Long Domain Names Vs Short Domain Names - Which Choice Is Best?

The difference between long domain names vs short domain names is long domains can be harder to remember and take longer to type whereas short domain names are easy to remember and generally mean that you can build brand recognition faster. The optimal domain name length is currently 6-14 characters in length.

Are you trying to decide between a Long Domain Name or Short Domain Name?

• Before you buy your new domain name, read this article.

The choice of a domain name can significantly impact the success of a website. One of the ongoing debates in the realm of domain names is the battle between long and short domain names.

Each option has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and understanding the nuances can be instrumental in making an informed decision.

What Is A Domain Name?

A domain name serves as the alphanumeric identifier that users input into search engines, such as Google, accompanied by a Top-Level Domain (TLD) specification, to locate a specific website on the internet.

For instance, the input "safaridigital.com.au" directs users to this particular website. Essentially, the domain name functions as the online equivalent of a physical address, representing the cyber location where the website can be found.

When selecting a name for your new website, the acquisition of the chosen domain name is facilitated through a domain name registrar. In the Australian context, there exists a plethora of options for domain name registrars.

It is crucial to note that once a domain name is procured, it can be transferred seamlessly between different registrars, enabling flexibility in associating it with the company responsible for hosting the website.

This transferability underscores the importance of considering the long-term implications of your choice, aligning it with your hosting preferences and online presence strategy.

The Appeal of Short Domain Names:

1. Memorability: Short domain names are generally easier to remember. They stick in the minds of users more readily, making it simpler for them to recall and revisit your website.
    

2. Ease of Typing: Typing a short domain name is less prone to errors, reducing the chances of users mistyping and landing on a different site. This can be especially crucial for mobile users or those using touchscreens.
    

3. Professionalism: Short domain names often exude a sense of professionalism. They can convey simplicity and clarity, which can be advantageous for branding and marketing purposes.
    

4. Social Media Friendliness: Short domain names are more social media-friendly. They take up less character space in tweets or other posts, allowing for more concise messaging and easier sharing.

The Strengths of Long Domain Names:

1. Descriptive and Keyword-Rich: Long domain names provide the opportunity to include descriptive keywords that can improve search engine optimization (SEO). Search engines may prioritize websites with relevant keywords in their domain names.
    

2. Availability: As the internet continues to expand, short and memorable domain names become scarcer. Long domain names may offer more options and increased availability, especially for niche markets.
    

3. Brand Storytelling: Long domain names can facilitate brand storytelling by allowing for more creativity and expression. They offer a canvas to convey a brand's story, mission, or unique selling points directly within the domain.
    

4. Clarity of Purpose: In some cases, a longer domain name can provide clarity about the website's purpose or niche. This can be particularly beneficial for businesses in specialized industries or those with unique offerings.

A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Domain Name

Launching a new business is an exciting venture, and one crucial aspect that often takes center stage is choosing the right domain name.

Your domain name is more than just a web address; it's a vital part of your brand identity and plays a significant role in your online presence. In this guide, we'll explore the key factors to consider when selecting a domain name for your new business.

1. Relevance and Memorability:

   • Your domain name should reflect the essence of your business. Choose a name that is relevant to your products, services, or industry.
      
   • Opt for a name that is easy to remember. A memorable domain name enhances brand recall and makes it easier for customers to find you online.

2. Keep it Short and Simple:

   • Shorter domain names are easier to remember and type, reducing the likelihood of misspellings.
      
   • Avoid complex spellings or words that are hard to pronounce. Clarity and simplicity are key.

3. Brand Consistency:

   • Your domain name should align with your brand identity. Consistency across your business name, logo, and domain name helps in creating a cohesive and recognizable brand image.
      
   • Consider including your brand name or a relevant keyword in the domain to reinforce your brand message.

4. Keywords and SEO:

   • Incorporating relevant keywords in your domain name can contribute to better search engine optimization (SEO).
      
   • Conduct keyword research to understand what terms your target audience is likely to search for. However, be cautious not to compromise the brand appeal for the sake of keywords.

5. Avoid Hyphens and Numbers:

   • Hyphens and numbers can make a domain name confusing and harder to remember. They may also lead to potential misunderstandings when shared verbally.
      
   • Choose a domain name that can be easily communicated and doesn't require additional explanations.

6. Check Availability and Trademarks:

   • Before finalizing your domain name, ensure it's available for registration. Use domain registration platforms to check the availability of your desired name.
      
   • Check for trademarks to avoid legal complications. You want a name that is unique to your business and not infringing on existing trademarks.

7. Domain Extension:

   • While ".com" is the most common and widely accepted domain extension, consider other options like ".net," ".co," or domain extensions relevant to your industry.
      
   • Keep in mind that certain extensions may be associated with specific types of businesses or organizations.

8. Future-Proofing:

   • Think long-term. Choose a domain name that can grow with your business and won't become outdated as you expand your products or services.
      
   • Avoid trends that might fade away quickly, and focus on a timeless and enduring name.

Positives of a Short Domain Name:

1. Memorability:

   • Short domain names are easier to remember. They stick in the minds of users, making it more likely that they'll recall your website when needed.

2. Ease of Typing:

   • Short domain names are quicker to type, reducing the chances of users making errors when entering your web address.

