Choosing the right website name is one of the earliest and most important decisions you’ll need to make when starting an online business or venture. The choice does matter because it will directly influence how potential customers will recall it.

With more than 1-billion websites on the internet, surely all the good names are gone? Thankfully, that’s not entirely the case. While you may need to be more creative with name combinations on mainstream Top-Level Domains (TLDs) like .com and .co.za, the rise of new and innovative TLDs like .site, .store and. online offer an endless reservoir of options.

Read on as we help you find the best domain name for your SME business’ website using local examples as inspiration. We also show you why our AI Domain Name Generator can be your best friend on this journey.

RELATED: Turn your business dreams into reality by registering the right domain name

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• A website name matters because it will make it easier for people to recall a URL and browse directly to it online.
• A website name is the chosen domain name registered for a particular website. It does not need to match the business’s name exactly but needs to be unique and relevant.
• Mainstream extensions like .com and .co.za have less short and catchy names available but a little creativity can go a long way.
• The list of new and innovative TLDs on the market like .tech, .online and .net are growing. Choosing a different extension offers more choice and can help your website stand out online.
• Domains.co.za’s AI Domain Name Generator is the first of its kind in South Africa, and can help website owners come up with creative, SEO-focussed options. The tool shows real-time availability and makes it possible to register domains immediately.

What Is A Website Name?

A website name aka domain name is the web address/URL that people type into web browsers to access a specific website. For example, for our website, this is www.domains.co.za, for Google, it’s Google.com and so on and so forth.

A website name can be the same as the business name, or should the name be too long-winded an abbreviation can work as well. The University of Johannesburg simply registered www.uj.ac.za. At the end of the day, any catchy and memorable website name can work if it is relevant to your brand.

What you name your website is important because it will contribute to all your marketing efforts online. It can help build brand awareness and reputation. Also, if it is easy to recall your domain people will be able to scroll on over to your site just from memory. No need to spend thousands on Pay Per Click (PPC) ads.

Choosing a traditional top-level domain (TLD) like .com or .co.za is great but these days there are many additional options like .tech and .online. So, when looking for the best website name make sure to review other TLD alternatives as well.

What Makes a Website Name Great?

A great website name is one that has a certain “ring” to it. That “something special” that makes it memorable. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel either. If your business name, together with a .co.za works, it works. The goal is to make it easy for potential customers to find you.

Generally, names that tick the three boxes below stand out in this domain (pun intended):

1. Simple: Short, easy to spell names that avoid hyphens and numbers.
2. Unique: Something different, that’s easy to recognise and builds your brand.
3. Relevant: A name that resonates with your industry and target audience and matches your long-term goals.

Remember: That while the above can help steer you nearer to finding an effective domain name option, there are always exceptions to the rule.

RELATED: It is more than just a domain name – its an opportunity

10 Versatile Top-Level Domains (TLDs) & Who Should Consider Registering Them

Once upon a time it was .com or nothing. And in South Africa, only a .co.za would do. But luckily, these days, we have more flexibility with various new and innovative domain name at our disposal. Below are a list of 10 TLDs that can be used in a number of ways. Who knows – maybe one of these would just round off your perfect name.

 1. .joburg, .durban, .capetown or .africa

If your business is located in any of these areas or if you are targeting people living in these regions, then an geographical TLD like .joburg, .durban, .capetown or .africa could be a perfect choice. Apart from being unique and different these extensions will give you an edge and boost your SEO in local searches.

 2. .ink

While a .ink domain name is ideal for a tattoo studio it’s not the only business type that would work with it. It can also be used for a publishing or media houses, printing or stationary companies and for freelance writers, bloggers, graphic designers and illustrators.

3. .tech

If your business, hobby or blogging website has anything to do with technology, a .tech would work like a charm. This is a great TLD for companies that sell gadgets, hardware or software, for app developers and even tech repair businesses. It could also be a good fit for tech-media publications.

