains (ccTLDs). In fact, total ccTLD registrations reached 144.8 million by the end of the third quarter of 2025, showing how widely businesses use these extensions to signal local relevance. Keep future growth in mind if you plan to expand globally. 07. Stay on brand with your name A great branding strategy is made up of many different elements that come together in telling one cohesive story. As Wix's head of brand maker, Yaya Aaronsohn, says: "At its core, branding hinges on trust. Think of it as a relationship between two individuals: the customer and the brand. Within this relationship, authenticity plays a critical role. It builds trust and creates emotional bonds. It fosters consistency, engagement and reduces reputation risks." Align your domain with your website, social media handles and overall brand voice to keep your online presence consistent. Your domain can match your business name, a variation or include a relevant keyword. If you’re still naming your business, brainstorm catchy options using a dictionary, thesaurus or business name generator . Make sure the final choice is brandable, unique and easy to remember, like “bakingwithsam.com” instead of “samteachesbaking.com.” Learn more: Why do I need a domain name? Most expensive domain names Domain name trends Why paying for a premium domain is worth it, according to 17 business owners 08. Include keywords for SEO Including a relevant keyword in your domain can help both visitors and search engines understand your website, boosting your SEO and click-through rates. Use keywords naturally and in moderation, since overloading your domain can feel spammy. For example, a poke restaurant website could use “alohapokeshop.com,” while a photography portfolio might choose “jimsmithphotography.com” or “nycweddingphotos.com.” Domains that contain a relevant keyword have a slight but measurable correlation with higher click-through rates from search results . As Tom Smith, marketing team member at University Frames, Inc. found, SEO and discoverability were paramount when they chose their business domain name. Tom notes: “We considered keywords frequently searched by our target audience. By incorporating 'university' and 'frames,' we ensured our domain naturally aligned with popular search terms, boosting visibility." One of the best SEO tips to keep in mind is to consider the keywords your target customers or users search for to find a similar product or service, and consider using that within your domain name. Another option is to research what competitors use and if it's relevant to your business. 09. Be descriptive While this tip may not be the case for every business or brand, it certainly can make an impact depending on your target audience and offering. For Featured.com this was a particularly important consideration for their brand. As CEO Brett Farmiloe says, “Pulling the trigger on acquiring Featured.com wasn't an easy decision. It was pricey, especially for a young startup like ours.” “What put me over the edge on the acquisition was the descriptiveness of the domain. We help people get featured in the media. Featured.com is the perfect, most descriptive word that accurately captures our customer value proposition. The simplicity is priceless and has dramatically impacted the growth of our business.” 10. Pick the right domain extension A domain extension, also known as TLD (top-level domain), is the suffix at the end of your domain name. This rightmost segment of your site’s address serves to identify some of its key elements, such as its purpose, location or owner. The most common extensions are .com, .org and .net , which together remain the backbone of the internet. As of September 30, 2025, .com and .net alone accounted for 171.9 million domain registrations. This shows how trusted these extensions are for businesses and individuals alike. There are also many types of domains that can serve different needs and offer alternatives in case your first domain name choice is already taken. When exploring less common TLDs, it’s important to research their reputation, as some newer extensions may have higher rates of abuse. Choosing a trustworthy TLD ensures your website remains credible and aligns with your brand. (Check out the best .com alternatives , according to 33 business owners.) Jeffrey Gabriel, the CEO of Saw.com Incorporated , says, “Try to find a domain that is easy to spell and remember, in a domain extension your audience is comfortable with, and matches the brand of the business.” “If a company is B2B with a specific focus on selling to very tech-savvy individuals using a .AI or a .IO domain extension, it might make perfect sense, but if it focuses on consumers in the English market, then a co.uk might be the best option. Companies looking to have a presence in many different markets should always lean toward a short, easy-to-spell and memorable.COM domain that is easy to spell and remember in many languages.” Let’s take a look at what some of these domain extensions are used for: .com : When it comes to what .com is , this widespread domain extension is almost synonymous with the web. Standing for “commercial,” it's the most trusted and well-known TLD, and when in doubt, it’s usually the best option. .com domains are generally considered more credible, as users tend to trust them more than less common extensions. The “.com” extension is associated with for-profit businesses. For example: wix.com. Other business-related TLDs are .biz, .tech, .digital or .company. .net : Referring to networks and what .net is , it's the second most common extension and is generally used by service providers such as website hosting , databases and collaboration tools. .org : Short for “organization,” this domain extension is most often used for non-profit and charitable organizations. For example: wikipedia.org. .info: This extension is an abbreviation for “information” and is primarily reserved for informative or educational sites. .me : An extension that’s highly fitting for an online resume, blog, portfolio website or personal brand. You can also consider .blog for a blog website specifically or .tv for entertainment related sites. Alternatively, both .site and .website are considered wide-ranging TLD. Other options to consider include: .email, .fun, .world, .solutions, .top, .ninja, .art, .pictures, .directory, .studio, .cloud, .live, .party .co : Originally the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Colombia, .co has evolved to become a popular choice on the global stage. Often associated with “company,” it’s widely used by startups and entrepreneurs looking for a short, memorable, and innovative domain extension. .ai : Originally the country-code domain for Anguilla, .ai domain has taken on a new life as a go-to for artificial intelligence companies, tech startups and digital products. Its rise reflects the booming AI sector—it now sees over 20,000 new registrations monthly, a trend likely to accelerate as AI adoption grows. While still technically a ccTLD, .ai is widely treated as a generic extension in practice and signals forward-thinking innovation to users and investors alike. ccTLD: Country code top-level domains are domain extensions that show off your physical whereabouts and might give your local SEO a boost. For example, “.de” for Germany, “.fr” for France, ".nl" for the Netherlands, ".mx" for Mexico, ".br" for Brazil, ".be" for Belgium, “ . co.uk” for the United Kingdom are all ccTLDs that signal local relevance to search engines. Learn more: New top-level domains and most popular domain extensions 11. Do your research Before buying a domain, make sure it doesn’t infringe on trademarks or copyright and isn’t already used by another brand. Check availability through domain registration sites. The domain name registration system, for example, maintains a database of all registered domain names and their IP addresses. All of this information is freely open to the public. It’s also smart to investigate domain history. If you’re buying a pre-owned domain, tools like the Wayback Machine or WHOIS history can show how the domain was previously used. This helps you avoid potential SEO penalties or reputational issues from past misuse. Learn more: Domain lifecycle How to find the owner of a domain 12. Check for trademark issues Before choosing your domain name, take a moment to check for trademark issues. This simple step can save you from legal complications down the road, like disputes, rebranding or even losing your domain. Start by searching for existing trademarks that might overlap with your chosen name. Use free tools like the USPTO trademark search database or resources available in your country. If your business operates internationally, the WIPO Global Brand Database is a helpful option for broader searches. Keep in mind that while many domain registrars check domain availability, they don’t screen for trademark conflicts. For added peace of mind, consider consulting a trademark attorney or legal professional—especially if your domain name is crucial to your brand. Found the perfect name for your business? Lock in your domain before someone else does. 13. Think long term with your domain name If you plan to grow your brand, start thinking ahead. Consider securing a few variants of your domain—different extensions like “.com” and “.net,” or slight name variations—to protect your brand and keep your options flexible. You can even connect multiple domains to the same website to maintain consistent branding while leaving room to expand. If your ideal domain is taken, look into premium or pre-owned domains. They often come with built-in authority, SEO value or a stronger brand presence, giving your business a head start. Choose a domain that won’t limit future growth. For example, a beauty parlor offering nail services today might later expand into hair or spa treatments, so pick a name broad enough to cover future offerings. A flexible domain also makes it easier to create email addresses that grow with your business. Remember, personal sites and business websites have different needs. Personal domains can be creative and interest-driven, while business domains should be professional and consider competitors. If you need ideas, a website name generator can help you brainstorm names that stand out. Expert tip from Ofir Gvili, domains PMM at Wix: “Changing domains down the road can be costly and confusing, so it pays to choose thoughtfully from the start. A well-chosen name grows with you, making every step of your brand journey feel consistent.” Read also: Tips for future-proofing your domain or 6 signs that it's time to change your domain 14. Act fast when securing your name Once you have made up your mind, you should learn how to register your domain name as soon as possible in order to ensure no one beats you to it. To do this, simply find an accredited domain registrar that will deal with the ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) on your behalf (looking through a list of the best domain registrars can help you with this process). They’ll protect your domain name and ensure that it remains yours and only yours for the entire duration of your purchase. If you’re curious as to how much a domain name costs and if you can get a free domain , note that prices vary based on different factors like the domain extension and the terms you select (such as securing a domain for a longer period of time). However, there are many website hosting platforms that include the first year of domain registration for free. By combining both a website host and a domain registration, these plans allow for an all-in-one business solution, where you can seamlessly build your website, purchase your domain, and enjoy professional online tools, all under one website infrastructure roof. Learn more: How to create a business email Email name ideas Can you buy a domain name forever? 15. Match your domain with social handles Your domain name is only one part of your online identity. To build a consistent brand, make sure the same (or very similar) name is available (you can learn more about how to check if a domain name is available with our guide) across major social platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and LinkedIn. This way, customers can easily find and recognize you no matter where they interact with your brand. Claim a premium domain to boost your brand authority and make marketing easier from day one. Before you commit to a domain, do a quick search to confirm that matching handles are free. If they’re already taken, consider slight variations that still feel on-brand and easy to remember. The goal is to keep your name uniform, simple and unmistakably yours across every channel. Tips for picking your domain name Domain name tip Why it works Use a domain name generator Kickstart ideas and explore available options quickly Keep it short and memorable Helps with brand recall and easier typing Make it easy to type and pronounce Minimizes confusion and user error Avoid numbers and dashes These often complicate clarity and credibility Consider clarity and accessibility Choose names that are inclusive and easy to understand Target your area Localize your name if you serve a specific region Stay on brand Align with your tone, values and visual identity Include keywords Improves SEO and shows what your business is about Be descriptive Helps users immediately understand what you offer Pick the right domain extension Choose one that suits your industry, like .com, .store or .ai Do your research Check for availability across platforms and domains Check for trademark issues Avoid legal trouble by verifying name ownership Think long term Pick a name that can grow with your business Act fast Good names go quickly—secure yours once you find the right fit How to choose a domain name for a blog For a blog, the domain name is part of your storytelling—it sets expectations for your content and shapes how readers perceive your authority. Instead of just picking a catchy name, think about how it communicates your niche, perspective and style. For example, a blog on productivity could lean into specificity: “TwoHourWorkWeek” signals a practical, results-driven approach while “FlowStateJournal” implies a reflective, process-focused angle. The subtle difference guides who clicks and who sticks. SEO-friendly blog domains Another practical angle is SEO and long-term traffic strategy. A blog domain doesn’t need to be keyword-stuffed but weaving in a core topic can improve discoverability and brand recall. For instance, “PlantParentLife” instantly signals a houseplant-focused blog while being unique enough to rank well. Using a made-up or compound word like this can also prevent clashes with existing brands while giving you a flexible identity that grows with your blog. Blog domain name that scales Consider future monetization and content expansion. If you want to launch digital products, courses or a newsletter, avoid a name tied too tightly to one post type or style. A name like “DigitalNomadDiary” works if you plan to cover travel, work and lifestyle content, while “BackpackingTipsNow” locks you into one format. Testing domain ideas with potential readers—through polls or small focus groups—can reveal whether the name resonates and feels trustworthy, which is often more valuable than cleverness or trendiness. When choosing a domain name for your blog , focus on clarity and memorability. Keep it short, easy to spell and reflective of your niche so readers know what your blog is about. Pick a name that's flexible enough to cover future topics or expansions like adding new series, products or newsletters. Make sure it aligns with your social handles and consider testing ideas with your audience. What to avoid when choosing a domain name Picking the right domain name sets the tone