By: Lyssanoel Frater

Choosing the right domain name isn’t just about securing an online address. It’s your brand’s identity, and the first thing people see when they visit your website. On the other hand, a poorly chosen domain may confuse customers, hurt your rankings, and even cost you money in the long run.

As of Q1 2025, there are over 360 million registered domain names in the world, and over 33K new domains are created each day. With so many names already taken, finding the right one can be tricky. That’s where this guide comes in.

Here we’ve highlighted some common and costly mistakes people tend to make when buying a domain name and how you may avoid them.

What is a Domain Name?

A domain name is the unique address that people type into their browser to visit your website. It’s essentially the digital identity of your business on the internet. Without a domain name, users would have to enter a long string of numbers, known as an IP address, to access your site, which is impractical.

A domain name is made up of three main parts.

• Second-Level Domain (SLD) – This is the core name chosen for your website. (For example, “Google” is the second-level domain in “www.google.com”)
• Top-Level Domain (TLD) – This is the extension at the end of a domain, such as .com, .org, .in, .net, etc.
• Subdomain – It is an optional prefix added before the main domain name. (For example, in “mail.google.com”, “mail” is the subdomain, while “google.com” is the main domain name.

Popular Domains:

Here are some of the popular domain extensions available.

7 Domain Name Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common domain name mistakes that many people make when setting up a website.

1. Ignoring Domain Privacy Protection

One of the most overlooked aspects of domain registration is the option to enable privacy protection. When you register a domain without privacy protection, your personal information, including your name, address, phone number, and email, becomes publicly accessible through WHOIS databases.

This may lead to:

• Increased spam and unwanted solicitations
• Identity theft risks
• Targeted phishing attacks
• Unwanted sales calls and emails

Tips to avoid it: Always opt for domain privacy protection services when registering your domain. Select a registrar that offers free or minimal-cost privacy protection.

Saving Tip: One platform that offers free WHOIS protection with every domain is Hostinger.  If you’re planning to purchase a domain, you may use Hostinger coupon codes to possibly save on your registration. 

2. Choosing an Unreliable Domain Registrar

Selecting the wrong domain registrar may lead to numerous problems that affect your domain’s security and management. Hidden fees are among the most common tactics used by these registrars. These include dramatically increased renewal rates, expensive transfers, and many other such issues.

Common issues you might face:

• Poor customer support
• Difficult domain transfer policies
• Lack of security features
• Risk of domain hijacking

How to avoid it: Look for providers with transparent pricing, positive customer reviews, robust security features (like two-factor authentication and domain locking), and clear transfer policies.

3. Failing to Renew Your Domain on Time

If you miss the renewal deadline, your website may go offline, the email associated with the domain may stop working, and in some cases, your domain may be purchased by someone else.

This may lead to:

• Complete website downtime
• Loss of email functionality
• Significant SEO ranking drops
• Risk of domain hijacking by competitors or malicious actors
• Brand reputation damage

How to avoid it: Set up automatic renewal to prevent accidental expiration. Ensure your payment information is current and consider registering your domain for multiple years upfront. Create calendar reminders as backup and consider having multiple people in your organization monitor domain renewals.

4. Not Checking for Trademark Infringement

Failing to research existing trademarks before purchasing a domain may result in serious legal complications.

This oversight may lead to:

• Legal disputes and potential lawsuits
• Forced domain transfers
• Loss of your domain name
• Financial penalties

How to avoid it: Conduct thorough trademark searches using resources like the USPTO database before registering your domain. Perform an exhaustive Google search and check social media for similar brand names. Consider consulting with a legal professional if you’re unsure about potential conflicts.

5. Selecting Poor Domain Names (Length, Complexity, and Characters)

Choosing a domain name that’s hard to spell, overly long, and unrelated to your brand may hurt your credibility and make it difficult for users to find you.

Common naming mistakes include:

• Using numbers in domain names may confuse users about whether to spell out the number or use numerals.
• Including hyphens makes domains harder to remember and type.
• Using difficult spelling or made-up words.
• Adding double letters that create confusion when spoken.

How to avoid it: Keep your domain name short (ideally 6-14 characters), simple, and easy to spell. Avoid numbers, hyphens, and complex spellings unless they’re part of your established brand name. Choose names that are easy to pronounce and remember for word-of-mouth marketing.

6. Adding Words with Double Letters

Including words with double letters in your domain (For Example, “bitterroom.com” or “smalllamp.com”) may lead to frequent typing errors. Visitors may forget or misplace one of the letters, causing them to land on the wrong site, or assume your website doesn’t exist.

This oversight may lead to:

• Loss of visitors.
• Impact on brand credibility.
• Potential traffic is going to other websites with similar names.

How to avoid it: Choose a domain name that is short, clear, and easy to spell without repeating letters. You may explore slight variations or alternative spellings that remove duplicate letters without losing your brand’s identity.

7. Choosing The Wrong Extension

Picking an unsuitable domain extension may confuse users and hurt your brand’s credibility. If users expect a “.com” but your site uses “.net” or “.biz,” they may end up on a different website or assume your business isn’t legitimate. Similarly, using a country-specific extension (like “.in” or “.com”) when your audience is global may make your business appear limited to one region.

This may lead to:

Loss of traffic if users type it wrong and land on another site.

Reduced credibility if the extension looks unfamiliar or spammy.

Higher risk of competitors registering the “.com” version of your domain.

How can you avoid it: Always choose an extension that aligns with your business goals and audience. If you’re targeting a global audience, “.com” is the safest and most recognized option. For local businesses, a country-specific extension like “.in” or “.uk” is suitable, but ensure it aligns with your market focus.

Premier Practices for Registering a Domain Name

• Use a trusted registrar to secure a domain name.
• Reserve your domain name for more extended periods.
• Enable domain privacy protection.
• Keep your contact information updated.

Final Thoughts

Buying a domain name may seem simple, but it’s one of the critical decisions for your online presence. A well-chosen domain not only helps people find you easily but also establishes credibility from the outset. Treat your domain name as an investment, not just a formality, and you’ll build a stronger foundation for your business in the long run.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only. While we strive to offer helpful guidance, it does not constitute legal or financial advice. Domain name registration involves various factors that may vary depending on your specific needs and local regulations. Always perform due diligence and consult with a legal professional or trusted domain registrar for advice tailored to your unique situation. We are not responsible for any loss or damage resulting from actions taken based on the content provided in this guide.