Get a business domain

• Say it out loud: a domain you have to spell twice on the phone is a tax on every conversation.
• Match the brand exactly: hyphens, abbreviations, and bolted-on words all leak visitors to whoever owns the clean version.
• Check the renewal, not just year one: introductory pricing is marketing; the renewal is the real cost.
• Mind premium listings: some names are priced individually on the aftermarket. They can be worth it, but walk in knowing.

The classic failure is naming the business first and checking the internet second: the brand is chosen, the cards are printed, and the .com belongs to someone who wants four figures for it. Checking current domain evidence while you are still shortlisting names exposes that constraint early, while alternatives are still easy to consider.

That is how NameGenie works: generate names and compare current domain and Companies House search evidence alongside each suggestion. Verify the domain and price with the registrar, and treat the company result as an initial screen. The start a business journey then carries that name through company registration and a launch website.

How much does a business domain cost?

A typical .com or .co.uk registers for roughly £10 to £15 a year at mainstream registrars. Specialist endings vary widely, and some domains are premium listings priced individually. Always check the renewal price as well as the first-year price, because introductory discounts are common.

Which domain ending should a business choose?

Compare the current registrar result for .com with the audience you serve. For a UK-focused business, .co.uk can be a clear and often cheaper option. Industry endings such as .coffee or .studio can also support a short, memorable address, but check renewal pricing and customer familiarity.

Does owning the domain protect my business name?

No. A domain is an address, not a right to the name. A Companies House search is separate from the rules applied to a company-name application, while a trade mark is a separate legal right. Evidence from one check does not clear the other two.

Should I buy the domain before registering the company?

Run the domain, company-name and trade-mark checks while shortlisting. If you decide to buy the domain first, verify its current status and final price at the registrar. Companies House decides the company-name application separately.