for your website, so it’s just as important to know what to avoid. Trademarks and legal issues: Check that your name doesn’t step on any existing trademarks. It’s easier to avoid legal headaches from the start. Complicated or unconventional spelling: Weird spellings or slang can make your domain tricky to remember or share. Keep it simple. Double letters: Extra letters might trip people up when they’re typing your domain. Unintentional word merging: Watch out for accidental phrases that could confuse visitors. For example, “bestgiftshop” might read as “best gifts hop.” Numbers and hyphens: These can make your domain harder to type and remember. People often forget where to put them. Overly long names: Shorter is sweeter. Easier to remember, share and fit on business cards or marketing materials. Too generic: Names that are too general can get lost among competitors. Choose something memorable that reflects what you do. According to Lori Appleman, the Co-Founder of Redline Minds: "After 25 years working with online stores, I've seen countless businesses lose money because they picked domains that were too long or complex. The #1 rule I give clients is: if you can't say it clearly over the phone without spelling it out, pick something else. Think about your customer's shopping journey. When someone's rushing to find your site after seeing your product at a trade show, they need to type it quickly and accurately." Why is choosing the right domain name so important? But fully understanding what a domain name is , and what a subdomain is , you can understand just how much impact it has when planning how to make your website . Here's why choosing the right domain name is so important. Be perceived as a professional: Acting as your brand’s address online, a well thought out and customized URL will contribute to your site’s professionalism and authoritativeness, making your company appear more professional from a first look. Make your website easy to find: By picking a good domain name for your website, you can make it more memorable and help potential visitors find it with ease. A domain that represents your business while being easy to remember means more eyes on your site. Expert tip from Ofir Gvili, domains PMM at Wix: “A good domain name does more than just get you online, it makes your brand memorable and credible. When people see a clean, professional domain, they’re more likely to click and more likely to come back.” How do you buy a domain name that’s not listed? Acquiring a domain name that is not listed for sale requires a more personalized approach, as the current owner has not yet expressed their intent to sell the domain publicly. You'll need to: Identify the domain name: Clearly define the domain name you are interested in acquiring. Consider factors such as keyword relevance, brand alignment and memorability. Research the owner: Use WHOIS lookup tools to gather information about the current domain owner, including their contact details. This information will be crucial for initiating communication. Direct contact: Compose a personalized email or letter directly to the domain owner expressing your interest in purchasing the domain name. Be respectful, professional and clearly convey your reasons for wanting the domain. Offer negotiation: Propose an initial offer for the domain name based on your research and understanding of its value. Be open to negotiation and willing to compromise to reach a mutually agreeable price. Persistence: Understand that acquiring an unlisted domain name may take time and effort. Follow up with the owner politely and professionally, demonstrating genuine interest without being overly pushy. Alternative options: Explore alternative options if the initial contact or negotiation proves unsuccessful. Consider using domain marketplaces, expired domain auctions or alternative domain names that align with your objectives. Why trust Wix’s experts? This article was created by Wix’s in-house domain experts, with years of experience helping people choose, register and secure the perfect domains for their businesses and online projects. The guidance, tips and best practices shared here come directly from real Wix projects, so you can be confident they’ll help you find a domain that represents your brand, stays secure and supports your long-term goals. At Wix, we’ve guided millions of entrepreneurs, creators and small business owners in establishing a strong online presence. Our team keeps up with the latest in domain management, security and branding, making sure the advice you get is practical and backed by proven results. Think of this article as your trusted resource for every stage of domain ownership, from finding your first custom domain to protecting and growing your online identity. Explore domain pricing and get yours today. How to choose a domain name FAQ What's considered a good domain name? A good domain name is one that's memorable, easy to spell and relevant to your brand, business or purpose. It should be concise, avoiding hyphens and numbers that may cause confusion. Additionally, a good domain name reflects your identity and is unique, helping you stand out in the online space. Consider choosing a name that aligns with your content, is easy to pronounce and has a positive connotation. What to look for when buying a domain name? When buying a domain name, consider the following factors: Relevance: Ensure the domain name reflects your brand, business or content. Memorability: Choose a name that is easy to remember for visitors. Simplicity: Avoid complex spellings, hyphens or numbers to enhance clarity. Keywords: Include relevant keywords to improve search engine visibility. Availability: Check for domain availability and consider variations if your first choice is taken. Domain Extension: Select an appropriate domain extension (e.g., .com, .net, .org) based on your goals. Legal Considerations: Check for trademarks and ensure your chosen domain doesn't infringe on others' rights. Domain History: Investigate the history of the domain to avoid any potential issues. How do I go about buying a domain name? Decide on your domain name Check its availability, with a domain search tool Choose a domain registrar, like Wix Register your domain name Pay and confirm the purchase Connect to your website Really stuck for a domain name, how can I find one? Brainstorm with business partners, or even friends and family Use a domain name generator to get access to hundreds of potential names Use a thesaurus to find ideas for names or to use to combine words together to make a name Be inspired by what you read, watch and experience around you How does website hosting impact my domain choice? Your domain name should align with your hosting needs. For example, if you plan to launch an online store, choosing a domain that supports eCommerce hosting adds convenience and scalability. How do I find the domain name I want? Start by brainstorming words related to your brand, business or niche. Use a domain name generator to spark ideas and test different combinations, synonyms or word pairings. Check domain availability through a registrar’s search tool and if your first choice is taken, explore alternate domain extensions or variations that still feel true to your brand. What if my preferred domain name is taken? If your ideal domain name isn’t available, you have a few options: add a relevant keyword, location or niche term to your name, try a different domain extension or consider a slight spelling variation. You can also look up the domain’s owner via a WHOIS lookup and inquire if it’s for sale or keep an eye out to see if it becomes available in the future. How does domain privacy affect my website? Domain privacy, also known as WHOIS protection, shields your personal contact details from being publicly visible in the WHOIS database. This helps protect you from spam, phishing attempts and identity theft. Many domain registrars, including Wix, offer free domain privacy for eligible domains — it’s a smart, no-cost way to keep your personal information private. Can I change my domain name later? Yes — you can register a new domain at any time and connect it to your existing website. Just be aware that changing your domain may affect your SEO, existing backlinks and user familiarity. To maintain traffic, it’s a good idea to set up proper redirects from your old domain to the new one and update your links across social media, email signatures and business listings.
- Why paying $100+ for a premium domain is worth it, according to 17 business owners
The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain → When starting a business , every dollar counts. So, when we’re asked, “How much are you willing to pay for a domain?,” many of us are probably tempted to answer, “As little as possible.” (Some of us might even recall googling “ how to get a free domain ” when we were learning how to create a website for the first time.) But for others, a domain name might be worth more than you’d think. Some are willing to spend hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars a year on the right domain for their brand. To get to the bottom of it, we asked several business owners what makes a domain worth a higher price. Below are their top reasons. Brand recognition Brand credibility Email credibility SEO benefits Local SEO Bundled services Existing domain authority Long-term brand value Competitiveness and future-proofing Brand recognition “We pay more than $100 a year for certain domain names, but only when they hold a strategic edge,” says Alan Carr , creative director at Webpop Design , a design agency based in London. “The question is never about price alone—it’s about whether the domain strengthens visibility, credibility or long-term positioning. When a name aligns with branding and market perception, it can carry more weight than any marketing campaign.” Cyrus Partow , CEO of ShipTheDeal , similarly notes, “I found that investing $250 a year in ShipTheDeal.com was worth every penny since it perfectly matches our brand and instantly tells visitors what we do. After trying cheaper alternatives with hyphens and longer names that confused customers, I realized a clean, memorable domain actually saves money in marketing and builds more trust with shoppers.” “I've noticed our domain name actually becomes a conversation starter at networking events and helps potential sellers remember us,” says founder Shannon Beatty about her business House Buying Girls . “HouseBuyingGirls.com costs us $150 annually, and it helps us stand out in the male-dominated real estate investing space.” Adam Garcia , founder of The Stock Dork , pays upwards of $2,500 a year for his premium domain. “TheStockDork.com is a memorable, quirky domain that helps us stand out in the crowded financial advice space and makes our brand more approachable for new investors. Last year alone, our domain name helped drive over 100,000 organic visits, since people actually remember and type it directly, rather than having to search for us on Google.” Related reading: What is a domain name? The basics of web infrastructure How to choose a domain name Brand credibility According to Hilary Schultz , owner of Bright Bid Homes , “BrightBidHomes.com costs us about $200 annually, and while it seemed steep at first, having a catchy, memorable domain has been crucial for our word-of-mouth referrals. When comparing it to our monthly marketing budget and the value of even one closed deal, the domain cost is actually quite minimal for the professional image and trust it helps build with potential clients.” Chief marketing officer of Penfriend , Tim Hanson , shares similar sentiments: “Penfriend.ai costs significantly more than a standard .com domain because it's a .ai TLD . In our case, it was a no-brainer because we're an AI company, and having that .ai extension instantly communicates what we do…Our simple value calculation goes like this: If having a .ai domain helps close even one enterprise deal faster by adding legitimacy (which it has), it's paid for itself many times over. Sometimes the ‘expensive’ option is actually the cheapest when you look at the bigger picture of what you're trying to achieve.” Learn more: How much does a domain cost? Email credibility “I shell out over $100 yearly for domains without flinching,” states InboxArmy CEO, Scott Cohen . “While securing domains for InboxArmy, I never settled for clunky or forgettable options. A clean, professional URL radiates credibility, which is especially crucial to email marketing where trust determines whether messages land or die. I watch businesses cut corners with hyphenated domains or weird extensions, then scramble when they lose traffic to the obvious .com version.” “Sure, I'd skip the premium if the domain won't impact trust or sales. But most people don't grasp a domain's worth until poor choices cost them business. And frankly, I'd rather invest early than regret it later,” he adds. SEO benefits “Over time, AI-centric SEO, generative search optimization and evolving search dynamics will make domain names even more valuable. A generic name like ‘SEO Wizard’ or ‘SEO Rockstar’ won't cut it anymore,” states Bhavik Sarkhedi , founder of Ohh My Brand . Bhavik spends between $250 to $350 on domains for his businesses, which all flaunt unique names (like 'Dad of Ad' and ‘Taletel’ to name a few). “You need a name that commands attention. Both my domains already rank well with minimal backlinks, proving their potential. Assessing a domain's true value today is difficult, but the long-term outlook is that clear-strong domain names will matter more than ever,” he notes. “Justifying over $100 for a domain annually can be worth it in certain cases,” says another founder, Cache Merrill who started software company Zibtek . “I have purchased premium domains for projects where brand equity and SEO were fundamental…For example, we once bought a short, keyword domain for a SaaS product, and the direct traffic alone was able to lower the customer acquisition cost.” “In my experience, businesses that rely heavily on search-driven customers often find the investment well worth it,” further adds Stefan Van der Vlag , AI expert and founder of Clepher . “I believe in investing wisely in your online presence by choosing a premium keyword domain. This can save money in the long run by reducing the need for constant paid advertisements and increasing website visibility.” Looking for extra SEO support? Check out Wix's full suite of SEO features . Local SEO When it comes to SEO, a clear and specific domain name can make it easier for local businesses to get found online. Case in point: “A strong domain name matters in the legal industry,” says Justin Lovely , owner of the Lovely Law Firm Injury Lawyers . “If a premium domain contains high-intent keywords—like "[City]InjuryLawyer.com"—it can boost search rankings, increase trust and drive organic leads. When potential clients search for representation, they click on what feels authoritative and local.” That said, “some businesses overpay for domains that add no real value. If the name is too long, hard to spell or unrelated to a practice area, it won't generate leads…The real test is whether the domain contributes to signed cases. If it doesn't, a standard domain at a fraction of the cost may be just as effective,” says Justin. Jessica Henderson , founder of Sell My House Fast Houston TX , echoes this belief. “I started with a basic $12 domain name but quickly realized I needed something more memorable for our Houston market, so I now pay about $85 annually. “After switching to SellMyHouseFastHouston.com, we've seen better organic search results and clients mention finding us more easily through Google. Though I considered fancier domains costing $200 or more, I've found our current mid-range domain