1How to Choose a Good Domain Name
A good domain is short, easy to say and spell, and easy to remember after hearing it once. Aim for a name people could type correctly from memory, without hyphens or unusual spellings.
- Keep it short: shorter names are easier to type, share and remember
- Avoid numbers and hyphens, which cause confusion when spoken
- Make it match your business or brand name where you can
- Check that the name is free on social media, so your handles match
- Say it out loud and ask someone to write it down, to test spelling
- Check that it does not resemble or infringe an existing trademark
If your first choice is taken, try a different word or a different extension rather than adding awkward characters.
2Which Extension: .com, .net, .org or Something Newer?
.com is the most recognised and trusted extension worldwide, and is a good default for business. .net and .org are well known too, with .org often used by non-profits and communities. Country extensions, such as .pk, suit businesses focused on one country.
Newer extensions such as .shop, .online, .store, .tech, .io and .ai can describe what you do and are often available when the .com is not. Choose one that matches your audience, remember that renewal prices differ, and check the register, renew and transfer prices side by side in the table above.
3What Happens When You Register a Domain
Registering a domain gives you the right to use that name for a period, usually one year at a time. You provide contact details, which are stored with the registry, and you choose where the domain's DNS is managed.
We include free WHOIS privacy, which hides your personal contact details from public lookups, as well as DNS management and email forwarding. Set the domain to renew automatically, so you never lose it by accident.
4DNS: Pointing Your Domain to Your Website and Email
DNS is the system that connects your domain to your services. An A record points the name to your website's server, a CNAME points one name to another, MX records route email, and TXT records hold verification and email-authentication data (SPF, DKIM, DMARC).
If you host your website with us, we can set the records up for you. If you host elsewhere, you can keep the domain with us and point it where you need. Changes to DNS can take a few hours to spread across the internet.
5Transferring a Domain to Vebloom
Moving a domain keeps your website running and usually adds a year to its registration. The steps are the same with most registrars.
- Unlock the domain at your current registrar
- Turn off WHOIS privacy if it blocks the transfer email, or confirm your details
- Request the authorisation (EPP) code
- Start the transfer with us and enter the code
- Approve the transfer email, then wait for the transfer to finish
A domain generally has to be at least 60 days old, and not recently transferred, to be moved. Keep your DNS records the same during the move so that nothing goes offline.
6Protecting Your Domain From Loss and Theft
Your domain is valuable, so protect it. Use a long, unique password with two-factor authentication on your account, keep your contact email current so reminders reach you, enable auto-renew and keep the registrar lock on.
Be careful with emails that claim your domain is about to expire, or invoices for "domain listing" and "SEO". Many are scams. Check your real renewal date inside your own account.
