Choosing the right domain name is one of the most critical decisions you'll make when building your online presence. It’s more than just a web address, it’s your digital identity, your brand’s first impression, and a key factor in SEO success. A poor choice can confuse customers, hurt rankings, and limit growth, while a smart one drives traffic, builds trust, and boosts conversions.
At Ashon Digital Services, a leading web design and digital agency in Nigeria, we’ve helped hundreds of businesses, from startups in Lagos to enterprises in Abuja, select perfect domain names that align with their goals. In this guide, we reveal 7 essential things to consider before choosing a domain name, so you can avoid costly mistakes and set your website up for long-term success.
1. Keep It Short, Simple, and Memorable
The best domain names are easy to type, pronounce, and remember. Avoid long, complex strings of words or numbers that confuse users.
Pro Tip: Aim for under 15 characters when possible.
✅ Good: ashondigitals.com
❌ Avoid: ashondigitalserviceswebsitedesign2025.com
“A short domain name sticks in the mind and reduces typing errors.” – Ashon Digital Services
2. Include Your Primary Keyword (But Don’t Overdo It)
Using a relevant keyword in your domain can give you a slight SEO boost, especially for local searches like web design Lagos or e-commerce Nigeria.
But avoid “keyword stuffing.” Google now penalizes overly optimized domains.
Smart Examples:
- lagoswebdesign.com
- naijaestore.com
Ashon Digital Services recommends using one strong keyword that reflects your core offering.
3. Choose the Right Domain Extension (.com, .ng, .co, etc.)
While .com remains the gold standard for credibility and global reach, country-specific extensions like .ng are excellent for local SEO in Nigeria. When selecting a domain extension, consider your goals and audience. The .com extension is ideal for global brands seeking maximum trust and offers high SEO impact worldwide. For Nigerian businesses aiming to build local credibility, .ng provides strong local SEO benefits and signals a homegrown presence. Startups looking for a modern, flexible vibe often choose .co, which delivers moderate SEO value. E-commerce stores can gain a niche-specific boost with extensions like .store or .shop, helping them stand out in competitive online retail searches
Ashon Tip: Use .ng if targeting Nigerian customers. It signals local presence and improves trust.
4. Avoid Hyphens, Numbers, and Double Letters
These elements increase the risk of typos and make your domain harder to share verbally.
❌ ashon-digital-services.site
❌ ash0ndigital.site
❌ ashonddigitalservices.site
✅ ashondigitals.site – clean, professional, and error-free.
5. Check Trademark and Brand Conflicts
Before registering, search the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) database and Google to ensure your desired name isn’t trademarked or in use.
A domain that leads to legal disputes can cost you thousands. Ashon Digital Services offers free domain availability + trademark checks with every consultation.
6. Think Long-Term: Future-Proof Your Brand
Will your business expand beyond its current niche? Choose a domain that grows with you.
❌ lagoswordpressdesign.com (limits you to WordPress)
✅ ashondigitals.site (flexible for web, SEO, branding, apps)
“Your domain should reflect your vision, not just your current service.”
7. Secure Social Media Handles Early
Consistency across platforms builds brand recognition. Before finalizing your domain, check availability on:
- X (Twitter)
- TikTok
Ashon Digital Services uses tools like Namechk and KnowEm to secure matching social handles for clients.
Bonus: Register Multiple Variations (Defensive Registration)
Protect your brand by registering common misspellings and alternate extensions:
- ashondigitals.ng
- ashon-digital.com
- ashondigitals.com
Redirect these to your main site to capture mistyped traffic and prevent competitors from using them.
Ready to Choose the Perfect Domain Name?
Your domain is the foundation of your online success. Get it right from the start with expert guidance.
At Ashon Digital Services, we don’t just build stunning, SEO-optimized websites; we help you choose, register, and secure the ideal domain name that drives results.
Get a FREE Domain Name Consultation Today →
Let us check availability, suggest winning options, and set up your digital foundation for 2025 and beyond.
Keywords: things to consider before choosing a domain name, how to choose a domain name 2025, best domain name for business in Nigeria, domain name tips for SEO, Ashon Digital Services
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This post was crafted by Ashon Digital Services, Your trusted partner for web design, SEO, and digital growth in Nigeria. Follow us for more actionable insights!