Domain registration: 7 essential tips for the right choice

Registering a domain is often the first step when setting up a website or online service. A well-chosen domain name can make the difference between online success and a missed opportunity. In this guide, we share valuable tips to help you make the right decision when registering a domain.

1. Choose a memorable and relevant domain name

Choosing your domain name is crucial. Pick a name that's short, easy to remember, and easy to pronounce. Avoid complex spellings, hyphens, and numbers where possible. A good domain name:

• Is short and punchy (ideally 15 characters or less)
• Contains relevant keywords for your business
• Is easy to remember and type
• Reflects your brand identity

2. .nl, .com, or .eu: which extension should you choose?

The choice between domain extensions depends on your target audience and business goals:

.nl domains are ideal for Dutch businesses targeting the local market. They enjoy the trust of Dutch consumers and can help with local SEO. Moreover, the .nl extension is one of the most valued country extensions worldwide.

.com domains are the most universal choice and suitable for international businesses. They're recognized and trusted worldwide, but popular names are often already registered.

.eu domains are suitable for organizations active in the European market who want to project a European identity.

For Dutch businesses, we often recommend registering both the .nl and .com variants to optimally protect your brand.

3. Domain privacy and WHOIS protection

When registering a domain, your contact details are stored by default in the public WHOIS database. This means anyone can look up your name, address, phone number, and email address. Many hosting providers therefore offer WHOIS privacy or domain privacy.

With domain privacy, your personal details are replaced with those of a privacy service. This protects you against:

• Spam and unwanted marketing
• Identity theft
• Unwanted contact attempts

For business websites, transparency can actually be beneficial, but for personal projects, privacy is often desirable.

4. Domain + hosting bundles vs. separate registration

You have two options when registering a domain:

Bundle with hosting: many providers offer packages where domain and hosting are offered together. Advantages include convenience (everything in one place), often a free domain for the first year, and simple management.

Separate registration: you register your domain with a specialized domain registrar and choose a hosting provider separately. This offers more flexibility - you can easily switch hosting providers without having to move your domain.

For beginners, a bundle is often the easiest choice, while experienced users often choose separate registration for the flexibility.

5. Protect your brand: register variants

To optimally protect your brand, it's wise to register multiple variants of your domain name:

• Different extensions (.nl, .com, .eu)
• Common typos
• Plural and singular forms
• Variants with and without hyphens

You can redirect these domains to your main domain. This prevents competitors or malicious parties from registering these names and potentially using them to intercept your visitors.

6. Check trademark rights and availability

Before registering a domain, check whether:

• The name isn't protected by trademark rights
• Similar names aren't already in use by competitors
• The name isn't negatively associated due to previous owners
• Social media handles are available for consistent branding

7. Pay attention to registration terms

Different aspects to watch out for:

• Contract duration: domains are often registered for 1 year, but you can also lock them in for multiple years
• Renewal costs: the first year is sometimes cheaper than renewal
• Transfer policies: check how easy it is to transfer your domain
• Auto-renewal: prevent your domain from expiring by setting up automatic renewal

In summary

Registering a domain is an important decision that deserves careful consideration. Take the time to choose the right name, protect your brand by registering variants, and choose a reliable provider that fits your needs.

Want to know more about the best hosting providers in the Netherlands? Check out our overview of hosting providers to make the right choice for your website.