Registering a domain name: how to choose the perfect name for your website
What is a domain name and why is it so important?
A domain name is your website's address on the internet, such as 'yourcompany.be' or 'mystore.com'. It's the first impression visitors get of your brand and has a major impact on recognition, trust, and search engine rankings.
A well-chosen domain name is short, memorable, and reflects your corporate identity. In this article, you'll discover how to choose the ideal name, which extension to use, and how to register your domain.
How do you choose the right domain name?
There are a few golden rules when choosing a domain name:
Keep it short and simple: A domain name of 6 to 14 characters is ideal. Avoid difficult words and hyphens, as they are easily forgotten or mistyped.
Use your brand name: If you have a business, it makes sense to use your company name as your domain name. This immediately builds your online brand identity.
Consider the extension: For Belgian companies, a .be domain is the best choice because it builds local trust and ranks well in Belgian search results. International companies often choose .com.
Avoid numbers and hyphens: These cause confusion. 'mijn-winkel.be' and 'mijnwinkel2.be' are harder to remember than 'mijnwinkel.be'.
Check availability: Before you get too far in your plans, it's best to check if the desired name is still available. Popular names are often already taken.
Which domain extension should you choose?
The extension (or TLD, Top Level Domain) after the dot makes a big difference:
• .be – Ideal for Belgian companies and organizations. Exudes local trust.
• .com – The most international extension, suitable for global ambitions.
• .eu – Good for companies targeting the European market.
• .shop / .store – Specifically for webshops and e-commerce platforms.
Want to be sure you're making the right choice? View our complete overview of available domain names at Mediawax and register your ideal name today.
Registering a domain name: the step-by-step process
Registering a domain name is easier than you think. First, check if the name you want is available using a domain search tool. Then choose the desired extensions and add them to your order. Enter your contact information (this will become your WHOIS information). After payment, your domain name is registered and you can get started.
Connecting a domain name to web hosting
A domain name without hosting is like an address without a home. You need both to have a working website. At Mediawax, you can easily connect your domain name to a web hosting package, so everything works together seamlessly. Our customer service will help you with the technical configuration if you need help.
Conclusion
A strong domain name is the foundation of your online presence. Take your time choosing a good name, register it as soon as possible, and combine it with reliable web hosting. So you're ready to start online with a solid foundation.