strikes the perfect balance between professionalism and cost-effectiveness for our local business.” Bundled services “Some business owners might pay more [for their domains because of the] inclusion of bundled services,” states senior link building analyst at Mavlers , Kumar Abhinav . “Certain domain registrars offer packages with added security (like WHOIS privacy protection), premium DNS services, SSL certificates, a free domain name or website-building tools. While these extras can increase the annual cost, they offer value in terms of convenience, security and performance. For businesses handling sensitive data or relying heavily on online transactions, these features are crucial. “Ultimately, the value of paying a premium for a domain comes down to ROI…for smaller businesses or startups, it's essential to balance the cost with current needs and budget constraints.” Existing domain authority “Why beg for authority when you can inherit it?” asks Milosz Krasinski , international SEO consultant and owner of Chilli Fruit Web Consulting . “Paying [for a premium domain] isn't just about owning a name, but about stepping into existing authority instead of fighting for scraps. If I can pick up a domain that already has trust, backlinks and history, I'm not starting at zero. I'm walking into a space where search engines already see value. “I've grabbed domains with links from sites that I'd never land through cold outreach, and that alone saves months of effort…A strong domain means I can skip the slow climb, push quality content and rank faster. It's just working smarter. “When I size up a domain, I don't just skim DR or traffic. I dig deep—who owned it, who linked to it and did Google ever slap it down? A domain isn't just a URL. If it's got the right domain history and weight, it's a business asset—and those don't come cheap.” Long-term brand value “It cannot be expressed in numeric value, but I would say that the name of our domain is at least 5% of our brand value,” estimates Kacper Rafalski , demand generation team leader at Netguru . He elaborates that “companies tend to become victims of their own success, as the pricing for the domain increases with the popularity of their website . “Being an established company, with a big reputation in Europe, the pricing on our domain has seen an increase over the last few years. We've missed the chance to expand the plan for more years and had to renew it from scratch, and all of a sudden the pricing went to around $110 per year. “If we were a smaller company, we probably would have been encouraged to look for a new domain, but the costs of change and potential traffic loss weren't worth it. The value of our domain is purely from the branding perspective. We could move the whole content, redirect all the SEO value and links we have, but the branding is what makes the domain name important to us.” Learn more about how to redirect a domain . Competitiveness and future-proofing “I pay $125 per year for my domain AllFilters.com, which is absolutely worth it because I believe that investing in a premium domain is important for brand protection and future-proofing. Owning a high-quality, easy-to-remember domain…prevents competitors from taking similar names and diluting my market presence,” says Shu Saito , CEO and founder of All Filters . “Another benefit has been the increased partnership opportunities. Since the domain directly reflects what we offer, it makes collaborations with other companies or influencers in the filtration industry smoother,” Shu adds. Similarly, Alan from Webpop Design states, “Assessing value goes beyond instinct. We analyze search relevance, direct traffic potential and resale history to determine if a domain holds long-term worth. Some investments age like fine wine, gaining traction with time, while others serve a specific campaign before being retired. The real measure comes from performance, if the domain consistently brings in the right audience or positions the brand ahead of competitors, the investment speaks for itself.” On another note, “investing in a premium domain reduces the risk of phishing, cybersquatting and brand confusion, which can damage customer trust and impact revenue,” says Rob Gold , VP of marketing communications at Intermedia , a cloud communication company. “This was a top priority for us, considering the line of work we do.” Read also: Tips for future-proofing your domain Domain name trends you won’t want to ignore So, when is a premium domain worth the extra cash? To be clear, a premium domain isn’t for everyone. As Natalia Lavrenenko , UGC and marketing manager at Rathly , points out, “Keeping domain expenses [low] lets funds go towards other growth projects.” Manager director at Insurance Panda , James Shaffer , also warns against purchasing a premium domain just because it’s trendy or as a substitute for a name that’s already taken. “If the .com is taken and you’re paying extra for a .biz, .info or some other odd extension, you’re probably losing traffic to the ‘real’ owner.” To properly assess the value of a domain, think about factors like brandability, memorability, credibility, organic authority and/or resale value. Or, as James puts it, “If a domain is driving business, justifying the cost is easy. If it’s just sitting there, you might be better off cutting your losses.”
- How to make a construction website: Guide for builders, contractors & more
Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix → With rising mortgage costs and strong demand, more homeowners are remodeling instead of buying new. If you're in construction, learning how to create a website is essential for reaching this growing market. Your site doesn’t just display past projects—it builds trust, answers client questions, and brings in new leads. Starting a business in construction, or already working as a contractor? This guide will walk you through building a construction website that helps you stand out, get hired, and grow your reputation. Make a construction website today and highlight your projects professionally. Building a website for your business, passion project or side hustle should be easy and exciting. With Wix, you can customize and launch a professional website in minutes, no coding needed. We’re all about simplifying the process so you can focus on what matters most–bringing your ideas to life. So why wait? Let’s get started on creating the website you’ve always wanted. TL;DR: how to make a construction website A good construction website helps you get found, build trust and bring in more jobs. It should be easy to navigate, mobile-friendly and focused on what your audience needs—clear service info, high-quality photos, reviews and ways to reach you fast. Add contact forms, estimate requests and online scheduling so people don’t have to jump through hoops to hire you. Update your site often, use local keywords and include extras like a blog or downloadable checklists to stay relevant and useful. With a website builder like Wix, you can launch fast, manage everything in one place and actually grow your business without getting stuck on the tech. Website features by construction business type Construction business type Smart website features to include General contractor Project gallery, service area map, quote request form, client reviews Home renovation Before-and-after photo sliders, blog with renovation tips, downloadable budgeting checklist Custom home builder Virtual home tours, design inspiration gallery, detailed service descriptions, testimonials Commercial construction Case studies by industry, downloadable capability statement, contact form with RFP upload Roofing Damage gallery, seasonal maintenance tips, inspection booking tool Landscaping Outdoor project portfolio, seasonal service highlights, estimate form Kitchen and bath remodeler Room-specific galleries, video walkthroughs, design consultation scheduler Green building contractor Certifications badge section, blog on sustainable practices, downloadable materials list Restoration and repair Emergency contact banner, insurance claim assistance page, before-and-after visuals What is a construction website? A construction website serves as a digital storefront and portfolio, allowing you to engage with prospective clients even when they aren't physically visiting a showroom. It's formatted to help visitors learn about your services, request quotes and envision how you can transform their living spaces. More and more people are turning to the internet for their research, especially when it comes to finding construction services. A visually appealing and intuitive website needs to be a part of your marketing strategies . It can be the deciding factor for potential clients who are comparing your services with your competitors. Learn more : How hard is it to make a website Construction company website template (Industrial) How to make a construction website in 8 steps Decide your website’s purpose Buy a domain name and web hosting Choose a website builder Add projects and images Incorporate lead management tools Highlight your credibility Market to a local audience Maintain your construction website 0 1. Decide your website’s purpose According to Adi Huri, head of product and creative director of Wow! at Wix: “Just as us humans, every website has its own needs. Try to define what those are and what goals you’d like to achieve in order to create a successful website that is truly original.” Before you start planning your website, you should determine its purpose. Do you want to exhibit your projects, generate leads, or both? A clear understanding of what you want to achieve will help guide the website design and content creation process. Your website should be tailored to your ideal audience's preferences and needs. For instance, if your construction company specializes in luxury homes, your website should reflect the high-end aesthetic that homeowners are searching for. Consider these tips as you think about web design: Target audience: Understand your customers, their preferences and pain points. Conduct research to identify what they're searching for when looking for construction services. Clear value proposition: Convey the distinctive attributes that differentiate your construction company. Emphasize your unique qualities, expertise and the solutions you offer. Easy to navigate: Site navigation should be simple and easy to follow and the important information should be readily accessible. Content relevance: Craft web content that directly speaks to the questions and concerns of your audience, whether it involves construction services, project timelines or cost estimates. Additionally, the following tools can help engage your audience and make your website stand out: Testimonials and case studies: Add references from happy customers and case studies of successful projects. Real-life stories help form trust and legitimacy. Clear call to action (CTA): Simplify the process for website users to take the next step, whether it be requesting a quote, scheduling a consultation or subscribing to your newsletter. Mobile-friendly design: Make sure your website appears and operates smoothly on all devices, ranging from desktops to smartphones. Since many clients browse and complete transactions using mobile devices, responsiveness is vital. Regular updates: Highlight recent work, awards and industry certifications to demonstrate that your business is still active and thriving. Learn more: What is web design? Construction company website template (Bold) 02. Buy a domain name and web hosting A domain name is the address visitors use to access your website and web hosting refers to the server where your website files are stored. The domain name helps users to easily find and interact with your website, while web hosting ensures that your website is securely stored and accessible to users. It's best to keep domain names simple and easy to remember. Let Wix's domain name generator assist you in generating names based on your company name or relevant keywords related to your construction services. When selecting a web host service, think about storage space, bandwidth, website security measures, web hosting cost and add-ons. With Wix's paid plan, you'll get a domain name, free hosting and a drag and drop website builder to kickstart your virtual presence. Learn more about what is website hosting and its role in your website reliability . 03. Choose a website builder A website builder , like Wix, simplifies the process of creating a construction website by providing user-friendly tools and templates. It requires no coding skills, saving time and effort. It's great for individuals and small businesses looking to make a website. Using an AI website maker like Wix's unique chat-based AI tool can enhance the website creation process, resulting in a customized construction website that caters to your individual requirements. Learn more: How to design a website with AI and best AI website builders . Select templates Once you've chosen your website builder, it's time to design your construction website. Wix offers an array of customizable services and maintenance website templates suitable for various types of websites , including construction (see these construction website templates ). Start by finding a template that aligns with your company's brand and vision. From there, you can add your company's logo and key website features. Tip: Learn how to design a logo and use a construction logo maker tool to create the perfect construction logo for your company. Commercial construction firm website template (Professional) Intuitive navigation When you create a website , it's essential to outline an intuitive navigation system. When viewers can effortlessly find what they need, they’re more likely to stay on your site, explore your services and reach out. Place the most critical pages in your site's header menu and create a clear hierarchy to lead them through your site. Here are some web pages that should be included on your construction website. Homepage Your homepage is the first impression that visitors will have of your company. Aside from showcasing your construction slogan , logo and branding, the homepage should also have a brief overview of your services, project gallery, contact information and call-to-action buttons. About us page The About Us page is a chance to introduce readers to your company's history, values and team. Make sure to include a headshot, title and bio for each team member. It helps build trust and shows the human side of your business. Emphasizing the skills, experiences and passions of your team members shows the diverse experience that they will have at their disposal if they work with your company. Services page When it comes to construction, there's a wide range of services available. Individuals searching for a construction company usually have specific services in mind. That's why your services page should feature a comprehensive list of the construction services you offer, along with pricing. Make sure to present them in a way that features their benefits and how they solve problems for your focus audience. For example, if your experience lies in residential builds, spotlight services such as custom homes, home additions, outdoor living spaces and basement renovations. If you offer a unique product or installation service, emphasize its distinctive attributes that set it apart from others in the market. Contact page Your contact page should display all the ways that future customers can reach out to you. You can also include a contact form for future clients to fill out with their project details. Here are the key points to include: Phone number Business email address Physical location/showroom if you have one Map of your service area Links to your social media channels Hours of operation