If you’re starting a business, your domain name is more than just a web address. It’s your shop window, your winning handshake, your lovingly designed sign above the door. It’s how people find you online, how they remember you and how they share your site with others.

For small business owners and sole traders, picking a domain name is often the first step toward building something visible, tangible and real.

But sometimes it can feel like trying to get a decent seat at a sold-out gig.

You’ve got the perfect name in your head. You go to buy it, only to find it’s already taken. Now what?

Firstly, don’t worry. You’ve got more options than you might think, and we’re here to help.

With a few clever tools and a bit of creativity, you can find a domain name that works brilliantly for your brand, even if your front-row choice is no longer available.

Here’s how.

Start with some keyword research

You may already have a domain name in mind, let’s say, dellasbakery.uk.

But if that’s taken, you don’t have to abandon the idea or start again from scratch. Instead, a bit of keyword research can help you shape a domain name that’s just as strong, and in many cases, even better for your visibility online.

Take a moment to think about how people might search for what you do. Are they looking for “custom cakes”, “wedding cupcakes”, “local bakery near me”? Once you know what your customers are searching for, you can start to blend those terms into your domain name.

So instead of dellasbakery.uk, you might go for:

cakesbydella.uk
dellasbakes.co.uk
brightonbirthdaycakes.uk

These small changes can make your domain more searchable and descriptive, while still making sure your business identity stays front and centre.

And, even better, you don’t need to be an SEO expert to find the right words. Just throw a few ideas into these free tools:

Even five minutes of research can spark your grey matter into finding a new angle. Plus, by using common search terms in your domain, you’re already giving yourself a cheeky little SEO advantage from day one.

Think local

Not every business needs to appeal to the whole world. In fact, many thrive by serving a specific area, whether that’s a village, a city or a county.

If your business is rooted in one location, adding that detail to your domain name can actually be a real win. It makes you more visible in local searches, builds immediate trust with local customers and helps filter out visitors who aren’t in your area (and, to be fair, probably wouldn’t buy anyway).

For example, if jakesplumbing.uk is taken, you might try:

jakesplumbingdorset.uk
jakesplumbingbrighton.co.uk
dorsetplumbingbyjake.uk

All of these say clearly who you are and where you work. No confusion. No wasted clicks.

You can also use this approach for other service-based businesses, like hairdressers, electricians, tutors, florists and so on. Basically, if your tools fit in a van, this probably applies to you. Anything where “near me” searches matter. A local shop for local people.

It’s also a good long-term move for SEO. Search engines are always looking for location signals, and your domain name is one of the strongest ones you can provide.

Don’t get stuck on .com

It’s easy to assume you need a .com domain to look legit. And while .com is still widely used (especially in the US), it’s far from your only option - and it might not even be the best one for your business. You should think about hopping on the TLD train.

What’s a TLD?

TLD stands for “top-level domain” - that’s the part at the end of a domain, like .com, .uk or .eco. Some TLDs are location-based (like .co.uk), some are industry-specific (like .biz), and some are simply more modern alternatives to the old classics.

If you’re a UK-based business, something like .uk or .co.uk makes a lot of sense. It shows where you are, builds trust with UK customers and opens up a wider pool of available names.

What about if you’re looking for something more unique or values-driven? Well, there are TLDs for that too:

.eco for sustainable businesses
.london for city-based businesses
.me for personal brands or portfolios
.biz for startups and small businesses
.tv for media and video content

All these and more are available via Krystal. So if your ideal .com is already taken, don’t panic. A well-chosen TLD can make your domain just as effective and often more memorable.

Generic isn’t always better

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that a short, generic domain is the best option. Something like bakery.com might sound ideal. But here’s the thing.

Generic doesn’t equal memorable.

In fact, the most trusted and successful brands often use specific, branded domain names. Think cartier.com, not jewellery.com. Or eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk, not railway.co.uk. (your own experience will dictate just how trustworthy you think a railway company can be, but we’ll leave that up to you!)

A good domain doesn’t have to be short, it just has to be clear. It has to say who you are and what you offer. And ideally, it should sound like something people would type naturally when they’re trying to find you.

Specific domains often:

Feel more personal
Help build a recognisable brand
Avoid confusion with other generic terms

And when combined with good website content, fast web hosting and some basic SEO, they’re just as powerful as the biggest, broadest domains out there.

A good domain name is just the start

Your domain name is the beginning of your business’s journey online. It’s the anchor for everything else - your website, your email, your branding, your marketing.

It’s not just a URL. It’s a statement.

And even if your ‘perfect’ name is already taken, there are always ways to find yourself something unique, meaningful and effective. All it takes is a little research, a little flexibility, and a clear idea of what your business is really about.

So, let’s go over the main points again:

Use keyword tools to explore relevant terms
Add your location if you serve a specific area
Explore alternative TLDs that reflect your identity
Focus on clarity and memorability over brevity
Choose something that feels like you!

And once you’ve found it? Grab it. With both hands. Domains tend to move fast. If the name feels right, trust your gut and hit that register button.

Search for your new domain name now, or speak to our friendly, UK-based support team if you’d like some help choosing. We won’t read through any customer service scripts or blind you with jargon. You’ll get clear, expert advice from people who care.

How to choose the best domain name for your business