For any online business today, having a domain name is an absolute must.
A domain name allows customers to easily find, remember and access your business website and brand online.
Not having one means missing out on leads, sales, and brand visibility.
Which domain is best for business?
The best domains for a small business are:
- Your business name – e.g. johnsmithcoaching.com. Using your business name in the domain helps build your brand and is easy for customers to remember.
- Your location – e.g. johnsmithcoachingchicago.com. Including your city or region helps attract local customers.
- Your industry/services – e.g. johnsmithbusinessadvisor.com. Describing what you do attracts the right audience.
- Generic names – e.g. smithcoachingservices.com. Common words related to your business can work if specific names aren’t available.
- Exact match domains – e.g. businessconsultantchicago.com. Domains matching high search volume keywords can improve SEO.
The ideal domain combines your brand name with a location, industry or generic terms for maximum impact. Avoid overly long or complex names that are hard to remember. Check domain availability to find one that best suits your business.
What is the difference between a business name and domain name?
- Business name – The official, legal name you register your business under. Can be used for branding.
- Domain name – The web address that identifies your business online and leads to your website.
Your business name and domain name can be:
- The same e.g. Apple Inc and apple.com
- Related e.g. Google Inc and google.com
- Different e.g. Walmart Inc and walmart.com
Your domain is your online presence and brand identifier. Your business name fulfills legal registration requirements.
There’s no legal need for them to match, but using your business name in the domain helps with brand consistency.
What happens if you don’t have a domain name?
Not having a domain name means:
- No dedicated website – Your business won’t have an owned website that establishes your brand and credentials.
- Missed online opportunities – You lose out on leads and sales from online searches and traffic. Customers won’t be able to find or access your business online.
- Less professional image – Customers may see your business as less legitimate and established without a proper web presence.
- Poorer SEO – Website and content promotion is harder without a consistent domain that search engines recognize.
- Less control – You must rely on third party sites and social media for online presence, with less ownership.
- Higher costs later – Buying a domain later once your business grows can be costlier if ideal names are taken.
Getting a domain name early is a low cost investment that pays off in brand building, customer access and online growth.
Is it free to register a domain name?
No, registering a domain name in the Philippines involves an annual fee that covers the right to use that domain, which typically costs:
- $12-15 per year for a .com domain
- $20+ per year for prime domain extensions like .com.au or .co.uk
- Hundreds of dollars per year for premium domains with high commercial value
So while domains are not free, their cost is generally low for most small businesses.
Many domain registrars offer domains for less than $10 in the first year.
Some advantages of low-cost domains:
- Establish brand identity and online presence from early on
- Ability to create website, email, online assets linked to the domain
- Domain snipers can’t purchase the name you want later at a higher price
- Renewal fees remain affordable year after year
Consider domain costs a necessary investment into your online business presence and brand building.
Paying a little early on saves more later.
How much does a domain name cost?
Domain name costs depend on:
Domain Type
- Generic TLDs like .com – $8 to $15 per year
- Country TLDs like .co.uk – $15 to $25 per year
- NICHE/NEW TLDs like .tech – $15 to $30+ per year
Domain Length
- Short domains (1-3 words) – More expensive e.g. $15 per year
- Long domains (4+ words) – More affordable e.g. $8 per year
Domain Popularity
- Prime/Brandable – Higher demand costs e.g. $500+ per year
- Generic – Lower demand so more affordable e.g. $12 per year
Where You Register
- Registrars – Cheapest at $8 to $15 per year
- Aftermarket sites – More expensive at $20 to $100+
- Auctions – Premium domains can cost into the thousands
For most small businesses, opting for a longer, generic .com domain from a registrar like Truehost.ph often provides the best value, costing between $10-$15 per year.
This lets you establish your brand online at minimal cost.
In summary, a domain name is a must-have for any online business today.
Though not free, domains provide huge value for your brand visibility and growth at a very reasonable price point for small business owners.
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