4. .site

A .site is basically short for a .website, which means it can work well for literally any business. With this extension you may still be able to find those short, punchy names available for registration.

5. .online

Similarly to .site, .online can work for absolutely any website. It can be especially sensible for any ecommerce store or to market your physical establishment (i.e. store, restaurant etc.) online. Added to this a .online is a great option for companies targeting a global audience.

6. .store

If you are looking for an extension for your ecommerce store there’s no beating a .store. It is simple and clearly communicates what your website aims to achieve. Picking this extension also shows your brand as innovative and forward-thinking, helping you stand out from the rest.

7. .space

This domain is not just for space-related businesses. A .space domain can help identify your website as the “space” for people with an interest in your specific field. Use it to accentuate your niche field, i.e. adventure, beauty, fitness, cars, pets, etc. Also a great choice if you have an interior decorating business.

8. .organic

The organic, natural, health and green industries are booming. Jump on the bandwagon by registering a .organic for your organic produce, food range, skincare products, restaurant, deli, etc. This TLD can also work exceptionally well if you are a digital marketing agency or an SEO firm assisting clients with organic search results.

9. .rocks

You don’t have to be a Palaeontologist or in a rock band to make successful use of this TLD. During the Rugby World Cup 2023 we created a temporary support page for the Springboks and registered the domain: bokke.rocks.

It could be great for a fan page or used to complement any business name: accounting.rocks, beautyhaven.rocks, fitnessqueen.rocks, etc.

10. .guru

A guru is an “influential teacher or popular expert”. It can be very successfully used for websites that provide advice, tutorials or expertise in a specific field. Use it for your DIY, cooking, yoga, indoor plants, health, pets, etc. website.

Inspiration: Interesting Local Domain Name Examples

Need some inspo? We’ve made a list of our favourite local domain names and why we think they are worth a mention.

Domains.co.za

Yes, we’ve put our name on the list. And no, we’re not vain – we just love our name, and we want you to love yours too. Domains.co.za is short and to the point, tells potential customers exactly in which industry we are in and it’s also our trading business’ name. Which came first? The domain name inspired the name. That’s why we are firm believers in the power of a domain name.

Webuycars.co.za

If you don’t know about WeBuyCars, you probably don’t drive on any highways and don’t listen to radio often. This company registered the perfect memorable name and matching domain name, because it answers the “what?”. This is a smart approach that ties in well with their marketing initiatives.

Sixty60.co.za

Checkers’ home delivery app is not easy to spell and contains numbers, two things we normally advise people to avoid. But the reason it works is because it is backed by such an extensive above-the-line advertising and marketing campaign, that has cemented the spelling in the minds for this company’s customers.

Hot1027.co.za

Hot 102.7 FM is another example of a numbered website name that works. Previously called Classic FM, this radio station rebranded in 2021 and picked a more modern name for itself with a matching domain name.

Lekkeslaap.co.za / Braaibroekies.co.za / Wanatu.co.za / Moertoe.net / Nsimbi.web.za

South Africa has 12 official languages. It could be beneficial to choose a word, phrase or form of slang in a language other than English that’s easy to pronounce and / or colloquially used in the country. We love these examples!

Toodoo.co.za

Although this is a misspelled version of “To do”, this Garden Route directory website has given it some “Google” flair. Its spelling and pronunciation is fun, which makes it memorable.

Rosebank.joburg

There is nothing more inspiring than local community-patriotism and Rosebank has it in spades. This local directory would probably have worked with a .co.za but with a .joburg it shines the spotlight on the city too, which now makes it even easier for visitors to recall the website name.

Shop.maxhosa.africa

We absolutely adore this domain name. It’s a proactive phrase that just works. Maxhosa Africa is a designer brand that heroes Xhosa culture in its designs, and while there were different variants or plainer versions they could have registered they opted for this super cool, unique one.

