Create, build, and make the most of your business website

How to pick a good domain name

Your website’s domain name should be memorable, concise, and easy to share. It should be easy for customers to type, and also something you can quickly share in conversation and in written promotional materials. Try saying “Visit us at…” with your website’s name aloud. If it sounds awkward or takes too long, consider another option for your domain.

Here are some helpful tips to consider when naming your website.

• Keep it short. Do not exceed 2-3 words.
• Keep it simple. Shorter, uncomplicated names are easier to remember.
• Include keywords. Adding words about what you do or where you’re located, like “Bakery” or “Seattle,” can help customers find you at a glance.
• Avoid misspellings. Non-conventional spellings may be popular, but they can make your website difficult to find or seem suspicious.
• Letters only. Including numbers and dashes in your domain increases the odds of typos and can lower your perceived credibility.

Step 2: Purchase Your Domain

Once you’ve brainstormed a list of possible site names, it’s time to check what’s available. And remember: If your favorite domain is already taken, don’t get discouraged.

Search for available domain names

You can quickly and easily search for available domain names using this helpful Google tool. It can also suggest tweaks and alternatives if your domain is already taken.

If the domain name you want is already in use, here are a few steps you can take:

• Change the domain ending. The most common TLD (top-level-domain) is .com, but Google Domains has more than 300 TLDs available, including endings like “.photography”, “.coffee”, and “.store.”
• Tweak the name. For example, “JoesCoffee.com” may be taken, but “JoesCoffeeSeattle.com” and “DrinkJoesCoffee.com” could be available. Get creative with your tweaks, but keep it simple.
• Try to buy it. If you’re really set on your first choice, you can always offer to purchase the name you want from the current owner.

Purchase your domain

Once you’ve decided on your domain, it’s time to purchase it! Domain names from Google Domains start at $12 per year, and the transparent pricing is always no-hassle, no-surprises.

Step 3: Build and launch your website

Congratulations! You’re now the proud owner of some real estate on the web! Now it’s time to build your website.

Using a website building platform

If you want to build your website yourself, try a website building platform. They make it easy for people with no coding or design experience to build beautiful, engaging websites with loads of functionality.

Many platforms offer pre-made website templates, and provide a full suite of features you can include with drag-and-drop simplicity, including adding images and videos, listing products, offering e-commerce capabilities, collecting reviews, responding to customer questions, and more. When choosing a website building platform, be sure to consider what you need your website to do, especially if you’re building an e-commerce site.

Here are some popular website building platforms to consider:

Or, if you only need a simple website, consider:

Pro-tip! Google Domains integrates with "Domains Connect," which makes it super easy to connect your domain with website builders that use that open standard (these include Shopify, Wix, Squarespace, and Google Sites).

Hiring someone to build your website

Another popular option for creating your website is hiring a developer to design and build it for you.

This is a good choice if you don’t have the time to focus on building your website yourself. It’s also popular if you have very specific, customized functions that you want your website to perform.

Your website is the home of your business on the internet. Making sure it has a name that is easy to find, features the functionality you need (especially for e-commerce), and reflects the values of your business will help it represent your business well online.

By choosing the right web professional or the website building platform, you’ll be helping your business achieve as much or even more success online as it does offline.