- Joined
- Oct 12, 2023
- Messages
- 154
- Reaction score
- 29
You’re about to buy your first domain, or maybe you’ve been burned before. Either way, you’re smart to be thinking about this – because domain buying is where dreams go to die if you’re not careful. Kean Ong, Digital Marketing Specialist at Dynadot, has shared his opinion on how to avoid common domain buying mistakes.
The domain game has changed drastically. With 368.4 million domains registered as of early 2025 and premium .com names nearly extinct, making the wrong move can cost you big time. But here’s the good news: most mistakes are totally avoidable once you know what to watch for.
Before you start your domain search, let’s walk through the biggest traps people fall into and how you can sidestep them like a pro.
The Mistake: Grabbing the first available extension without thinking it through.
You find the perfect name, but the .com is taken. So you settle for .biz or .info because hey, it’s available and cheap. Big mistake. While .com still holds 44.4% of global sites, not all extensions are created equal.
How to Avoid It:
Consider your audience and industry first. Tech companies can get away with .io (which now has over 1 million registrations), AI startups love .ai domains (598,000+ registrations), and local businesses might benefit from country-specific extensions.
IT-related startups can use the .it.com extension — Sedo & InterNetX in their Global Domain Report mentioned that you should consider the .it.com.
But if you’re targeting mainstream consumers, stick with .com or think twice. People instinctively type .com – it’s muscle memory. You don’t want to lose traffic because someone automatically added .com to your .biz domain.
The Mistake: Buying a domain that steps on someone else’s trademark toes.
You register “NikeFitness.com” thinking you’re clever, then wonder why lawyers are knocking down your door. Trademark infringement in domain names is serious business, and ignorance isn’t a defense.
How to Avoid It:
Do your homework before buying. Search the USPTO database, Google the terms, and check if major brands use similar names. If there’s any doubt, pick something else. Legal battles over domains are expensive and you’ll probably lose.
The rise in domain spoofing and cybersquatting means companies are more aggressive about protecting their brands than ever.
The Mistake: Choosing a registrar based solely on the lowest price.
That $0.99 domain deal looks amazing until you realize renewal costs $50, transfers are impossible, and customer service is nonexistent. Some registrars use predatory pricing to lock you in.
How to Avoid It:
Look at the total cost of ownership, not just year one. Check renewal prices, transfer policies, and what happens if you want to move your domain later. Read the fine print about auto-renewal and cancellation policies.
Remember: with premium .com names becoming scarcer and more expensive, a good domain is an investment. Don’t cheap out on the service protecting that investment.
The Mistake: Buying only one version of your domain name.
You register YourBrand.com and call it done. Meanwhile, competitors snag YourBrand.net, YourBrand.org, and similar variations. Now you’re fighting for search traffic and dealing with confused customers.
How to Avoid It:
Consider buying the main variations (.com, .net, .org) and common misspellings of your brand name. It’s cheaper than fighting legal battles or losing customers to copycats.
With security threats like domain spoofing increasing, defensive domain purchases aren’t paranoia – they’re smart business.
The Mistake: Choosing hyper-specific names that limit your growth.
“2025TechTrends.com” sounds relevant now, but what about next year? Or when you want to expand beyond tech? You’ve painted yourself into a corner.
How to Avoid It:
Think long-term. Choose names that can grow with your business. Avoid years, specific locations (unless you’re truly local), or narrow product references.
Focus on memorability and simplicity over being too clever or specific. A domain that’s easy to remember and spell will serve you better than something overly creative.
The Mistake: Picking domains that are impossible to spell or say out loud.
Your domain might look great written down, but if people can’t spell it after hearing it on a podcast or dictate it to voice assistants, you’ve got a problem.
How to Avoid It:
Test your domain name in real situations. Say it out loud to friends – can they spell it correctly? Is it obvious how to pronounce it? With voice search growing, this matters more than ever.
Avoid hyphens, numbers, and creative spellings unless they’re integral to your brand. “YourCompany.com” beats “Y0ur-C0mp4ny.com” every time.
The Mistake: Thinking you can transfer domain authority by buying expired domains.
You find an expired domain with great backlinks and think you’ve struck gold. But domain authority doesn’t automatically transfer to new content – and those backlinks might be worthless.
How to Avoid It:
If you’re buying an expired domain for SEO purposes, research its history thoroughly. Use tools to check for penalties, spam associations, or unnatural link patterns. Sometimes starting fresh is better than inheriting someone else’s problems.
The Mistake: Forgetting to set up auto-renewal and losing your domain.
You register your perfect domain, build your business around it, then forget the renewal date. Someone else snags it, and now you’re starting over or paying premium prices to get it back.