3. Professionalism:

   • Short domain names often convey a sense of professionalism and simplicity. They can contribute to a clean and polished brand image.

4. Brandability:

   • Short domain names are more likely to be brandable. They are concise and can be easily incorporated into logos, business cards, and other marketing materials.

5. Ease of Communication:

   • When sharing your domain verbally or in print, a short domain name is more easily communicated. This is especially beneficial for word-of-mouth marketing.

6. Reduced Typos:

   • Shorter domain names are less prone to typos, reducing the risk of potential visitors landing on a different website due to misspellings.

Negatives of a Long Domain Name:

1. Difficulty in Recall:

   • Long domain names can be challenging to remember. Users may struggle to recall the complete name accurately, leading to potential loss of traffic.

2. Increased Typos:

   • Longer domain names are more susceptible to typos, as users are more likely to make mistakes when typing out a lengthy web address.

3. Clarity Issues:

   • Longer domain names may lack clarity, especially if they contain multiple words or complex combinations. This can result in confusion for users trying to understand or remember the URL.

4. Less Aesthetic Appeal:

   • Lengthy domain names may lack the aesthetic appeal of shorter, snappier alternatives. They might look cluttered and be less visually pleasing, impacting the overall brand image.

5. Potential for Misinterpretation:

   • Longer domain names increase the chances of misinterpretation, either in terms of spelling or understanding. This can lead to users ending up on unintended websites.

6. Inefficiency in Marketing:

   • Marketing efforts can be less efficient with long domain names. They may not fit well on promotional materials, and the message may be lost if the URL is too cumbersome.

5 Interesting Domain Name Statistics & Facts (2024)

1. All three-lettered .com domains are already registered. The last one was snatched in 1997.
    
2. The most frequent starting letter for domains is S. It is also the most frequent last letter
    
3. 40% of all domains have country extensions (.uk, .cn, .de, etc.) 
    
4. The number of ccTLDs fell by 1.3% between second and third quarter of 2022
    
5. There are about 126.9 million domains registered in the US, which accounts for 19.77% of the total global domain number.

Is the Inclusion of Keywords Crucial in Your Domain Name?

Websites that integrate keywords into their URLs often receive preferential treatment in search engine results pages.

Exact Match Domains (EMDs) or Partial Match Domains (PMDs) are domains that contain the entire keyword or a portion of it in the domain name. For example:

• "roofrepairs.com.au" would be classified as an exact match domain.
• "dansroofrepairs.com.au" would be considered a partial match domain.

While Google has gradually diminished the importance of exact and partial match domains over the years, there's still debate within the SEO community. Some argue that these domains have no impact on rankings or positions. However, we assert that they are mistaken.

A quick search for a phrase like "SEO Sydney" reveals numerous companies benefiting from an exact match domain. Many of the businesses on Google's first page owe their position to having the keyword, in whole or part, in their domain name.

Attempting to achieve similar results with a domain lacking the exact or partial keyword significantly reduces the likelihood of success.

Domain name extensions

Domain name extensions, also known as top-level domains (TLDs), are the suffixes at the end of web addresses that help identify the type or purpose of a website.

They play a crucial role in organizing and categorising the vast expanse of the internet. There are several types of domain extensions, each serving a specific function:

• Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs): These are the most common domain extensions and include familiar ones like .com, .org, and .net. They are versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes.
   

• Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs): These extensions are associated with specific countries or territories, such as .us for the United States, .uk for the United Kingdom, and .ca for Canada. They are often used by entities with a connection to that particular country.
   

• Sponsored Top-Level Domains (sTLDs): These are specialized extensions that are sponsored by specific organisations or communities. Examples include .gov for government websites and .edu for educational institutions.
   

• Infrastructure Top-Level Domain (arpa): This is a special-purpose domain used for internet infrastructure purposes, such as reverse DNS lookups.
   

• New Generic Top-Level Domains (new gTLDs): In recent years, the domain space has expanded with the introduction of numerous new gTLDs, such as .app, .blog, and .guru. 

Choosing the right domain extension depends on the nature and purpose of the website. While .com remains a popular choice for its universal recognition, the availability of diverse extensions allows for more creative and specific domain name options such as short and long domain names

Summary - Long Domain Names VS Short Domain Names

Choosing between a long or short domain name depends on various factors, including the nature of the website, target audience, and marketing strategy.

Short domain names are often preferred for their simplicity and ease of recall, while long domain names can be advantageous for SEO and conveying a more detailed brand message.

Ultimately, the key is finding a balance that aligns with the goals of the website and it's essential to consider factors such as memorability, brand image, and the user experience to ensure that the domain name becomes a valuable asset in the online journey.

Whether long or short, a well-thought-out domain name can be a powerful tool in establishing a strong online presence.

The length of your domain name, whether long or short, is not the decisive factor for achieving SEO success. In the past five years, we've assisted businesses in attaining outstanding SEO results using exact match, partial match, no match, long, and short domain names.

The key to success lies in establishing a robust website foundation and architecture, surpassing the significance of the domain name choice.

Looking ahead, we anticipate that partial and exact match domains will have a diminishing impact on Google's search ranking algorithm.