Your domain name is often the first impression customers have of your business. Choose poorly, and you could spend years fighting an uphill battle—losing traffic to typos, confusing potential customers, or eventually paying a premium to rebrand.
The good news? A few minutes of careful thought now can save you significant headaches later.
This guide walks you through eight essential considerations for choosing a domain name that is memorable, easy to spell, legally sound, and optimised for search engines. Whether you are launching a new business in Ghana or rebranding an existing one, these tips will help you secure a domain that works for you—not against you.
Let’s get started.
1. Check availability first
Before you get attached to a domain name, confirm it is available. Run a WHOIS search at whois.com to see who owns it, when it expires, and what registration type applies.
If your preferred domain is taken, you have three options: negotiate a purchase, wait for it to expire, or find a strong alternative before you invest further in branding.
2. Keep it brief and clear
Your domain name should be easy to read, pronounce, and remember. If people struggle to spell it or recall it after hearing it once, you will lose traffic before they ever reach your site.
Aim for a domain that is no longer than two or three words. The shorter it is, the easier it will be for visitors to type it directly into their browser—which means more repeat visits and word-of-mouth referrals.
Avoid phonetic confusion
When choosing a domain, say it out loud several times. Better yet, tell it to a friend and ask them to spell it back to you. Words that sound alike but have different meanings can create serious problems.
Consider two domain names: razinghomes.com and raisinghomes.com. When spoken aloud, they sound nearly identical—but their meanings are polar opposites. “Razing” means demolishing, while “raising” means building up. Imagine a construction company accidentally directing clients to a domain that suggests they tear down homes instead of building them. This kind of phonetic confusion can cost you credibility and customers.
Skip the hyphens
URLs containing hyphens are confusing when spoken aloud or typed quickly. If you tell someone your website is “best-homes-ghana.com,” they may forget the hyphens and end up on a competitor’s site—or nowhere at all.
Be cautious with slang and jargon
Unless you are targeting a very specific audience, avoid slang terms and industry jargon. Vernacular varies by country—skintdad.co.uk works for a UK audience familiar with “skint” meaning broke, but that same term would confuse audiences in Ghana, Canada, or the United States.
The bottom line: simplicity wins. A short, clear, and easy-to-spell domain name will serve you far better than a clever one nobody can remember.
3. Make it unique
You need a domain that stands apart. Search Google for similar names and URLs. Check business directories, phone books, and blog platforms to see who else is using what you have in mind.
A unique domain prevents brand confusion and helps you build a distinct identity from day one.
4. Verify legal clearance
Using a domain name that infringes on another company’s trademark can result in costly legal battles, forced rebranding, and lost traffic.
Before you commit, search trademark databases and company registries. A few minutes of research now can save you significant expense and disruption later.
5. Prioritise branding
Your URL is like a digital business card—it should communicate what you do in seconds. If your blog or company name does not immediately convey your focus, consider a URL that does.
Keep your URL short and descriptive. You can elaborate on your website itself, but the domain should give visitors just enough information to understand what you offer.
6. Select the right extension
Your domain extension (technically called a Top-Level Domain or TLD) signals the nature of your website to both users and search engines.
| Extension | Best For | Key Characteristics |
| .com | Commercial/Businesses | Most popular and recognizable globally. Ideal for for-profit businesses. |
| .org | Non-profits/Organizations | Traditionally used by charities, open-source projects, and community groups. |
| .edu | Educational Institutions | Restricted: Only available to accredited post-secondary institutions. |
| .gov | Government Entities | Restricted: Reserved for official government agencies. |
| .net | Networks/Tech | Originally for internet providers; now a common alternative if .com is taken. |
Newer options include .biz, .info, .me, .shop, and hundreds more. Faciotech offers over 570 domain extensions with transparent pricing. If the choices feel overwhelming, our team provides professional consultancy to help you find the right fit.
Pro Tip: If you are a business, always try to secure the .com first. It is the default people type into their browsers and carries the most consumer trust.
7. Optimise for SEO
Search engine optimisation affects how easily people can find you online. While Google’s algorithms consider many factors, your domain name plays a supporting role.
Choose relevant terms
A domain that reflects your content helps search engines understand what your site offers. If your business name does not indicate your niche, consider incorporating a relevant keyword.
Research keywords strategically
Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Moz, or Buzzsumo to identify terms your audience searches for. Incorporating one high-value keyword into your domain can improve discoverability—but do not sacrifice clarity for keyword stuffing. Learn more about SEO here.
8. Consider local extensions: .com.gh vs .com
If your business operates in Ghana or primarily serves Ghanaian customers, you face an important decision: should you register a .com domain or a .com.gh domain? Each has distinct advantages.
What is .com.gh?
The .com.gh extension is Ghana’s country code top-level domain (ccTLD), managed by the Ghana Network Information Centre (GHNIC). It signals to visitors and search engines that your business is based in Ghana or specifically serves the Ghanaian market.
Advantages of .com.gh
A .com.gh domain strengthens local credibility. When Ghanaian customers see a .com.gh address, they recognise they are dealing with a local business—valuable for services where customers prefer someone nearby, such as legal services, real estate, healthcare, or retail.
From an SEO perspective, Google uses country-code domains as one signal for local relevance. A .com.gh domain may provide a slight edge in search results when someone in Ghana searches for services you offer.
Additionally, many desirable .com domains are already taken. Your ideal name may still be available as a .com.gh, giving you a cleaner URL without resorting to hyphens or awkward word combinations.
Advantages of .com
The .com extension remains the most recognised and trusted worldwide. If your business has international ambitions or serves Ghanaians in the diaspora, a .com domain offers broader appeal.
People also default to typing .com when they cannot remember an exact extension. If you only own the .com.gh and a competitor owns the .com, you risk losing traffic to them.
The best of both worlds
For many Ghanaian businesses, the smartest strategy is to register both. Use .com.gh as your primary domain to establish local presence, and secure the .com version to protect your brand and redirect visitors.
| Factor | .com.gh | .com |
| Local trust & credibility | ✓ Strong | Neutral |
| SEO for Ghana searches | ✓ Slight advantage | Neutral |
| International appeal | Limited | ✓ Strong |
| Domain availability | Often available | Often taken |
| User default behaviour | Must be remembered | ✓ Automatic assumption |
At Faciotech, we offer .com.gh registration alongside over 570 other extensions, with transparent pricing and professional guidance. Register your domain here or contact us for a consultation.
Final thoughts
Your domain name is a long-term investment. Take the time to choose one that is available, memorable, legally clear, properly branded, and optimised for both search engines and your target market.
Need help deciding? Faciotech’s team is ready to guide you through the process—from brainstorming to registration. Get started today.