How to Avoid It:
Set up auto-renewal immediately and use a dedicated email address that you’ll always access. Add calendar reminders as backup. Consider registering for multiple years upfront if you’re serious about the domain.
Missing domain renewal is one of those mistakes that can kill your business overnight.
The Mistake: Making domain decisions based on personal preference rather than business strategy.
You love that clever pun or obscure reference, but your target audience doesn’t get it. Your domain becomes an inside joke that nobody else understands.
How to Avoid It:
Step outside your bubble. Test potential names with people in your target market. What seems obvious to you might be confusing to customers.
With AI tools now helping buyers generate and vet domain names, consider using data-driven approaches alongside your instincts.
The Mistake: Choosing domains that don’t work globally.
Your domain name means something inappropriate in another language, or it’s impossible for non-English speakers to remember or type.
How to Avoid It:
Research how your domain translates or sounds in major markets you might enter. Avoid slang, cultural references, or words that might have negative connotations elsewhere.
Consider the growing trend toward regional TLDs and localized domains if international expansion is in your plans.
What’s the biggest domain buying mistake beginners make?
Rushing the decision. Take time to research, test different options, and think about long-term implications. A domain is part of your brand identity – treat it seriously.
How can I check if a domain has a clean history?
Use tools like Wayback Machine to see previous content, check for blacklist status, and research any potential trademark conflicts. If buying an expired domain, this research is crucial.
Is it worth buying expensive premium domains?
Depends on your business and budget. With Icon.com selling for $12 million in 2025, premium domains can be investments. But many successful businesses build value with regular domains through great content and marketing.
Should I use domain privacy protection?
Generally yes. It prevents spam, protects your personal information, and reduces unwanted solicitations. Most registrars offer this service for a small annual fee.
How many domain variations should I buy?
At minimum, secure the .com, .net, and .org versions of your main brand name. Add common misspellings and variations based on your budget and risk tolerance.
What happens if I accidentally let my domain expire?
You typically have a grace period (30-90 days) to renew at regular prices, followed by a redemption period with higher fees. After that, the domain becomes available for anyone to register.
Domain buying doesn’t have to be scary if you know the pitfalls. Take your time, do your research, and think strategically about your choice. Your future self will thank you for getting it right from the start.
Continue reading on the it.com Domains blog...
The domain game has changed drastically. With 368.4 million domains registered as of early 2025 and premium .com names nearly extinct, making the wrong move can cost you big time. But here’s the good news: most mistakes are totally avoidable once you know what to watch for.
Before you start your domain search, let’s walk through the biggest traps people fall into and how you can sidestep them like a pro.
Rushing Into the Wrong Extension
The Mistake: Grabbing the first available extension without thinking it through.
You find the perfect name, but the .com is taken. So you settle for .biz or .info because hey, it’s available and cheap. Big mistake. While .com still holds 44.4% of global sites, not all extensions are created equal.
How to Avoid It:
Consider your audience and industry first. Tech companies can get away with .io (which now has over 1 million registrations), AI startups love .ai domains (598,000+ registrations), and local businesses might benefit from country-specific extensions.
IT-related startups can use the .it.com extension — Sedo & InterNetX in their Global Domain Report mentioned that you should consider the .it.com.
But if you’re targeting mainstream consumers, stick with .com or think twice. People instinctively type .com – it’s muscle memory. You don’t want to lose traffic because someone automatically added .com to your .biz domain.
Ignoring Trademark Issues
The Mistake: Buying a domain that steps on someone else’s trademark toes.
You register “NikeFitness.com” thinking you’re clever, then wonder why lawyers are knocking down your door. Trademark infringement in domain names is serious business, and ignorance isn’t a defense.
How to Avoid It:
Do your homework before buying. Search the USPTO database, Google the terms, and check if major brands use similar names. If there’s any doubt, pick something else. Legal battles over domains are expensive and you’ll probably lose.
The rise in domain spoofing and cybersquatting means companies are more aggressive about protecting their brands than ever.
Falling for the “Cheap Domain” Trap
The Mistake: Choosing a registrar based solely on the lowest price.
That $0.99 domain deal looks amazing until you realize renewal costs $50, transfers are impossible, and customer service is nonexistent. Some registrars use predatory pricing to lock you in.
How to Avoid It:
Look at the total cost of ownership, not just year one. Check renewal prices, transfer policies, and what happens if you want to move your domain later. Read the fine print about auto-renewal and cancellation policies.
Remember: with premium .com names becoming scarcer and more expensive, a good domain is an investment. Don’t cheap out on the service protecting that investment.
