Get a Business Domain

Choosing a domain that lasts

• 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.

Why the domain check belongs at the start

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 availability while you are still shortlisting names costs nothing and removes the problem entirely.

That is how NameGenie works: generate names and every suggestion arrives with live domain availability, pricing, and a Companies House check, so the name you pick is one you can own everywhere. The start a business journey then carries that name through company registration and a launch website.

Questions founders ask

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?

If the .com is free, take it: it travels everywhere and everyone trusts it. For UK-focused businesses, .co.uk is a strong and often cheaper companion. Industry endings such as .coffee or .studio can make a short, memorable name available when the .com is taken.

Does owning the domain protect my business name?

No. A domain is an address, not a right to the name. Company registration protects the exact name on the Companies House register, and a trade mark protects the brand commercially. The strongest position is holding all three.

Should I buy the domain before registering the company?

Check both at the same time, then secure the domain first. Domains can be taken by anyone in minutes, while a cleared company name is only at risk from another exact-match filing.