Your domain name: your first step online
Your domain name is your address on the internet (yourcompany.com) and often the first impression people get of you. A good domain name is short, easy to remember, easy to spell and fits your brand. In this blog you'll read how to choose the right name, which extension to pick and how to secure it right away before someone else does.
Still figuring out which hosting package goes with it? Take a look at the web hosting guide for beginners.
Choosing a strong domain name: 6 tips
- Keep it short. Short names are easier to remember and type.
- Make it pronounceable. Can you give the name over the phone without spelling it out? Perfect.
- Avoid hyphens and numbers. They often cause confusion.
- Make the name fit your brand. Ideally your company name is in there.
- Think ahead. Choose a name that grows with you and doesn't box you in.
- Check if it's still available. Check your domain name right away.
Which extension do you choose? (.nl, .com, .be and more)
The extension is the bit after the dot. A few guidelines:
- .com — international and broadly usable, the go-to for most businesses.
- .nl — the standard for Dutch companies and the most trusted choice for a Dutch audience.
- .be — if you (also) target Belgium.
- .eu, .amsterdam, .frl — for a specific region or European focus.
Not sure? Many entrepreneurs secure both the .com and the .nl to protect their brand. You can do that easily with multiple domain names.
Registering a domain name: how it works
- Come up with your name and keep a few alternatives on hand.
- Check whether it's available.
- Register the domain name — at bHosted that takes just a few clicks.
- Attach hosting to it (or not, see below).
Already have a domain name elsewhere? You can transfer it to bHosted for free. We take care of it from start to finish.
No website yet? Secure your name now
Come up with a great name but your website isn't ready yet? Secure the name right away anyway, so nobody else runs off with it. With domain parking you reserve your domain name for free — you only pay the annual registration costs. Want to start using professional email already? Then Mail Only from €8.00 per year is a nice intermediate step.
Frequently asked questions
Can I secure a domain name without a website? Yes. With domain parking you reserve the name now and build a website later. That's how you protect your brand.
How much does a domain name cost? That varies per extension. You pay annual registration costs; the domain parking package itself is free.
Can I transfer my domain name later? Absolutely. A domain name is yours — you can always take it to another provider.
Ready to start?
Your perfect domain name might still be up for grabs. Check now whether it's still available and secure it. Need help with your choice? At bHosted there's always a real person ready for you — feel free to get in touch.
