Choosing a domain name is one of the most important steps in branding your business. It should be easy to remember, reflect your identity, and help customers find you online. Here’s a quick guide to help you get it right and manage it to connect it to the website builder.
Stick with the Classics: Use a .COM (or .NET / .ORG)
Whenever possible, aim for one of the “big three” domain extensions:
- .COM – Most familiar and widely used for businesses
- .NET – Common fallback, originally for networks or umbrella companies
- .ORG – Typically used by non-profits and organizations
Avoid lesser-known domains like .CO or .IO unless absolutely necessary—they’re easy to mistype, and your traffic might go elsewhere if someone adds an “M” at the end.
Tip: It’s better to get a unique .COM than settle for a trendy but forgettable extension.
Keep It Short and Memorable
Your domain name should be clear, concise, and easy to recall. Aim for something simple like:
- janedoe.com
- janedoebakes.com
- janedoebakery.com
- janedoegso.com (if including your location)
Company examples:
- yourbusinessname.com
- businessnamecity.com
Avoid long or overly descriptive domains. Think about what your clients will remember and type into their browser.
Avoid Numbers (When You Can)
Numbers can confuse people. For example:
- 4evermemoriesphotography.com → May be misheard as “forever” or “four-ever”
Better alternatives:
- forevermemoriesphotography.com
- fmphotos.com (short, punchy, and memorable)
Abbreviations can help keep your domain lean while staying on-brand.
Think Like a Local (Boost Local SEO)
Incorporating your location or service in the domain can help with search rankings and visibility:
- greensborobakery.com
- ncdentistry.com
- carolinaartist.com
These can also be used as secondary domains that redirect to your main site—great for marketing and search engine optimization.
Your Domain = Your Email
Your domain also powers your professional email address, which adds credibility:
- jane@greensborodentist.com
- or shorter: jane@gsodentist.com
Choose a domain that makes it easy to share and remember your email—it will appear on business cards, invoices, and marketing.
Getting Your Domain with Zibster
You can search and purchase your domain directly through Zibster:
- $12 one-time purchase
- $2/month for domain protection and renewals
- Once purchased, connect it in your Zibster control panel (may take up to 24 hours to go live)
Already Have a Domain? Here’s How to Connect & Manage It
If you’ve already registered a domain with another provider, you can easily connect it to your Zibster website. We offer detailed connection guides for each major domain host to help you point your domain to Zibster's servers. Once connected, your site will be live at your custom domain.
DNS Management Now Built Into Zibster
If your domain’s name servers are pointed to AWS (Route 53)—Zibster's current standard—you now have the ability to manage your domain’s DNS Zone Records directly inside your Zibster account.
This gives you 24/7 access to make updates without having to go through your domain registrar.
🧭 How to Manage Your DNS Records in Zibster:
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Log in to your Zibster account
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Click DOMAINS from the left-hand menu
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Click MANAGE DNS next to your domain to open the Zone Editor
🛠 Supported DNS Record Types:
You can add or remove the following types of DNS records:
- A Record – Points your domain to a specific IP address
- CNAME – Aliases one domain to another (e.g., www to your root domain)
- MX Record – Routes email to your mail server
- TXT Record – For domain verification or email security (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)
- SRV Record – Supports services like VoIP or instant messaging
To add a record, click NEW DNS RECORD and choose the type.
To delete a record, locate it under your domain, click DELETE, and confirm.
⚠️ Important: DNS changes may take a few minutes to propagate, but in some cases, it could take up to 48 hours. Also, editing DNS settings incorrectly can disrupt your website or email—only make changes if you’re sure.
Want to Transfer Your Domain?
You can also transfer your domain to Zibster for a one-time fee of $25, plus $2/month for renewal and protection. This process may take anywhere from 72 hours to 30 days depending on your current registrar.
Final Thoughts
Choose a domain that’s:
- Short, memorable, and easy to spell
- Relevant to your brand or location
- .COM when possible
Need help choosing the right name? Contact our support team via live chat or phone—we’re happy to help you make the best choice for your business.
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