This guide covers practical strategies for choosing the right domain name — from length and memorability to TLD selection and availability checking. Whether you are launching a personal project or a business, these tips help you pick a domain you will be happy with for years to come.
Keep it short and memorable
The best domain names are easy to type, easy to say out loud, and easy to remember. Aim for these characteristics:
- Short — ideally under 15 characters (excluding the TLD). Shorter domains are easier to type and less prone to typos.
- Pronounceable — if you can say it clearly over the phone, it passes the test. Avoid unusual spellings that require explaining.
- No hyphens or numbers — these are hard to communicate verbally.
best-web-design-2026.comis much harder to remember thanbestwebdesign.com. - Avoid double letters at the join —
pressstart.comcan confuse people (is it one s or two?).
Use keywords when they fit naturally
Including a relevant keyword in your domain name can help with search engine visibility, but only if it reads naturally. athensplumber.gr tells both visitors and search engines what the site is about. However, do not force keywords at the expense of brandability — cheap-fast-plumber-athens-greece.gr looks spammy and is impossible to remember.
If your brand name is strong enough on its own, use it. Brand names like hostdog.eu work because they are unique and memorable, even without a descriptive keyword in the domain.
Choose the right TLD (extension)
The TLD is the part after the dot — .com, .gr, .eu, and so on. Your choice depends on your audience and goals:
| TLD | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
.com |
International businesses, global audience | Most recognized TLD worldwide |
.gr |
Greek businesses targeting a local audience | Registered for 2-year periods; HOSTDOG is an EETT-accredited .gr registrar |
.eu |
European businesses | Signals EU presence and compliance |
.org |
Non-profits, communities, open-source projects | Conveys trust and public interest |
.net |
Tech companies, networks, ISPs | Good alternative when .com is taken |
yourbrand.gr and yourbrand.com protects your brand name across extensions. HOSTDOG supports 750+ TLDs for registration.
Think long-term
Your domain name is a long-term commitment. Changing it later means losing search engine rankings, breaking inbound links, and confusing returning visitors. Before you register, consider:
- Growth — will the name still make sense if your business expands?
athensflowers.grlimits you geographically;bloombox.grdoes not. - Trademark conflicts — search the EU trademark registry (EUIPO) and the Greek trademark database to make sure you are not infringing on an existing mark.
- Social media availability — check whether matching usernames are available on major platforms. Consistent branding across your domain and social media helps recognition.
Check availability and register
Once you have a few candidate names, check availability through your HOSTDOG account:
- Navigate to the HOSTDOG homepage and click the Log in button in the top right corner
- In the Client Area, click Register a New Domain
- Type your desired domain name and click Search
The system instantly shows whether the name is available across multiple TLDs. If your first choice is taken, try variations — add a word, swap the TLD, or consider a different brand angle.
For a step-by-step registration walkthrough, see How to register a new domain name or How to register a .gr domain.
Frequently asked questions
You cannot rename an existing domain. You would need to register a new domain and redirect traffic from the old one. This is why choosing the right name from the start matters.
If your brand is important to you, registering the most relevant extensions (e.g. .com and .gr) prevents others from using them and protects your online identity. You can redirect the secondary domain to your primary one.
Most TLDs allow up to 63 characters (excluding the extension). For .gr domains, the name must be between 3 and 63 characters. That said, shorter is almost always better for memorability and usability.