Choosing a domain name
In this guide we look at the different options for your store domain name, and how to choose a good one.
Vanity domain names
In FreshStore you have free access to our vanity domain names. You can create your store on a subdomain such as cofffeemachineworld.secureonline.store
The advantage is that it will save you time and money in the early stages. You can test quickly; if you don't like this niche, you haven't wasted any money on a domain name.
In the future, you can quickly move your store to your own custom domain with a few clicks.
However, keep in mind if you move to a full domain in the future, you will need to update links and references to the old vanity domain.
Custom domain names
You can also use a custom domain name for your store. These start from around $10/year, and will give you some more benefits over vanity domains.
You can purchase a custom domain name in your account area, and some examples include:
The benefits of a custom domain are increased trust from your visitors and more appeal to potential buyers if you sell your store.
Top Level Domains
A Top Level Domain (aka TLD) is the end part of your domain. The most known TLD is .com, but there are many others to choose from.
Some TLDs are location specific like .co.uk (United Kingdom) or .de (Germany).
In recent years, lots more TLDs have become available. While they don't hold the same reputation as .com, they can still be worth considering depending on your store name.
Your store will not be penalised by Google if you choose a less common TLD.
If you choose a less common TLD, keep it short and brandable. For example funko.rocks, fuelup.health, or proteinpowder.store.
Should I choose a domain with keywords?
In the past, domain names were considered important and could give an advantage in Google rankings for organic search traffic.
Today, it is different. Over the years, domainers have bought up all keyword-rich domains and left them unused. Google no longer gives any advantage to your store for keywords in the domain name and hasn't done so for many years.
The best strategy for picking a domain name is to choose one that matches your niche and your store name.
Examples of bad domain names
A poorly chosen domain can look awkward at best or unsafe at worst. Avoid using long domain names, hyphens, misspellings and keyword-stuffed domains.
Some TLDs (Top Level Domains) can hold a bad reputation, such as .biz or .info, due to abuse over the years.
Avoid using trademarks in your domains (e.g. Amazon, Apple, Meta etc.) as they can be taken away from you quickly.
Some bad examples include:
- best-cheapest-drink-fridges.com
- orgaanicmakeup.com
- amazonsuperstore.com
Choosing a Good Domain Name
A good domain name is clear, short and brandable. Brandable means the name is unique, matches your store name, and will look good in a logo.
If you are really stuck for a domain name, consider changing the name of your store. You can use our AI to generate a new store name or follow the Choosing a store name guide.