Contact form Construction & Repair Services website template (Dark) 04. Add projects and images Adding a project gallery or portfolio page to your construction website allows viewers to explore your work and find projects that meet their needs. Homeowners or clients are eager to see examples of your work and envision their own experience. It helps them to picture how your skills can translate into successful outcomes for their own projects. When using images, you should also write detailed descriptions that not only present the final product but also highlight the challenges you faced during the project. By explaining the obstacles you encountered and the innovative solutions you implemented, you demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Crafting compelling content generates more views and boosts your website's search engine ranking. Construction company website template (Clean) Use visuals to tell a story When consumers choose a construction company, the visual content on the website can make all the difference. To differentiate yourself from the competition and make an impact, display eye-catching images and videos. Here are some tips to capture good visuals: Background : Clean up the job-site from any lingering debris or equipment before photographing. Process : Capture the entire project journey, including the remarkable transformation and the initial state of your project. This allows others to witness the progress and the impact your work can make. Crew : Include photos of the team to help your clients connect faces to your company. Take some candid shots of your workers in action for a more intriguing and genuine feel. Results : Last but not least, post high-quality images of the finished project to showcase the final product. Use different angles to show all aspects of the project, including before-and-after shots for a dramatic effect. Use eye-catching images It's best to use original photography, however too often, builders hastily take snapshots with their phones and add them to their websites. Instead, take the time to intentionally photograph your creations, showcasing unique materials and challenging upgrades to homes. In case you need images, Wix's Media Manager contains hundreds of free Wix image and video files that can be added directly to your site. Here are some quick tips to create high-quality visuals: Hardware : Invest in a digital camera. If you use your phone, learn its capabilities and utilize picture apps. Lighting : Use natural light as much as possible and avoid using flash. Angles : Take photos from various angles to give a better understanding of the project. Composition : Use basic photography rules such as the rule of thirds, leading lines and symmetry to create visually appealing images. Editing : Make use of video maker and photo editing software to adjust and enhance the colors, lighting and sharpness of your images. Just remember not to overdo it – keep things natural. Image sizing : Use a photo resizer to post images in the right size for your website template. Construction company website template (with a video) 05. Incorporate lead management tools Your construction website should not only feature your services and projects, but also integrate lead generation features and a CRM . These tools are essential for capturing potential clients' data and following up with them to convert them into actual customers. Remember to make these tools user-friendly and easily accessible on your website. Here are some examples of lead generation tools you can integrate on your website. Newsletter sign-up form Include a newsletter sign-up form on your construction website to gather email addresses from interested visitors or returning clients. This facilitates communication with them regularly and keeps them updated on your latest work, services and promotions. Make sure to provide valuable content in your newsletters to keep subscribers engaged. Contact form It’s great to include your contact details on your website, but take it a step further and use a contact form that can be filled out to get in touch with you. Make sure the form is easy to fill out and that you have a prompt response time to show your professionalism and dedication. Try this form builder to customize a contact form that works for your business. Free consultation or estimate form Allow prospective clients to submit their project details for a free consultation or estimate, giving you the opportunity to follow up and secure new business. Include fields to understand the work needed, budget and approximate timeline. This helps you get a much bigger picture of the scope of the project. Appointment scheduler Offering online scheduling allows interested individuals to book appointments or consultations directly from your website. This streamlines the process to schedule a meeting with you, raising the chances of converting them into customers. Client portal A client portal is a secure area on your website where customers can view and access project information, documents and important dates. It serves as a membership site , fostering trust, transparency, and efficiency in project management. Online chat Integrating live chat or a chatbot messaging system on your website allows for real-time communication with potential customers. It’s an effective way to answer any questions they may have and to provide them with immediate assistance, building trust and customer satisfaction. With Wix Chat , you can easily add a customized chatbox that reflects your brand. Plus, explore additional chat add-ons in the Wix App Market to connect with customers on popular platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook and Telegram. Utility construction company website template (Minimal) 06. Highlight your credibility Engaging content shows your expertise. When visitors discover valuable insights, they're more likely to stay, explore your services and eventually reach out. By offering a diverse range of content, you can cater to various preferences and offer a comprehensive experience that keeps them engaged and interested in your offerings. Explore these content types for your construction website. Construction blog Start a blog to share your knowledge in the construction industry. Give over your insights and tips through informative articles that instill your authority and provide fresh content loved by search engines. Write blogs with useful tips and advice for your clients. For instance, you could share articles about optimizing construction project timelines or step-by-step guides on home improvement ideas. Testimonials and reviews By including feedback from satisfied clients, you can demonstrate your proven track record of delivering excellent work. These reviews help establish your reputation, increasing the likelihood that new clients will choose your services. You can place these anywhere on your website. Try placing two or three on your main page to draw viewers in, and create a separate tab within your construction site to house additional reviews. Social media links If you have social media accounts include links to them on your website. Many builders have Instagram and TikTok accounts to show more in-depth progress on projects and share more pictures than you’d need on your construction website. Active social media profiles add credibility and give a sense of authenticity. Try incorporating user generated content UGC from happy customers who have plenty of visuals of completed projects or experiences with your construction company. This also helps boost social proof and establish credibility. Downloadable resources Offering assets such as spreadsheets or checklists can position you as an expert in the construction industry. These tools also serve as lead magnets, allowing you to collect email addresses and nurture leads through your newsletters. You can write content on various topics, such as home renovation budgeting or eco-conscious building practices. 07. Market to a local audience As a construction company, your focus audience is most likely local. Therefore, it's crucial to optimize your website for local searches and tailor your construction marketing to a local audience effectively. Here are some tips to help you do this. Claim your Google My Business listing Google My Business (GMB) is a free tool that lets businesses manage their web visibility on Google Search and Maps. By claiming your GMB listing, you can keep your business facts accurate and up-to-date on Google, making it easier for new clients to find you. Local keywords Use keywords related to your location throughout your website to increase its visibility in local searches. For example, use phrases like "construction company in [city]" or "home renovation services near me" to target prospective customers in your geographic area. Local directory listings Be sure to list your business on local directories such as Yelp, Angie's List or HomeAdvisor. These directories make it easier for clients to discover you when exploring construction options in their area. Your Wix site comes with robust SEO features built in to help you optimize your website for search engines. Learn more about how to incorporate SEO with the Wix SEO hub . 08. Maintain your construction website Once your construction website is up and running, you need to maintain it regularly. Make a habit of updating your website with fresh, relevant content on a regular basis. This not only keeps visitors engaged, but also helps your search engine ranking. Regularly check for broken links on your website and fix them promptly. Broken links can negatively impact user experience and harm your search engine ranking. Read more: How to start a construction business How to create a construction business plan Construction business name ideas to build upon 24 construction websites that build an online presence Construction logo redesign Construction website examples To give you a better idea of what makes an effective construction website, here are some examples of well-designed and functional websites in the industry, built on Wix. A&K General Contractor A&K Contractor's striking color scheme combines a sleek black background with vibrant orange text, ensuring that their content (including text, images and logo) stands out. Their portfolio gallery showcases a variety of images and videos to showcase their work. A&K frequently links their visual content to their social media accounts, strategically attracting new followers who may eventually become customers. Tri State America Tri State America's website features a sleek and minimalistic design, setting a modern tone across every page. In addition to the header menu and footer, the homepage offers three key sections that encourage visitors to explore more about the company: a "services" section, a portfolio gallery, and a slideshow of testimonials. What are the benefits of a construction website? Investing in a construction website offers numerous advantages for your business. It's a clear indication that you're committed to your brand and the quality of your services. Some of these include: Attract potential clients : Allows you to reach a wider audience, attracting new clients. Establish your authority : With a blog and downloadable resources, your construction website can serve as a platform for showcasing your knowledge and expertise in the industry. Showcase your work : Provides an opportunity to display your past projects, outlining the value of your services to future customers. Build trust and credibility : Endorsements may help future clientele build confidence and integrity, increasing the likelihood that they will do business with you. Related reading: How this homeowner flipped a renovation nightmare into a dream construction business How to make a construction website FAQ What color scheme should I use for my construction website? When choosing a color scheme for your construction website, it's best to stick with neutral tones such as white, gray or beige. These colors convey professionalism and are easy on the eyes, making them suitable for a business website . Can I use stock images on my construction website? While it's okay to use some stock images on your website, it's best to have real photos of your work and team. This helps build up trust and adds authenticity to your brand. How much does it cost to develop a website for a construction company? The cost of developing a construction website can vary depending on the complexity. Website builders like Wix offer affordable options, while hiring a freelance website designer can cost you more. It's best to research and compare different options based on your needs and budget. Overall, investing in a website is worth the long-term benefits it offers for your business. Learn more: Is Wix free? Does a construction company need a website? Yes, a construction company greatly benefits from having a website. A website serves as a central hub for potential clients to learn about the company, view past projects and contact the business. It also enhances credibility and professionalism, allowing the company to compete more effectively in the market. What should a construction website look like? A construction website should have a clean and professional design that reflects the company's brand identity. It should incorporate high-quality images of past projects to showcase the company's expertise and capabilities. The layout should be easy to navigate, with clear calls-to-action directing visitors to contact the company or request a quote. What should a construction website include? A construction website should include essential information such as the company's contact details, services offered and areas served. It should feature a portfolio or gallery of completed projects, with detailed descriptions and before-and-after photos where applicable. Additionally, the website should provide information about the company's team members, certifications and any awards or recognitions received. Other useful elements to include are client testimonials, a blog or news section for company updates and social media integration for further engagement. Other types of websites to create How to make an art portfolio How to make an auto repair website How to make a bakery website How to make a booking website How to make a car dealership website How to make a car rental website How to make a car wash website How to make a carpenter website How to make a church website How to make a coaching website How to make a consulting website How to make a dog breeder website How to make a donation website How to make an electrician website How to make a fashion website How to make a finance website How to make a florist website How to make a furniture website How to make a gaming website How to make a handyman website How to make an interior design website How to make a landscaping website How to make a laundromat website How to make a locksmith website How to make a medical website How to make a pet business website How to make a plumbing website How to make a real estate website How to make a sports website How to make a subscription website How to make a taxi service website How to make a toy website How to make a trucking website How to make a vacation rental website How to make a veterinary website How to make a website for bookkeeping How to make a dance studio website How to make a therapist website
- 15 best cleaning websites to inspire your small business (+ tips for how to create your own)
