---
title: Best Practices for Choosing a Domain Name
description: "There can be a lot of pressure around choosing \"the right\" domain name. While we generally think some variation on your name is a good place to start here are some tips for selecting a domain name: - **Pick something…"
url: "https://umw.domains/guides/best-practices-for-choosing-a-domain-name/"
updated: "2026-06-22"
category: Getting Started
---

# Best Practices for Choosing a Domain Name

There can be a lot of pressure around choosing "the right" domain name. While we generally think some variation on your name is a good place to start here are some tips for selecting a domain name:

- **Pick something you can live with during your time at UMW.**
  - We only purchase one domain on your behalf while your at UMW so while we appreciate a good pun consider how the graduating senior version of you might feel about it.
- **Avoid including words related to the class you are taking.**
  - If your first introduction to Domain of One's Own is via a class assignment we encourage you not to include words related to that class as part of your domain (i.e. go with something like *yourname.com* instead of *yournameDGST101.com*). You might encounter more classes where you'll need to use this platform (remember we only purchase one domain for you) so don't be too specific. There are ways to create [subdomains](https://umw.domains/guides/i-set-up-my-account-now-what/#building-a-site-for-a-class-try-a-subdomain) off your main domain that are a great place to include that class information (e.g. you can make build a website at *dgst101.yourname.com* after you've chosen *yourname.com*)
- **Keep your domain name short.**
  - The average domain name length is about 12 characters. Try keeping your domain name between 6-14 characters. This not only makes the domain name easier to read, but it's easier to recognize too.
- **Avoid hyphens and numbers.**
  - These can be confusing in domain names and sometimes make the site difficult to search.
- **Keep it easy to type/pronounce.**
  - This makes the site easier to remember. If the user can read the domain name like a phrase, they're more likely to remember it. This also helps avoid confusion when searching for the site.

### Some Good Examples

- **janedoe.net** (good if that’s your name, not so great otherwise)
- **janesays.org** (good for all Janes everywhere)
- **jdoe.com** (same as above)

### Some Bad Examples

- **janedoefsem100.com** (not useful once the class is done)
- **google.com** (already taken, sorry)
- **zoodleracer.net** (…?)

***Reviewed by Abby Firestone 06/22/26***