Not Securing Multiple Variations
The Mistake: Buying only one version of your domain name.
You register YourBrand.com and call it done. Meanwhile, competitors snag YourBrand.net, YourBrand.org, and similar variations. Now you’re fighting for search traffic and dealing with confused customers.
How to Avoid It:
Consider buying the main variations (.com, .net, .org) and common misspellings of your brand name. It’s cheaper than fighting legal battles or losing customers to copycats.
With security threats like domain spoofing increasing, defensive domain purchases aren’t paranoia – they’re smart business.
Picking Names That Don’t Age Well
The Mistake: Choosing hyper-specific names that limit your growth.
“2025TechTrends.com” sounds relevant now, but what about next year? Or when you want to expand beyond tech? You’ve painted yourself into a corner.
How to Avoid It:
Think long-term. Choose names that can grow with your business. Avoid years, specific locations (unless you’re truly local), or narrow product references.
Focus on memorability and simplicity over being too clever or specific. A domain that’s easy to remember and spell will serve you better than something overly creative.
Forgetting About Mobile and Voice Search
The Mistake: Picking domains that are impossible to spell or say out loud.
Your domain might look great written down, but if people can’t spell it after hearing it on a podcast or dictate it to voice assistants, you’ve got a problem.
How to Avoid It:
Test your domain name in real situations. Say it out loud to friends – can they spell it correctly? Is it obvious how to pronounce it? With voice search growing, this matters more than ever.
Avoid hyphens, numbers, and creative spellings unless they’re integral to your brand. “YourCompany.com” beats “Y0ur-C0mp4ny.com” every time.
Not Understanding Domain Authority Transfer
The Mistake: Thinking you can transfer domain authority by buying expired domains.
You find an expired domain with great backlinks and think you’ve struck gold. But domain authority doesn’t automatically transfer to new content – and those backlinks might be worthless.
How to Avoid It:
If you’re buying an expired domain for SEO purposes, research its history thoroughly. Use tools to check for penalties, spam associations, or unnatural link patterns. Sometimes starting fresh is better than inheriting someone else’s problems.
Procrastinating on Renewal Settings
The Mistake: Forgetting to set up auto-renewal and losing your domain.
You register your perfect domain, build your business around it, then forget the renewal date. Someone else snags it, and now you’re starting over or paying premium prices to get it back.
How to Avoid It:
Set up auto-renewal immediately and use a dedicated email address that you’ll always access. Add calendar reminders as backup. Consider registering for multiple years upfront if you’re serious about the domain.
Missing domain renewal is one of those mistakes that can kill your business overnight.
Buying Domains Emotionally
The Mistake: Making domain decisions based on personal preference rather than business strategy.
You love that clever pun or obscure reference, but your target audience doesn’t get it. Your domain becomes an inside joke that nobody else understands.
How to Avoid It:
Step outside your bubble. Test potential names with people in your target market. What seems obvious to you might be confusing to customers.
With AI tools now helping buyers generate and vet domain names, consider using data-driven approaches alongside your instincts.
Not Planning for International Growth
The Mistake: Choosing domains that don’t work globally.
Your domain name means something inappropriate in another language, or it’s impossible for non-English speakers to remember or type.
How to Avoid It:
Research how your domain translates or sounds in major markets you might enter. Avoid slang, cultural references, or words that might have negative connotations elsewhere.
Consider the growing trend toward regional TLDs and localized domains if international expansion is in your plans.
FAQs
What’s the biggest domain buying mistake beginners make?
Rushing the decision. Take time to research, test different options, and think about long-term implications. A domain is part of your brand identity – treat it seriously.
How can I check if a domain has a clean history?
Use tools like Wayback Machine to see previous content, check for blacklist status, and research any potential trademark conflicts. If buying an expired domain, this research is crucial.
Is it worth buying expensive premium domains?
Depends on your business and budget. With Icon.com selling for $12 million in 2025, premium domains can be investments. But many successful businesses build value with regular domains through great content and marketing.
Should I use domain privacy protection?
Generally yes. It prevents spam, protects your personal information, and reduces unwanted solicitations. Most registrars offer this service for a small annual fee.
How many domain variations should I buy?
At minimum, secure the .com, .net, and .org versions of your main brand name. Add common misspellings and variations based on your budget and risk tolerance.
What happens if I accidentally let my domain expire?
You typically have a grace period (30-90 days) to renew at regular prices, followed by a redemption period with higher fees. After that, the domain becomes available for anyone to register.
Domain buying doesn’t have to be scary if you know the pitfalls. Take your time, do your research, and think strategically about your choice. Your future self will thank you for getting it right from the start.
Continue reading on the it.com Domains blog...