Bring your inspiration to life with a Wix website → Creating a website for your cleaning business is more than just a necessity – it’s your gateway to building credibility and attracting new clients. A standout cleaning website showcases your professionalism and helps differentiate your business from the competition. Whether you offer residential, commercial or specialized cleaning services, your website often serves as the first impression for potential clients. If you’re ready to learn how to make a website for your own cleaning business, this article is packed with inspiration. A cleaning website is a type of website that needs to effectively highlight services and provide visitors with the tools and knowledge they need to book. Below, we highlight the best cleaning websites that do just that. Our roundup of examples excel in design, business savviness and functionality. Drawn from small businesses similar to yours, the list below includes valuable insights on how to leverage a website builder and design a site that captivates and converts. Need inspiration for your website? With Wix, building a standout site is easier than ever. Choose from hundreds of customizable templates and use Wix’s easy drag-and-drop website builder tools to make your vision come to life. Turn your ideas into reality and see just how simple it is to create a unique, professional website. TL;DR: best cleaning websites A well-designed website can go a long way in making your cleaning business feel trustworthy, professional and easy to hire. With the global cleaning services market projected to reach $444.6 billion in 2025 and grow to $617 billion by 2030 , having a professional website is essential for staying competitive. In this guide, we’re spotlighting standout cleaning service websites, each one showing how thoughtful design, clear messaging and strategic features can help turn visitors into long-term clients. You'll also find actionable tips for building your own site, whether you're starting from scratch or refreshing your current one. Think of this as both a visual guide and a playbook to help your business shine online. How we chose the best cleaning websites What we looked for Why it mattered Professional first impression Clean layouts, calming colors and clear contact options Service clarity Easy-to-understand service offerings and pricing info User-friendly design Streamlined navigation and mobile responsiveness Trust signals Reviews, certifications and strong “About” pages Calls to action Clear booking or inquiry prompts throughout the site "I launched my business with the help of Wix, which helps me every day to manage an intuitive, highly customizable, and especially high-quality website." - Flore Selles, founder of Naucoshop 15 best cleaning websites for inspiration Here are examples of cleaning websites and the reasons why they shine. From their use of design trends and business tools, to effective engagement and user-friendly designs, use these as inspiration as you create your own high-converting website. Sweet Home Cleaning Service Lemon House Cleanify Holly's Housekeeping Lira’s Cleaning Services Soapranos Cleaning Cox Commercial Cleaning Perfect Way Cleaning Molly Mops Delee Cleaning Solutions Let's Clean Clean Sweeps Nete's Cleaning Services G&C Cleaning Services Excellent Clean 01. Sweet Home Cleaning Service Sweet Home Cleaning Service is a perfect example of how cleaning websites can use a simple design to build trust and encourage action. The homepage greets you with a bright, clean kitchen image, immediately setting the right expectation. It’s a smart layout that quickly introduces the business, shows off customer testimonials and even includes an Instagram feed for fresh content. This site proves that the best website designs are often the most direct. By placing a strong emphasis on social proof, they make potential customers feel confident and ready to book a service. A clean and simple layout makes information easy to find Strong use of customer testimonials builds immediate trust An embedded social media feed keeps the content fresh and authentic Like what you see? Build your own cleaning website using this same template. Template name: Cleaning company website template 02. Lemon House Lemon House , a cleaning service company based in New York City, uses a one page website design that exudes cleanliness, professionalism and commitment to quality service. The site’s aesthetic and business elements are an excellent example of how the best cleaning websites can effectively engage and encourage new visitors. Clear value propositions address customer needs directly On the homepage, their cleaning slogan , "Clean Your Stress Away," resonates with individuals who value a tidy home but lack the time to clean it themselves. A simple layout guides users toward booking a service Like what you see? Build your own cleaning website using this same template. Template name: Recycling facility website template 03. Cleanify Cleanify ’s website is a masterclass in making a wide range of services easy to navigate. Right away the site presents visitors with a clean grid layout of all their offerings from standard cleaning to post-construction. Their about us page design makes Cleanify a standout for anyone looking for about us page examples that are easy to read and welcoming. This approach builds a strong connection and makes you feel like you are dealing with people who truly care. A well-organized service menu makes options clear A compassionate tone of voice builds an emotional connection Strong customer testimonials provide powerful social proof Like what you see? Build your own cleaning website using this same template. Template name: Business consultant website template 04. Holly's Housekeeping Holly's Housekeeping has one of the most effective cleaning websites for building a personal brand and showing off a team. The design feels professional and personal, featuring high-quality photos of the founder and her staff throughout the site. This approach immediately creates a sense of trust and familiarity. The website uses a simple structure, making it easy to find services and read reviews. A standout feature is the new client form embedded directly on the homepage, which serves as a great model for contact us page examples . It's a smart way to capture leads by making it incredibly simple for potential customers to get in touch. Professional photography builds a strong personal brand A homepage contact form simplifies lead generation Clear service descriptions guide users to the right option Like what you see? Build your own cleaning website using this same template. Template name: Laundry shop website template 05. Lira’s Cleaning Services Lira’s Cleaning Services features trendy elements like pastel colors and modern fonts to captivate and engage visitors. From their customized cleaning logo to unique illustrations depicting their services, the site uses clever visual language with informative website copy and useful tools to effectively establish their branding. The welcoming tone of the copy uses casual language to connect with customers and convey the company's values. They prominently display their area code, immediately communicating the geographic scope of their services. A standout welcome bar at the bottom of the homepage follows visitors as they scroll, encouraging them to get a free estimate. Like what you see? Build your own cleaning website using this same template. Template name: Painting company website template 06. Soapranos Cleaning If the business name isn’t enough to make you smile, the website certainly will. Soapranos Cleaning ’s website stands out for its clean design, thoughtful website copy and useful tools, providing one of the best examples of how to combine these strategic elements. The sharp black background sets the stage for visitors, highlighting bright photographs and white text throughout the site. A live chat box tool towards the bottom of the homepage provides a seamless way to streamline communication with the Soapranos Cleaning team. The site includes a form for past clients to leave reviews and feedback. By accumulating testimonials, Soapranos Cleaning can display these on their website to help build their reputation. Like what you see? Build your own cleaning website using this same template. Template name: Cleaning company website template 07. Cox Commercial Cleaning Cox Commercial Cleaning is a great model for commercial cleaning websites that need to communicate a wide range of services. The design is professional and direct, with a clear layout that organizes its extensive list of offerings into easy-to-understand sections. This makes it simple for different types of businesses to find exactly what they need. What really sets this site apart is how it highlights its identity as a veteran-owned, minority-owned and female-owned company. This builds a strong brand story and connects with clients who value supporting diverse businesses. A professional design communicates reliability and expertise Clearly defined brand values create a strong identity Detailed service menus cater to a variety of client needs Like what you see? Build your own cleaning website using this same template. Template name: HVAC Technician website template 08. Perfect Way Cleaning Perfect Way Cleaning shows how a clean and simple design can make a great first impression on cleaning websites. The website features a straightforward layout with plenty of white space and high-quality images, creating a feeling of freshness and order. It effectively uses a sticky "Get a Free Estimate" button that stays visible as you scroll, making it easy for customers to take the next step from any point on the page. The testimonials section is well-placed, offering social proof that builds confidence in their service. This site is a great example of how functional design choices can directly support business goals. A clean design mirrors the brand's services A persistent call-to-action button improves user experience Prominently placed testimonials build trust with potential customers Like what you see? Build your own cleaning website using this same template. Template name: Investment Company website template 09. Molly Mops Molly Mops is one of those cleaning websites that makes booking a service feel effortless and modern. The design is bright and playful, using a fun logo and blue color scheme that feels friendly and approachable. A great feature is the prominent "Book Now" button in the header, which takes users directly to an online booking system where they can schedule a cleaning in just a few clicks. The site also clearly lays out its value propositions—like "100% Satisfaction Guarantee"—using simple icons, which quickly builds trust. It's a fantastic example of a site that combines a strong brand personality with a user-friendly experience. A simple and modern booking system makes scheduling easy The handy FAQ section answers all those burning questions, making it one of the best FAQ page examples . Clear value propositions build trust with customers Like what you see? Build your own cleaning website using this same template. Template name: Cleaning company website template 10. Delee Cleaning Solutions Deelee Solutions offers a great example of how functional features can improve the user experience on cleaning service websites. The design is clean and straightforward, focusing on getting visitors the information they need quickly. A key feature is the embedded map on the homepage, which clearly shows the service area, instantly telling potential customers if the company operates in their location. The site also includes a chat feature, which is a great tool for providing immediate answers and capturing leads. By making it easy for visitors to confirm the service area and ask questions, the website effectively removes barriers to booking. A simple design makes information easy to find An embedded map clearly defines the service area A live chat feature provides instant customer support Like what you see? Build your own cleaning website using this same template. Template name: Home remodeling company website template 11. Let's Clean Let's Clean has one of the best homepage design examples for a cleaning business that wants to feel both professional and friendly. This friendly branding is carried throughout the site with a clean layout and bright, welcoming colors. The homepage effectively uses sections with icons to list key benefits like "Service Guaranteed" and "Insured and Bonded," which quickly builds trust. It’s a great model for showing how a strong visual identity and clear information can create a positive first impression. A clever logo clearly communicates the business purpose A clean layout with bright colors feels welcoming Icon-based benefit lists build trust with visitors Like what you see? Build your own cleaning website using this same template. Template name: Construction company website template 12. Clean Sweeps Clean Sweeps is one of the cleaning websites that immediately makes you feel at ease with its warm and professional design. The site uses beautiful, high-quality images of clean, inviting spaces paired with a soft, natural color palette that feels very calming. This design choice perfectly captures the relaxing feeling of coming home to a spotless house. A great feature is how they use icons to clearly communicate their core values, like being eco-friendly and pet-friendly, which helps build trust with visitors right away. It's a fantastic approach that shows how a thoughtful design can create a strong connection with potential customers. A professional design creates a feeling of trust and reliability High-quality imagery helps customers visualize the end result Eye-catching window cleaning visual on the homepage highlights specialty services Like what you see? Build your own cleaning website using this same template. Template name: Cleaning company website template 13. Nete's Cleaning Services Nete's Cleaning Services is a great model for cleaning websites that want to build a personal connection with clients. The design puts the owner's story front and center, creating an immediate sense of trust and personality. By featuring a photo and a brief bio on the homepage, the site transforms from a simple service page into a friendly introduction. This personal touch is a powerful way to make a business feel more human and approachable. The layout is simple and direct, ensuring visitors can easily find contact information and service details without any fuss. A personal bio and photo build a strong connection with visitors A clean, straightforward design makes information easy to digest Direct calls to action guide users to get in touch Like what you see? Build your own cleaning website using this same template. Template name: Creative CV website template 14. G&C Cleaning Services G&C Cleaning Services is a fantastic example of how cleaning business websites can use a structured design to build confidence with customers. The site features a clean, modern layout with a blue and white color scheme that feels professional and trustworthy. A standout element is the dedicated customer testimonials section, which prominently displays positive feedback and star ratings, offering social proof that builds credibility. Another great feature is the well-organized footer, which includes all essential contact information, service areas, and quick links, making navigation simple from any page. This thoughtful organization shows a commitment to a great user experience. A dedicated testimonials section builds social proof An organized footer makes important information easily accessible A clean and modern design feels professional and trustworthy Like what you see? Build your own cleaning website using this same template. Template name: Construction company website template 15. Excellent Clean Excellent Clean offers a compelling model for how cleaning website can balance professionalism with direct calls to action. The design is straightforward and effective, using a clean hero image and a bold headline to immediately communicate its value. A great element is the prominent testimonial