- Abi Djanogly
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 2 hours ago
The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain →
You need a domain name to make your business discoverable and credible online. Think of it as your website's street address—it's the unique name people type into their browser to find you. Without one, customers would have to remember a long, complicated string of numbers, which isn't practical for anyone.
If you're getting started with building a website, having your own domain name is fundamental for creating a professional brand and earning trust with potential customers. It serves as the foundation of your business's identity. Ready to stake your claim online? Let's get started.
Your domain is more than a web address, it’s the first impression of your brand. With Wix, you can easily find and secure a custom domain that reflects who you are and what you do. Whether you’re launching a business, blog or portfolio, your perfect domain is just a few clicks away. Start building your online presence and claim yours today.
TL;DR: Why do I need a domain name?
Short on time? Here’s a quick summary of why a custom domain name is a game-changer for your business.
As of early 2025, there are over 368 million domain names registered worldwide—a clear sign that owning a custom domain remains a critical step for anyone serious about establishing their online presence. It makes your brand look professional, builds credibility with customers and helps you get found more easily through search engines.
Feature | Benefit |
Brand Identity | A unique domain strengthens your brand and makes it memorable. |
Credibility | A professional domain shows you're a serious business. |
SEO | A relevant domain can improve your search engine ranking. |
Control | You own your digital address, so you're not tied to another platform. |
What is a domain name?
A domain name is the address people use to visit your website on the internet. For example, wix.com is our domain name. It's a user-friendly substitute for an IP address, which is a long series of numbers (like 192.168.1.1) that computers use to identify each other on the network. Instead of remembering a complex numerical string, users can just type in your memorable domain name.
Every domain name is unique and consists of two main parts: a top-level domain (TLD), which is the extension like .com, .net or .org domain, and a second-level domain (SLD), which is the part that identifies your brand, like 'wix'.
Benefits of a good domain name
“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." - Kacper Rafalski, demand generation team leader at Netguru
Choosing the right domain name offers several advantages that can contribute to your business's growth and success. It's more than just an address; it’s a powerful tool for building your brand.
A memorable and relevant domain name makes it easier for customers to find and return to your website. This builds brand recognition and loyalty. It also adds a layer of professionalism and credibility. Customers are more likely to trust and do business with a site that has a custom domain name than one with a generic, third-party URL.
Additionally, a well-chosen domain can positively impact your SEO. A name that reflects your business or industry can help search engines understand what your site is about, making it easier for potential customers to find you.
Common challenges of finding a good domain name
Finding the perfect domain name can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt. With millions of websites already online, the name you want might already be taken. This is especially true for short, simple .com domains.
Another challenge is avoiding trademark infringement. You could run into legal trouble if your chosen domain is too similar to an existing brand's name, even if the domain itself is available. It’s important to do your research before you commit.
Lastly, some people choose names that are hard to spell or pronounce. If customers can't easily type your domain from memory, you risk losing traffic. It's better not to choose a domain name that's too long or complicated; rather, stick to something simple and intuitive.
“Your domain name is your online home address, and just like in real life, location matters. Pick something short, easy to say out loud and easy to remember. If someone can recall it after hearing it once, you’re on the right track.” - Ofir Gvili, Domains PMM at Wix
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Examples of domain names
A great domain name is often simple, memorable, and directly related to the brand.
Look at brands like Nike.com or Apple.com. Their domain names are their brand names, making them incredibly easy for customers to remember and find. These are prime examples of effective branding.
For a small business, you might include a keyword that describes what you do. For instance, a bakery in Brooklyn could choose something like brooklynbread.com. This name is descriptive, location-specific, and easy to recall. Similarly, a freelance photographer named Jane Doe might use janedoephoto.com.
Read more: Most popular domain extensions
How to search and secure your domain name with Wix
Finding the right domain is the foundation of your online presence. With the right tools, this process can be fast, simple and stress-free. Wix provides instant domain name search, helping you quickly check availability. Because Wix offers easy domain name search, even beginners can explore options with confidence. Behind the scenes, Wix powers real-time domain name search so you find the right fit fast, without delays, outdated results or guesswork.
Below is a clear, step-by-step guide to help you move from idea to registered domain.
01. Brainstorm strong domain name ideas
Start by listing names that reflect your brand, product or purpose. Aim for names that are short, easy to spell and easy to remember. Avoid numbers and hyphens where possible, as they can make your domain harder to communicate verbally.
Think about:
your brand name
relevant keywords
your industry or niche
your target audience
Having 3–5 options ready will make the next steps much easier.
Learn more: Guide to domain extensions
02. Use a domain search tool
Once you have your ideas, enter them into a domain search tool. This is where real-time results matter most. A fast, responsive search experience lets you instantly see whether your preferred name is available or already taken, saving you time and frustration.
If your first choice isn’t available, you can quickly explore alternatives by adjusting:
the domain extension (.com, .net, .org, etc.)
the word order
adding simple prefixes or suffixes
03. Compare domain extensions
Choosing the right extension is just as important as the name itself. Think about your goals:
Use .com for global recognition
Use .org for non-profits or community projects
Use industry-specific extensions (like .shop or .blog) for clear positioning
Use country-code domains if you’re targeting a specific location
At this stage, focus on credibility, relevance and long-term brand value.
You may also be interested in: cheap domain names.
04. Check brand and trademark conflicts
Before buying a domain, it’s smart to do a quick check for existing trademarks, brand names or businesses using a similar name. This reduces the risk of legal issues and helps you avoid confusion in the market.
You can use:
Basic Google searches
Trademark databases
Social media platform searches
Learn more: How to trademark a domain name
05. Register your domain
When you’ve found an available name you’re confident in, complete the domain registration process. You’ll be asked to provide basic contact details and choose a registration period (usually 1–10 years).
Learn more: How to register a domain
Pro tip: Registering your domain for multiple years can be a small trust signal for search engines and helps secure your brand long-term.
06. Secure your domain with privacy and protection
After registering, enable domain privacy protection if it’s offered. This keeps your personal contact details hidden from public WHOIS databases and helps reduce spam and unwanted solicitations.
You can also consider:
Auto-renewal to avoid losing your domain
Domain locking to prevent unauthorized transfers
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Why do I need a domain name FAQ
Should my domain name match my business name?
Ideally, yes. Having a domain name that matches your business name creates a strong, consistent brand identity. It makes it easier for customers to find you and reduces confusion. If your exact business name is taken, try a close variation or add a word that describes your service, like YourBrandConsulting.com.
How much does a domain name cost?
Domain name costs can vary. Standard domains with TLDs like .com, .net, or .org typically cost between $10 and $20 per year. However, premium domains that are short and highly sought-after can cost thousands of dollars. Many website builders, including Wix, offer a free domain for the first year with an annual premium plan.
Can I change my domain name later?
While you can't "edit" a domain name once it's registered, you can purchase a new one and redirect your old domain to it. However, this can be a complex process and might temporarily affect your SEO rankings. It’s best to choose a domain name you're happy with from the beginning to avoid future hassles.
Learn more: How to redirect a domain