RELATED: Domains.co.za Guide – Domain name registration unpacked

5 Benefits of Using Domains.co.za’s AI Domain Name Generator

If you are inspired to choose something different but don’t know where to start, consider using our AI Domain Name Generator. This is a free AI domain search tool we’ve developed specifically to help our customers come up with a winning website name.

Here’s how it can help you:

 1. Save time

Brainstorming the old-fashioned way usually means making lists, referencing various online and offline sources, playing around with numerous options and finally narrowing down some potential name options. This could take anything from one day to a week.  Our AI Domain Generator can generate various options, using your input data, within seconds.

2. Obtain outside inspiration

It can get lonely out there for a visionary like you.

In the early stages of planning and strategising a new startup venture or SME website idea it is unlikely you’ll find someone more excited and motivated than yourself. Who else but you will lie awake at night dreaming about that perfect website name?

Don’t feel alone anymore. Our free, online AI Domain Name Generator has your back. Use it to help spark new and interesting ideas, day or night.

3. Register your favourite/s immediately

Imagine spending all that time coming up with great options, only to learn none of them are available to register. Our AI Domain Name Generator doesn’t tempt you with options you cannot have. It only shows you names that are available and offers you the option to register them immediately.

Top Tip:
There is value in owning more than one domain name for your single website.
Learn more

4. Use it as a business name generator too

Not just looking for a website name but also looking for this name to inspire your company name? No problem! Kill two birds with one stone by using our AI Domain Name Generator tool. There is no limit to how many times you can generate results. By changing the various fields in the Advanced version, you can kick-off a serious brain-storming session.

5. Enjoy SEO-focussed results

Our advanced algorithm has been programmed to favour SEO-focussed options. The results generated will therefore not only improve your visibility online but also give you that slight boost on search engines.

FAQS

What is a website name and how do you come up with one?

A website name is the domain name that displays in the URL of your browser’s address bar. This is what people will type in to find your website. While it can be the same as your business’s name, it doesn’t need to be. You can brainstorm ideas with a colleague, opt for a keyword combination, or use our AI Domain Name Generator to help you generate multiple creative ideas.

How to choose a website name?

Choose the shortest name you can come up with that’s easy to spell, recall, and is most relevant to your industry and the products or services you sell.

What is the most important factor when choosing a domain name for your website?

Relevance. You can have the coolest website name but if it is not relevant to your industry or brand people will feel confused and battle to recall your name.

What are examples of good domain names?

Some of the best domain names in the world are the shortest and most catchy ones like google.com, facebook.com and youtube.com. It also helps that these platforms are extremely popular.

How do I create a catchy website name?

A catchy name isn’t necessarily a word or a phrase you’d find in the dictionary. Look at Google.com for example. It’s not only fun to say but it is even used as a verb – just google it. Similarly, an expression or sound can be a catchy name. Think outside of the box and make sure the name is relevant to your industry.

What is an AI Domain Name Generator?

An AI Domain Name Generator is an online tool that can help you come up with unique and creative domain name options. While each tool is different, it usually requires users to complete a series of fields in order to provide suitable options.

Which domain name generator is the best?

Domains.co.za is South Africa’s first AI Domain Name Generator and offers users a Basic and an Advanced version for free. It offers SEO-focussed results and only displays results that are available for registration.

Other Blogs Of Interest:

• A Multi Domain Name Strategy: Why More Than One Domain Can Be Advantageous
• How To Use A .click Domain Name
• 4 of the Best Website Ideas for a .love Domain Name
• How to Register or Transfer your Domain Name
• How Do I Register A Domain Name?

Chantel Venter

Chantél Venter is a creative writer, strategic thinker, and a serious gesticulator. She’s passionate about storytelling, small businesses and bringing color to the world ­– be it through her words or wardrobe.

She holds a four-year degree in Business and Mass Media Communication and Journalism. She’s been a copywriter and editor for the technology, insurance and architecture industries since 2007 and believes anybody can run a small business successfully. She therefore enjoys finding and sharing the best and most practical tips for this purpose.