section, which builds credibility by showcasing positive feedback from a satisfied customer. The site also introduces a unique "CleanPro" express service, allowing clients to book and pay online without waiting for a quote, which is a fantastic feature for busy homeowners. This approach shows how combining social proof with innovative service options can make a business stand out. A unique service offering addresses a specific customer need Prominent testimonials build trust and credibility with new visitors A clear call to action on the homepage guides users to book a service Like what you see? Build your own cleaning website using this same template. Template name: Grocery store website template Ready to launch your cleaning business? Check out our complete guide on how to start a business . What these cleaning website examples do well Not only are all of the above excellent cleaning business ideas with clever names and powerful branding, they’re all examples of cleaning websites that serve a purpose. The cleaning websites above communicate effectively and use business tools for visitors to streamline the process of scheduling and paying online. This round-up of the best cleaning websites highlights small business branding and incorporates elements that build trust with visitors—such as images of their work, detailed descriptions, About Us pages and testimonials. While they prioritize aesthetic appeal to enhance their branding, they also strike a balance between design and UX. Current trends in cleaning website designs These website design trends focus on usability, trust-building and strong calls-to-action to maximize lead generation and user engagement. Minimalist layouts: Simple, clean designs that put a focus on services. This can be achieved with the right website template . Online scheduling and booking: Seamless integration of scheduling tools is a common element in a business website that offers services like cleaning, allowing users to book directly on the website for extra convenience. Elements of trust: Badges for certifications, customer testimonials and reviews are often featured to build trust with new visitors. Interactive elements: Features like instant quote calculators or live chat bots allow users to engage with the site more directly, enhancing UX. Online forms: Streamlining the communication process for new visitors who have questions or inquiries. You can use an online form builder to create a form that suits your business. Strong CTAs: "Book Now," "Request a Quote" and "Schedule a Cleaning" buttons are placed prominently to drive conversions. Visual storytelling: High-quality before-and-after images or videos are popular, showing the transformation cleaning services provide. This visual element helps build credibility. Customized logo: A creative logo placed on the website helps cleaning businesses stand out and solidify their professional branding. Using a logo maker , you can generate designs and ideas of your own in minutes. Why design matters for cleaning service websites Web design is the art of planning and arranging content on a website so that it can be shared and accessed online. A well-designed cleaning service website is the first step to making a strong impression, building brand credibility and helping potential customers through the decision-making process. Effective design contributes to much more than a nice to look at screen— it enhances UX, ensures easy navigation and highlights professionalism, which drives higher engagement and conversions. Create your professional cleaning services website Ready to build your own website from scratch? Here are some expert tips to get you started. Use a website builder For small cleaning businesses seeking to establish a professional online presence and attract more customers, a website builder offers a cost-effective, user-friendly and efficient solution. These tools streamline the process of website development and design, frequently utilizing drag-and-drop or AI website building technology to make it accessible to everyone. When selecting your website builder, think about elements such as pricing, available design tools and a user-friendly interface. Choose software that provides a robust website infrastructure you can rely on, including dependable web hosting, web servers , security and performance. Start with a website template Starting your cleaning website with a premade template is a great idea if you’re looking for a quick and efficient solution. Templates are ready-made, so you don’t have to start from scratch, and many cleaning templates come with features tailored to service-based businesses, like online booking forms, service lists and testimonials. Professional cleaning website templates also provide a solid foundation for a polished online presence. They allow you to easily incorporate your own branding, content and images with user-friendly customization tools like drag-and-drop editors for incorporating personalized colors, fonts and layouts. Check out these professional service and maintenance website templates on Wix to get started. Include branded elements Part of understanding how to start a cleaning business that succeeds is learning how to differentiate yourself from competitors. By incorporating branded elements into your cleaning business website, you can enhance brand recognition and establish a consistent UX. This contributes to a professional and memorable brand identity, which can be instrumental in converting visitors into loyal customers. From the initial stages of your cleaning business, you’ve likely started to flesh out these elements. Make sure they’re seamlessly integrated and reflected on your website to align with your cleaning business's overall image. Here are some key branded elements you should be sure include: Cleaning business name: Every great business has a great name behind it. As one of the foundational elements of your brand, displaying this on your website is a must, making your business appear more professional and organized while boosting recognition (and potentially improving SEO, too). Pro tip: Check out these great cleaning business name ideas for inspiration if you haven’t decided on one already. Your own logo : Knowing how to make a cleaning logo that reflects your services and values is important for your overall brand identity. Once you have it ready, prominently display your logo on your cleaning site’s homepage, and when relevant, in other areas of your site. A catchy slogan: A short and catchy tagline can communicate what your cleaning business stands for. Think creatively about how you can succinctly describe your business’s key benefits, such as speed or eco-friendliness, and position it in a place that’s recognizable. Check out this list of top cleaning slogans for inspiration and ideas. Branded colors: Use consistent brand colors throughout your site in order to strengthen your business’s visual identity. Go based on what you have in your logo, and try to stick with 2-3 colors for visual variety that’s balanced with consistency. Typography: The fonts you use on your website should reflect your cleaning business’s personality. Similar to your brand colors, you can use up to 2-3 font styles on your site to facilitate a visual hierarchy. Brand voice: Friendly, professional, playful—these are just some of the attributes we might use to describe a brand voice. As you develop your branding, consider what tone you want to use to connect with your audience and align your website messaging with this voice. Add the right pages and content A well-structured cleaning business website should include a variety of web pages and content to provide essential information, build trust and convert visitors into customers. Here are the key types of website content you should consider featuring on a cleaning website: A welcoming homepage that provides visitors with a concise and compelling introduction to your cleaning business. A services page that gives visitors detailed information about your cleaning offerings to encourage them to book. This should include titles, descriptions, pricing and strategic CTAs. A contact page that makes it easy for potential clients to get in touch with questions, inquiries or to book an appointment. You may also consider using a contact form that allows users to reach you directly from the site. Imagery that supports your business’s story, including high quality photographs, relevant icons, illustrations and videos to break up the text, showcase your work and enhance your site’s visual appeal. Testimonials and reviews featuring positive feedback from clients to build your credibility and provide visitors with proof of your dependable services. An About Us Page that gives visitors more insights into your business’s team, work approach and values, setting it apart from the competition. Here, you can share your business’s history, introduce employees and highlight specific qualifications. Connect your cleaning website to a custom domain name A domain name , also referred to as a web address , serves as a vital part of your online identity and professional presence on the web. To choose an effective domain name, consider aligning it with your business's name, location or services offered. As part of this, you’ll want to find a top-level domain (TLD) that's both memorable and recognizable for your customers. This forms the last part of your website’s URL , for example, the .com in Wix.com. Examples of the best TLDs suitable for cleaning websites include: .com , .biz , .cleaning , .services or .pro . Enhance your cleaning services website strategy When you create a cleaning business plan , publishing your website is just one part of ensuring you have an effective online presence. You’ll need a strategy in place to increase visibility and website traffic , attract more clients and stand out from the competition. Here are some ways you can strategize your website to make sure it’s a powerful marketing tool for your business: Prioritize user experience UX involves making a design that prioritizes a visitor-centric interface. This is important because a website reflects a well-organized business, directly influencing customer satisfaction, conversion rates and credibility. Search engines like Google also favor sites with good UX, making this an important factor for your website to succeed in bringing better business results. Good UX involves designing a site that’s intuitive and keeps users engaged while browsing. Factors like efficient website navigation, fast loading times, ease-of-use, readability and an appealing design are all fundamental aspects of achieving this. Today, UX also means having a mobile-friendly website, so it’s important to ensure your design includes a version fit for smaller screens—either using adaptive or responsive technology. Additionally, emphasizing web accessibility is a must, incorporating elements like alt-text, contrasting colors and easy-to-read fonts to accommodate visitors with disabilities. Develop a marketing strategy Cleaning marketing involves promoting your business to potential customers. There are various strategies for doing this, and the best cleaning websites play a positive role in a business’s marketing success. An effective online marketing strategy involves optimizing your website to drive more traffic and using it to increase conversion rates. To gauge the success of your cleaning website’s marketing efforts, track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as website traffic, social media engagement lead generation and customer conversions. By setting specific goals and regularly monitoring these metrics, you can evaluate its effectiveness and make necessary adjustments. Include SEO elements Search engine optimization (SEO) is part of your website’s marketing strategy, but it's worth emphasizing here. This is the art of optimizing your website so that it becomes more visible on search engines. Best SEO practices include keyword research, including alt text, adding optimized headlines and website titles and including metadata on your site. Maintain and manage your site after publishing Website management is the process of maintaining and developing a website so that it is secure, attractive, fully functional and up-to-date. This process applies to the site’s design, structure, content, features and marketing. The best cleaning websites are managed proactively after publishing, maintaining effectiveness, improving performance and attracting clients. Good website management includes the following: Making sure your content is up-to-date Checking in on security and speed Looking out for errors and glitches, such as broken links or images Redesigning your website when it’s relevant Optimizing for SEO Backing up your website, creating a copy of its files and data in case anything goes wrong Best cleaning websites FAQ Do you need a website to start a cleaning business? Having a website for your cleaning business can make you significantly more credible and help you attract more customers. A professional cleaning website makes it easy for potential customers to find your services, check your offerings, read reviews and book appointments online. It's a valuable tool for building trust and showcasing your work. What should I put on my cleaning website? Your cleaning website should include the following basics: A clear overview of your services. Pricing or an option to request a free quote. A booking form or contract details for easy inquiries. Testimonials or reviews to build credibility. A section about your business, including a short bio about your staff, experience and certifications. Frequently asked questions (FAQ) to address common client concerns. A blog or tips section to provide cleaning advice and boost search engine optimization (SEO). Best options for cleaning business websites? Several website builders can help you create a professional cleaning website. Wix offers free customizable cleaning service templates and easy drag-and-drop designs. This option is great for cleaning business owners who want to quickly create a professional-looking website on a budget. How can I make my cleaning website design user-friendly? To make sure your cleaning website is user-friendly, use a clean, minimalist design with easy navigation and intuitive menus. Optimize for mobile devices and ensure fast loading speeds. Include clear calls-to-action, a simple booking process and a contact form. Use professional visuals, readable fonts, and a search bar to enhance user experience. How do I showcase trust and reliability on my cleaning website? Showcase trust in your brand and services by featuring customer testimonials and verified reviews prominently. Display any certifications, insurance and professional affiliations you may have for your cleaning business. Include a satisfaction guarantee and highlight your experience and expertise. Consider including team profiles with photos. on your site, to personalize your service. Incorporate secure payment options and clearly outline your policies for transparency. How much does it cost to build a cleaning website? The cost to build a cleaning website varies. Using Wix, it can range from $0–$159/month, depending on the plan and features. Hiring a freelancer or agency may cost $500–$5,000, while a custom-developed site could exceed $5,000. What do most housekeepers charge per hour? The hourly rate for housekeepers typically ranges from $15 to $30 per hour, depending on factors such as location, experience and the scope of work. In larger cities or areas with a higher cost of living, rates can go up to $40 per hour or more. Some housekeepers may charge additional fees for specialized cleaning tasks or larger homes. Rates can also vary based on whether the housekeeper is employed through an agency or works independently.
