What makes a great
domain name?

A great domain name is short, easy to remember, and easy to type.

The best domain names are typically one to three words and under 15 characters long (excluding the extension). Avoid dashes, special characters, and numbers—they tend to make domains harder to remember and more prone to typos.

While there are over 1,000 new domain extensions available today, a .com remains the gold standard. It’s universally recognized, trusted, and easier for users to remember. Extensions like .org are also acceptable for nonprofits, but generally, .com is the safest bet.

To learn more about what makes a great domain check out our What makes a great domain? guide.

How important is
branding in a domain?

Your domain name is the first impression people have of your brand.

A well-chosen domain not only helps users find you but also builds credibility and trust. The right name makes it easy for people to remember you, while a poor choice can make it harder for customers to find you again. Think of your domain as digital real estate—its value grows as your brand grows.

Make sure the domain is easy to pronounce and passes the "radio test." This means someone should be able to hear your domain and type it in correctly without explanation. If you have to spell it out, you may want to keep searching.

Choosing a domain is also a creative process. Just like naming a business, it takes time to find the perfect fit. Great names are often simple but impactful, hinting at what you do without being overly complicated. Take your time, brainstorm, and don’t settle for something that doesn’t feel right.

How do I know if the
price is fair?

Prices aren't always reasonable—don't get ripped off.

Aftermarket domain pricing is highly subjective. While many domains are fairly priced, some are not. Whether a price is “fair” depends on the quality of the domain, the asking price, and how much you want it.

If you’ve found a domain you love and want a second opinion, consider getting a professional human appraisal from a trusted service like EstiBot.com.

EstiBot offers both automated and human appraisals, and is a well-known name in the domain industry. They're U.S.-based and specialize exclusively in domain valuation.

We strongly recommend getting a professional appraisal before making a major domain purchase. It’s a small step that can save you from overpaying.

What if the domain is
not priced?

Some domains are listed as 'Make Offer,' inviting you to submit your best price.

In these cases, the seller hasn’t set a fixed price, often because they want to maximize returns based on demand. It’s a way for them to gauge interest and potentially receive higher offers than they might have expected. While not as common, about 10% of aftermarket domains are listed this way.

Most major marketplaces support this format, allowing you to submit your offer directly through their platform. From there, the negotiation process takes place securely, with the marketplace handling communications and transaction details. It’s a straightforward process, and you’ll be guided through each step.

If you’re unsure where to start, consider getting a professional appraisal from a trusted service like EstiBot before making a major purchase.

How do I use the
search tools?

Our domain search tools are easy to use, flexible and powerful.

The easiest way to start your domain search is to navigate to our search page and start brainstorming keywords to see what's available in your price range.

For example, if you’re planning an ice cream business, try “ice cream” as your initial search term. You’ll instantly see available domains and get helpful alternative suggestions—like “creamery,” “scoop,” or “swirl”—to spark even more ideas.

You can fine-tune your results with our filters. For example, if you’d like to find domains containing “chill” but skip “chilled” and “chilly” just enter those words into the Exclude Keywords box and run the search again.

To deliver top-notch results, we apply default filters—excluding domains with numbers, dashes, and non-.com extensions—but you’re free to disable them at any time. Once you register, you can switch to Expert mode for advanced searches, unlocking extra data points and expanded keyword options.

What should I consider
before buying a domain?

Think about how the name fits your brand’s long-term vision—it should still make sense as your business grows.

Check if the name locks you into a specific niche or allows for expansion. A good domain should give you room to grow as your brand evolves. Before you decide, picture your future offerings and ask whether this name still makes sense if you branch out into new products or services. Choosing a flexible, memorable name can spare you the hassle and expense of rebranding down the road, preserving your SEO equity and customer recognition

Be sure your chosen name won’t infringe on existing trademarks by searching the USPTO database for potential conflicts. If you’re investing in a premium domain, it’s wise to engage a legal professional to perform a comprehensive trademark review and ensure your new name is clear and protected.