Choosing the right domain name can be challenging, but fear not, as we’re here to guide you toward the perfect choice regarding domain length.
Apart from picking the ideal domain extension, such as .com or .co, the length of your web address matters significantly.
Did you know that the length of your domain name can impact user experience, SEO, and how well your website performs?
In this article, we are pleased to unveil the secrets to selecting a great domain name that can make a remarkable first impression, get user curiosity, and boost your online presence.
Let’s get started!
What is a domain name?
A domain name is like your online address. It’s a special name that helps people find your website.
Imagine it’s like a mix of your website’s name and its web extension like “.com” or “.net.”
Just as your street address helps people find your home or office, a domain name acts like a digital guide that brings people to your website.
That’s why having a memorable and relevant domain name is important.
When people can remember it easily, they’re more likely to find your website without any trouble.
Does Domain Length Matter?
While having a long domain name won’t directly hurt your website’s ranking or get you penalized by search engines like Google or Bing, it can definitely affect how people experience your site.
This is especially true now that many people use mobile devices to browse the internet.
On these small screens, typing in long phrases is a hassle and takes up valuable time.
So, if your domain name is long, it can make it harder for people to reach your site quickly.
When it comes to memory, shorter names work better.
They stick in people’s minds more easily than long ones.
Plus, having a long domain name can make your email address look less professional.
Just think about an email like [email protected] – it’s not recommended.
So, it’s important to think about how your domain name looks and works in different situations:
- Email addresses
- Business cards
- How it looks in your advertisements
The Best Domain Name Length
While short names are often more attractive, longer options aren’t entirely ruled out.
Instead, the focus should be on being concise. Finding a balance between the two is the best approach.
Generally, shorter domain names are preferred, averaging 7 to 15 characters. Remarkably, 70% of these domains were just 8 characters or fewer.
The most common pattern was using two words for a total of 7 characters.
Interestingly, dashes were rarely used (only on three domains), and alphanumeric characters were also seldom.
The benefits of choosing a short domain, around 5 to 8 characters, are numerous.
They range from easier customer recall to typing on mobile devices and better marketing.
The Benefits of Short Domain Names
Often, a short domain name helps create a unique and memorable online identity.
Let’s explore the benefits of choosing shorter domain names together.
1. Easier to remember
According to research, most adults could securely harbor 5 to 9 pieces of information in their short-term memory, with the “magic” number settling at 7.
Intriguingly, this closely aligns with the suggestion for the ideal character range for your domain name!
Limiting your domain name to 5 to 8 characters serves as an insurance policy against forgetfulness, ensuring users can effortlessly recall and locate you on the web.
2. Easier to share
In everyday use, shorter domain names are incredibly user-friendly when it comes to sharing.
Whether you’re copying and pasting them, smoothly adding them to online posts, or even printing them on physical items like business cards, shorter domain names look clean and professional.
Plus, their length makes them perfect for passing on through word of mouth, making it easy for new users to get interested and check out your website.
3. Easier to type on mobile
Over 59% of internet traffic in the last quarter of 2022, came from mobile devices.
This trend is continuing globally, especially due to the mobile preferences of younger generations.
Because mobile use is so prevalent, choosing the right domain means picking one that’s easy to type on small screens and is clearly visible.
4. More marketable
When we talk about a “marketable” domain, we mean it should be memorable and reflect your brand’s essence to users.
A prime example is Facebook. Why?
Because it immediately tells users what the brand is about and is also short and easy to recall.
Top-level domains (like .com, .shop, etc.) can also boost your domain’s marketability.
For instance, using a .shop domain for your online store helps users understand your site’s focus even before they visit.
Benefits of Long Domain Names
There are cases where a longer domain name can work well too.
Here are the most common benefits of choosing a long domain name over a short domain name:
1. Keyword Integration
Domain names that include relevant keywords might get higher rankings in search engine results pages (SERPs).
But be careful not to stuff too many keywords into your domain name, as this could lead to unexpected issues.
2. Brand Consistency
If your brand already has a long name, using the same name for your domain can be a smart choice.
This consistency helps avoid confusion for potential customers.
3. Overcome Domain Scarcity
Every month, many domain names are registered, increasing the chance that your preferred name is taken.
To overcome this, you could look into owning a domain and maybe buy it from the owner if they’re willing to sell.
Choosing a longer domain name can also be a smart move.
It can help with aligning your brand, finding available domains, and possibly improving your visibility in search engines.
How do I know if my domain is healthy?
To assess the health of your domain, focus on several key factors.
First, examine how well your website performs and how quickly it loads—slow loading times can turn visitors away and hurt your search rankings.
Regularly check how your domain ranks in search engines for your chosen keywords to gauge its prominence.
Having strong backlinks from respected sources is important; they boost your credibility and domain authority.
Consistently adding fresh, interesting content not only shows your domain’s vitality but also attracts both users and search engines.
Analyzing web traffic and user engagement metrics, including bounce rates, session duration, and click-through rates, helps gauge visitor satisfaction.
Lastly, secure your domain by using HTTPS encryption and regularly scanning for malware.
These actions protect user data and build trust.
Overall, this comprehensive evaluation framework reveals the strength and health of your domain.
Does domain name length affect SEO?
Certainly, the length of a domain name can impact SEO considerations.
When it comes to digital optimization, shorter names have an advantage.
They are easier to remember, type, and share, leading to better user experiences and potentially higher click-through rates.
However, it’s important to note that longer domain names can work too if they’re relevant and memorable.
When well-matched with your business or content, they contribute to your online identity.
In terms of SEO, shorter domain names are a bit better since they can prominently feature keywords and are less prone to typos.
Still, it’s wise to realize that SEO is complex.
Aspects like content quality, backlinks, user engagement, and other details have a more significant impact than just domain length.
To create an effective SEO strategy, finding a balance between a concise, meaningful domain name and the overall content and authority of your website is key.
Conclusion: Should I choose a long domain name or a short domain name?
Ultimately, there is no right answer or one-size-fits-all recommendation.
You should try and choose a domain name that conveys your products or services to the user clearly, while being as short as possible.
In an ideal world, you would be able to choose a domain that includes your brand name and a word (preferably a keyword) that describes your business.
If you can do this and still come out with a short domain name between 5–8 characters, you’ve hit the jackpot.
If this is simply not possible because of the length of your brand name, or the domains you’re after are already taken, it’s important not to get too caught up in the long domain vs. short domain argument.
There are countless examples of both being successful.
Secure your domain name with us today and take the first step towards building your online presence!