- Cleaning business names: 100+ unique ideas to grow your company
Your name idea deserves a home. Secure your domain now → The right name can make your cleaning service feel trustworthy before a client even picks up the phone. It should be clear, easy to remember and hint at the relief of walking into a spotless space. If you’re stuck on ideas, start choosing the right business name by focusing on what makes your service different and how you want clients to feel when they hire you. TL;DR: cleaning business names A good cleaning business name is easy to remember and clearly shows what you do. Think about your niche, test your ideas with feedback, and once you settle on a name, make it official, grab a domain, design a logo and set up your cleaning company website . Keep it simple and flexible and focus on building a professional, trustworthy image that helps your business grow. Naming your cleaning business just got a whole lot easier . The Wix Business Name Generator gives you custom, on-brand ideas fast—along with the tools to bring your idea to life. For a home cleaning business , go with names that feel warm and welcoming. Your clients want their houses to feel like a sanctuary, so choose words that spark comfort and freshness. A name like Cozy Corners or Haven Shine makes people picture a peaceful space, while playful ideas like Mop Squad or TidyLoop give a modern and approachable twist. Cleaning business name ideas to get you started: Unique cleaning business names Catchy cleaning business name ideas Professional cleaning business names Location-based cleaning business names Modern cleaning business name ideas Timeless cleaning business ideas Clever cleaning business names Funny cleaning business name ideas Classy cleaning business name ideas Cute cleaning business name ideas Unique cleaning business names 1. Sparkle Shine Solutions 2. Grime Gurus 3. Pristine Pro Cleaners 4. Spotless Sanctuary 5. Clean Sweep Masters 6. Dust Bunny Busters 7. Meticulous Maid Magic 8. Shiny Spaces Service 9. Purely Polished 10. Gleaming Guardians Found the perfect name for your business? Lock in your domain before someone else does. When naming a window cleaning business , focus on clarity and vision. Think about how clean windows change the way light enters a space or how they open up a view. Words tied to shine, glass and reflection work well, like Crystal Horizon or Reflekt, but you can also play with nature-inspired ideas such as Aurora Glass or Morning Dew Clean to make your name stand out. Catchy cleaning business names 11. Dust Devils Delight 12. ScrubHub 13. Clean Charm Crew 14. Bubbles & Buffers 15. Whistle While We Wipe 16. Shine Symphony 17. Squeegee Serenity 18. Tidy Tango Team 19. Dusty Dynamo 20. Scrub-a-Dub Dazzle Professional cleaning business names 21. Elite Clean Concepts 22. Precision Purge Professionals 23. Pro Clean Crew 24. Posh Polishing Services 25. Executive Clean Artistry 26. Royal Dust Removers 27. Cleaning Maestro 28. Pro Purge Provisions 29. Exclusive Eco-Clean Solutions 30. Executive Exteriors Learn more: How to make a cleaning logo , 30 cleaning slogans for inspiration Location-based cleaning business names 31. Los Angeles Clean Couture 32. Miami Sanitary Solutions Studios 33. Chicago Fresh & Tidy Breezes 34. New York Spotless Sanctuary 35. Austin Shine Showcase 36. San Francisco Tidy Trends 37. Seattle Clean Connections 38. Dallas Purge Partners 39. Boston Gleam Gala 40. Orlando Clean Collaborations Modern cleaning business name ideas 41. Urban Clean Experience 42. Posh Purge Parties 43. TechTidy Cleaning Design 44. Trendy Tidying Treats 45. Digital Dusting Delights 46. Edgy Eco-Clean Events 47. Modern Mop Moments 48. Clean Innovation Co. 49. CyberScrub Solutions 50. Tidy Tech Tidbits Commercial cleaning names need to sound professional and dependable. Businesses are looking for reliable partners who keep their workspaces polished and productive. Words that signal strength and trust are smart, like Ironclad Clean or Fortress Facility Care, while modern options such as Apex Clean Systems or Quantum Facility show innovation and forward thinking. Timeless cleaning business names 51. Classic Clean Concepts 52. Time-Honored Tidiness 53. Heritage Hygiene Haven 54. Clean Classics Collective 55. Vintage Vigilance 56. Nostalgic Neatness 57. Traditional Tidying Treats 58. Cleaning Legacy Services 59. Evergreen Eco-Clean 60. Ageless Allure Affairs Clever cleaning business names 61. ScrubSmart Solutions 62. Dazzle Dynamics 63. Clean Charades 64. Wipe Wizardry 65. Savvy Sanitation Solutions 66. Witty Wipe Networks 67. CleanCrafty Creations 68. Dust Puzzle 69. Snuggle Scrubbrains 70. Cleaning Conundrum Funny cleaning business name ideas 71. Whistle While We Wipe 72. Giggling Grime Gurus 73. Dust Busters Delight 74. Chuckle & Chores 75. Hilarious Hygiene Happenings 76. Funny Clean Fiesta 77. Laugh Lines Cleaning 78. Whimsical Wipe Affairs 79. Grin and Grime 80. Buffoonery Busters Classy names for cleaning business 81. Pure Perfection Cleaners 82. Elite Sparkle Services 83. Timeless Clean Co. 84. Gleaming Oasis 85. Crystal Clear Cleaning Co. 86. Platinum Purity Cleaners 87. Refined Shine 88. Majestic Maidens 89. Radiant Reflections Cleaning 90. Luxe Clean Solutions Cute cleaning business names 91. Sparkle & Shine Squad 92. The Dust Busters 93. Twinkle Tidy 94. The Squeaky Clean Team 95. Fluff & Fold Cleaners 96. The Gleam Dream 97. Dazzle Dusting 98. Happy Hands Cleaning 99. Little Sparkle Housekeeping 100. Cuddle Clean Crew Carpet cleaning names should highlight renewal and texture. Since carpets are all about comfort and touch, words that suggest softness and restoration instantly connect with clients. Names like Plush Restore or Softstep Service emphasize comfort, while creative options like Loom & Luster or Revive Weave lean into craftsmanship and heritage. Examples of real cleaning business names ReadyMaid Cleaners This cleaning business, specializing in delivering sparkling clean spaces, cleverly uses a play on words replacing the word "made" with "maid" to convey its focus on providing effective cleaning solutions. Shine On Cleaning Services This cleaning service business showcases its dedication to working closely with clients to achieve a clean and organized space, using the term "shine" to highlight its dedication to creating a spotless environment. Check out the best cleaning websites to get inspired and start creating your own standout site today. When naming a pool cleaning business , lean into freshness and fun. Pools are tied to relaxation and leisure, so words that reflect clarity, sparkle and movement resonate with clients. Options like AquaGlow or Crystal Current highlight clean water, while playful ideas like Cannonball Clean or Splash Patrol bring an energetic feel that’s easy to remember. How to choose the right cleaning business name in 4 steps Picking the perfect name for your cleaning business is a big decision. You want something catchy but professional, right? Well, grab your mop because we're here to spill some tips to help you brainstorm and choose a name that shines for your brand. 01. Consider your target audience Understand your target clientele and tailor your name to appeal to their cleaning preferences. For example, if you're targeting clients who appreciate eco-friendly cleaning, consider a business name that reflects that niche. All of this should be included in your cleaning business plan . 02. Consider your brand identity Reflect your desired brand image in your cleaning business name, whether it's high-end, casual, or specialized. If you offer unique services such as carpet or rug cleaning, consider incorporating this or something associated with carpets and rugs in your name, as it could be a smart choice for branding purposes. 03. Be creative Embrace creativity to make your cleaning business name stand out and be memorable. This might mean a lot of brainstorming, combining words and working with a business name generator for further inspiration for your small business name idea . 04. Test your name ideas Gather feedback from friends, colleagues and potential clients to refine and select the best name for your cleaning business. Consider what name appeals to them, what name doesn't and what options it leaves you to work with in terms of coming up with your cleaning business name when starting your business . Remember these additional tips: Avoid generic names. Keep the name easy to pronounce and remember. Check name availability for trademarks and domain registration . Incorporate your name in other brand assets and test it as one of your email name ideas. Found your perfect business name? Claim your domain with Wix in minutes, set up a custom website and business email and enjoy secure hosting, full privacy and 24/7 support—all in one place. Naming your cleaning company or service: Tips for every specialty Residential cleaning: Go for cozy and inviting with words like “home,” “fresh,” “snuggle” or “sparkle.” Your name should make customers picture a spotless home that feels personal and welcoming, like a friend is lending a hand. Commercial cleaning: Choose sleek, polished words like “enterprise,” “spark,” “pro” or “clean sweep.” The name should feel professional and reliable, showing businesses you’re ready to keep their spaces productive and sparkling. Eco-friendly cleaning: Highlight sustainability with words like “pure,” “eco,” “green” or “naturally.” A name that reflects earth-friendly values will attract the eco-conscious crowd who care about cleanliness and the planet. Carpet & upholstery cleaning: Use words like “revive,” “freshen,” “restore” or “fluff.” A name should make customers think of soft, comfy carpets and upholstery that feel fresh, like they’re brand new. Housekeeping services: Pick warm, friendly words like “maids,” “fresh,” “tidy” or “shine.” Your name should create trust and make it clear you’ll handle the housekeeping so your customers can enjoy their time at home. Window cleaning: Aim for words like “gleam,” “shimmer,” “crystal” or “view.” Your name should promise streak-free windows that let the sunlight in and make the view crystal clear. Post-construction cleaning: Use bold words like “polish,” “finish,” “detail” or “spotless.” The name should show you’re all about precision, leaving newly built or renovated spaces clean and ready to shine. Janitorial services: Try dependable words like “care,” “routine,” “spark” or “maintenance.” The name should feel reliable, giving businesses confidence you’ll keep their spaces fresh day in and day out. Hazardous cleaning: Choose words like “safe,” “secure,” “care” or “clear.” The name should show you’re the expert in safely handling dangerous messes and creating a secure environment for everyone. Event cleaning: Go for fun, festive words like “event,” “shine,” “glow” or “party.” Your name should bring excitement and show you’re ready to keep event spaces pristine, from weddings to conferences. Gutter cleaning names should highlight protection and flow. Customers want peace of mind knowing their property is safe from water damage, so words tied to safety and reliability are strong choices. Names like StormShield Gutters or SecureSpout promise protection, while straightforward picks like EasyFlow Gutters or QuickClear make the service feel practical and no-nonsense. Next steps after naming your cleaning business Naming your cleaning business is an exciting milestone, marking the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey. By taking the right steps now, you can ensure your cleaning company stands out and thrives in a competitive market. Here are the next steps to set your business up for success: Register your business name : Ensure your name is legally protected and meets local requirements. Secure a domain : Purchase a domain name that matches your business name to establish your online presence. Design a logo : Create a professional logo that represents your brand and services. Set up a website : Develop a user-friendly site to showcase your services and contact details, boosting credibility. Create social media profiles : Engage potential customers and build your community on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Obtain licenses and insurance : Get necessary licenses and insurance to protect your business. Develop a marketing strategy : Plan how to attract customers with local ads, online marketing and word-of-mouth. Build a strong brand identity : Keep branding consistent and focus on providing excellent service to grow your customer base. Cleaning business names FAQ Why is choosing the right name so important for my cleaning business? Choosing the right name for your cleaning business is crucial because it serves as the first impression for potential clients. A well-crafted name sets the tone for your brand, aids in marketing efforts and significantly influences how customers perceive your cleaning services. A memorable and relevant name can contribute to the success and growth of your cleaning business. Should I think about further expansion and scale when choosing my business name? Yes, it's advisable to consider future expansion and scalability when choosing your cleaning business name. Select a name that can accommodate potential growth and diversification of services. Avoid overly restrictive or niche-specific names that may limit your business's adaptability as it evolves. Can I change my cleaning business name in the future? While it's possible to change your cleaning business name in the future, it's generally better to choose a name you can commit to for the long term. Changing a business name can be logistically challenging and may result in confusion among clients. If a name change is necessary, plan it carefully, communicate it effectively and update all relevant materials and platforms. Can I use my name for my cleaning business? Using your own name for your cleaning business is a personal choice. Some cleaners opt for a personal touch, especially if their reputation is a significant selling point. However, consider the scalability and branding implications of using your name. If you plan to grow beyond a personal brand, a more versatile and descriptive name may be beneficial. Looking for more business name ideas? Graphic design business names Service business names Art business name ideas Freelance business name ideas Wedding business name ideas Hotel name ideas Creative portfolio names Architecture business name ideas Finance business name ideas Sports business name ideas Print on demand business names
- How to start a cleaning business in 7 steps
The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain→ Obsessed with cleanliness and the joy that comes from creating tidy spaces? Perhaps starting a cleaning business is the right idea. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to start a cleaning business, from developing a business model, to choosing a cleaning business idea to creating a business website and marketing your venture effectively. What is a cleaning business? A cleaning business is a type of business that offers various cleaning services—including, but not limited to, dusting, vacuuming, mopping, sanitizing and organizing spaces. Cleaning businesses can cater to residential clients, offering services for homes, apartments or condos. They can also serve commercial clients, including offices, retail stores, medical facilities and educational institutions. Cleaning is a steady and reliable type of venture, that might even be considered a boring business —but in this context, boring is a good thing. The cleaning industry is in high demand, with the residential cleaning industry showing 20% year-over-year growth , and 80% of two-income households expected to use house cleaning services by 2024. Secure your perfect domain in just a few clicks with Wix. Get everything you need in one place: business email, reliable hosting, SSL protection and full privacy. With 24/7 support and no hidden fees, getting your site live is simple and worry-free. How to start a cleaning business Now that you understand the benefits and challenges of starting a business , let's explore the essential steps to help you get started: Research and plan Define your services and pricing structure Obtain necessary licenses and insurance Purchase equipment and supplies Develop effective systems and processes Build a strong team Market your cleaning business 01. Research and plan Do your due diligence and conduct thorough research on the local cleaning market, potential competition and target customers. Identify your niche, such as residential cleaning, commercial cleaning or specialized cleaning services. Develop a comprehensive business plan and concept statement that outlines your goals, strategies and financial projections (including how you plan on raising money for your business ). Learn how to create a cleaning business plan to get your business off the ground the right way. Check out the best cleaning websites to get inspired and start creating your own standout site today. 02. Define your services and pricing structure Decide on the types of cleaning services you'll offer. Consider whether you'll focus on general cleaning, deep cleaning, specific areas (such as windows or carpets or starting a pressure washing business ) or specialized cleaning for industries like healthcare or hospitality. Determine your pricing structure, taking into account factors such as the size of the space, the level of cleaning required and any additional services you offer. Remember to take all expenses into account to calculate your net profit . Learn how much it costs to start a business . 03. Obtain necessary licenses and insurance Register your business and ensure it operates legally and responsibly by researching and obtaining all the necessary licenses and permits required in your area. Before that, take the important step of selecting a unique and memorable name for your business . For inspiration, consider using a business name generator to find the perfect fit. Once you've finalized your business name, proceed with obtaining the required licenses and permits, such as business registration, liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. By complying with local regulations, you'll establish a solid foundation for smooth and reputable business operations , paving the way for your cleaning business's success and growth. If you're looking to start a cleaning business in a specific state, here are some helpful resources: How to start a business in Massachusetts How to start a business in Florida How to start a business in California How to start a business in Arizona How to start a business in Texas How to start a business in Washington How to start a business in Georgia 04. Purchase equipment and supplies Invest in high-quality cleaning equipment and supplies to ensure efficient and effective cleaning. This may include vacuum cleaners, mops, brooms, microfiber cloths, cleaning solutions and protective gear. Consider environmentally friendly options if there is a demand for eco-conscious cleaning in your market. If you're planning to start a home cleaning business you'll need some or all of the following supplies: Microfiber cloths, rags, or paper towels. Mop and bucket, preferably with washable mop pads. Broom and dustpan A high-quality vacuum with attachments for various surfaces. Extendable dusters for hard-to-reach places. Scrub brushes, sponges and scouring pads, squeegee Cleaning solutions: All-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, bathroom cleaner, floor cleaner, disinfectant Plastic scrapers Nitrile or latex gloves for protection. Toilet brushes Spray bottles Organizational caddy or cart For a commercial cleaning business you'll need many of the same supplies as above, as well as: Heavy-duty vacuum cleaner Commercial mob and bucket with wringer Floor scrubbing machine Carpet cleaning machine Steam cleaner Pressure washer Window washing supplies and equipment Handheld extractor Trash bags Face masks Eye protection 05. Develop effective systems and processes Establish clear systems and processes for managing client inquiries, scheduling appointments and conducting cleaning services. Implement a reliable scheduling and communication system to ensure efficient coordination with your clients and cleaners. Develop cleaning checklists and protocols to maintain consistency and quality across all cleaning jobs. Here's an example of a home cleaning checklist for you all or your team to implement as part of your processes: General Dust surfaces (tables, shelves, decor items) Wipe down furniture Clean and disinfect light switches and door handles Vacuum carpets and rugs Sweep and mop hard floors Empty trash bins and replace liners Kitchen Clean countertops and sink Wipe down cabinet fronts Clean and disinfect kitchen appliances (microwave, toaster) Clean the stove and range hood Wipe down the refrigerator exterior Clean inside of microwave Sweep and mop the kitchen floor Living room Dust and wipe down electronics Clean TV screen and remote controls Dust and clean coffee tables and side tables Vacuum upholstered furniture, including under cushions Clean and organize shelves Bedrooms Change bed linens (if provided) Dust and wipe down nightstands Clean mirrors and windows Vacuum under the bed Organize and tidy up any clutter Bathrooms Clean and disinfect sink, countertops, and faucets Clean and disinfect toilet, including behind and around the base Clean and disinfect shower and bathtub Wipe down shower doors and/or curtain Clean mirrors and glass panels Empty trash bin Sweep and mop floor Dining room Dust and polish dining table and chairs Clean and buff glass surfaces Vacuum or wipe down chair seats Dust any decor or lighting fixtures 06. Build a strong team Recruit and hire reliable and trustworthy cleaners who align with your business values. You may have to do a lot of networking to find the best people. Thoroughly screen potential employees, including background checks and reference checks. Provide comprehensive training to ensure that all cleaners understand your cleaning processes, safety protocols and customer service expectations. This is important for businesses of all sizes, but especially true if you're a microbusiness - because every employee can truly make or break your reputation. 07. Market your cleaning business Effective cleaning marketing is crucial for attracting clients to your cleaning business. Here are some strategies to consider: Create a website: Establish an online presence by making a website that showcases your services, highlights your expertise and provides contact information. Consider using a website builder like Wix to create a professional and user-friendly website without requiring extensive technical knowledge. Learn more: How to create a website . Local SEO: Optimize your website and online listings for local search engine optimization (SEO). This includes using relevant keywords, creating location-specific content and ensuring accurate business information on platforms like Google My Business. Online directories and review platforms: List your cleaning business on popular online directories and review platforms such as Yelp, Angie's List and HomeAdvisor. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews to enhance your online reputation. Social media marketing: Utilize social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to promote your cleaning business. Share before-and-after photos, cleaning tips, client testimonials and special promotions to engage with your audience. Networking and referrals: Network with local businesses, real estate agents, property managers and community organizations to build connections and generate referrals. Offer referral incentives to encourage satisfied clients to recommend your services to others. Print collateral: Design and distribute professional business cards, brochures and flyers to local businesses and residential areas. Highlight your unique selling points, competitive pricing and customer testimonials. Targeted advertising: Consider targeted online advertising campaigns through platforms like Google Ads or social media ads. Set specific targeting parameters based on location, demographics and interests to reach potential clients in your target market. Maintaining a consistent brand image is vital for your cleaning business, regardless of the platforms you use for promotion. Take advantage of Wix's logo maker to design a professional and unique logo that can be prominently featured across all your digital assets. If you need inspiration, you can explore these cleaning logo ideas and cleaning slogans to spark your creativity and ensure your cleaning business's branding stands out and leaves a lasting impression on your target audience. You can also learn more about how to make a cleaning logo for your business. Thinking of starting another type of business? Check out some of these creative service business ideas to help get you started. Inspiration from other successful cleaning businesses Promoting your cleaning venture involves various aspects, from effective marketing and networking to establishing a captivating online presence. Just like these thriving cleaning businesses, you can create an engaging website and connect with your customers online to boost your brand. Lira's Cleaning Lira's Cleaning presents itself as a reliable and trustworthy cleaning company that serves both residential and commercial customers. Their website might focus on building a strong rapport with visitors by sharing the story of their founder, Lira, and her passion for cleanliness and exceptional service. This personal touch can help potential clients connect with the company on a more emotional level. Clean Freaks Cheyenne Clean Freaks Cheyenne services customers in Cheyenne, Wyoming, offering recurring residential cleanings, move-out cleanings and commercial cleaning. Their site is as clean and easy to navigate as a cleaned living space. Soprano's Cleaning Soaprano's Cleaning stands out with its unique and catchy name, which hints at their expertise in cleaning services. Their website features a modern and artistic design, reflecting their creativity and attention to detail in their cleaning approach. To attract customers, Soaprano's Cleaning showcases their specialization in particular cleaning niches, such as move-in/move-out cleaning, deep cleaning or post-construction cleaning. For more inspiration, you can check out these service business examples to help you get your creative juices flowing. How to start a cleaning business FAQ What's the best business structure for a cleaning business? The most suitable business structure for a cleaning business depends on factors like liability, taxation and management preferences. Common options for a small business include: Sole Proprietorship: Simple and low-cost, but the owner has unlimited personal liability. Limited Liability Company (LLC): Offers liability protection for owners (members) while maintaining simplicity and flexibility. Learn how to start an LLC , how to start an LLC in Massachusetts How to scale a cleaning business? To scale a cleaning business, focus on customer satisfaction and word-of-mouth referrals. Develop a strong online presence, including a professional website and social media profiles. Implement efficient systems for scheduling , invoicing and customer communication. Hire reliable and trained staff to handle increased demand. Consider expanding services or entering new markets. Network with local businesses for partnerships. Invest in marketing strategies and track key performance indicators. Continuously optimize operations for scalability while maintaining service quality and customer relationships. How profitable is a cleaning business? The profitability of a cleaning business can vary based on factors such as location, target market, pricing strategy and operational efficiency. Generally, cleaning businesses have the potential to be profitable due to the recurring nature of cleaning services. By securing regular clients and effectively managing expenses, a cleaning business can generate steady revenue and healthy profit margins. What are the challenges of running a cleaning business? Running a cleaning business comes with its own set of challenges. Some common challenges include intense competition, managing employees, maintaining quality standards, dealing with customer complaints and navigating seasonal fluctuations in demand. Additionally, managing scheduling, logistics and administrative tasks can be demanding for cleaning business owners. Why start a cleaning business? Starting a cleaning business can be appealing for several reasons. It offers relatively low startup costs compared to other businesses, requires minimal specialized skills or education and has a constant demand for services. Moreover, cleaning businesses provide flexibility in terms of scheduling and scalability , allowing entrepreneurs to start small and grow their business over time. What is the best type of cleaning business to start? The best type of cleaning business to start depends on various factors such as your interests, skills, target market and local demand. Common types of cleaning businesses include residential cleaning (homes and apartments), commercial cleaning (office buildings, retail stores), specialized cleaning (carpet, upholstery, windows) and janitorial services. Researching market demand and identifying niche opportunities can help determine the most suitable type of cleaning business for you. How do I get my first cleaning client? Getting your first cleaning client may require proactive marketing and networking efforts. Start by reaching out to friends, family and acquaintances who may need cleaning services or can refer you to potential clients. Utilize online platforms such as social media, local business directories and community forums to promote your services. Consider offering special promotions or discounts to attract new clients and generate word-of-mouth referrals. Networking with real estate agents, property managers and small business owners can also lead to valuable client opportunities. How can I differentiate my cleaning business in a saturated market? To differentiate your cleaning business from others you can consider: 1. Offering specialized services (e.g., eco-friendly, allergen-free) 2. Targeting niche markets (e.g., post-construction, high-end homes) 3. Implementing advanced technology (e.g., booking apps, IoT devices) 4. Providing exceptional customer service that encourages word of mouth referrals 5. Offering unique guarantees or warranties 6. Creating a strong brand identity 7. Developing loyalty programs 8. Providing additional value-added services related to cleaning or house repair What are the legal considerations for handling chemicals and client property? Some of the main ones are: OSHA compliance for chemical handling Proper training for employees on use and handling of chemicals Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) availability Liability insurance for property damage from chemicals Client property protection protocols Secure storage of cleaning supplies Proper disposal of hazardous materials Regular safety audits Do I need a environmental impact strategy and sustainability plan? An environmental strategy is important for a cleaning business: Many regions mandate environmental reporting Growing regulations on emissions and waste Potential fines for non-compliance Cost savings through efficiency Enhanced brand reputation Competitive advantage Access to green funding Attract eco-conscious customers What could this plan look like? Measure and record your carbon footprint Set reduction targets Implement recycling programs Choose sustainable suppliers Train staff on green practices Should I start solo or hire cleaning staff immediately? Start solo initially. This allows you to learn the business, establish procedures and understand client expectations firsthand without the added complexity of managing employees. Once you're consistently booked and have stable clients (typically 2-3 months), then consider hiring help to scale your business. 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