Which domain extension to choose in 2026?

The choice of extension depends on your target audience. A country-code TLD (like .fr for France) is ideal for a local business. The .com is the global standard for international credibility. Extensions like .io, .xyz, or .pro can be relevant for specific sectors (tech, creatives, services). The extension does not directly impact SEO ranking but influences brand perception and click-through rate.

Can you use hyphens or numbers in a domain name?

It is highly recommended to avoid numbers and hyphens. They make the domain name harder to communicate orally and to remember (e.g., 'the-6-of-web.com' is confusing). A single hyphen may be acceptable if the two joined words are unreadable, but simplicity should remain the priority.

What if the domain name I want is already taken?

If your ideal domain name is already taken, do not sacrifice clarity. You can try adding a relevant keyword (e.g., 'martin-craftsman.com'), a location (e.g., 'martin-london.com'), or changing the extension to a coherent alternative (.net, .pro). You can also try a simple creative variation, but always keep it easy to pronounce.

Choosing the Perfect Domain Name for Your Project (2026 Guide)

The domain name is the first stone of your digital presence. It's what your customers will see, type, and remember. In this guide, discover our 5-criteria method for choosing a clear, memorable, and professional name.

1. What is a domain name (really)?

A domain name is the unique address that leads to your site. Like a postal address, but on the Web. It consists of two elements:

The name (e.g., creasite)
The extension (e.g., .xyz, .com)

But beyond its technical aspect, a domain name plays three major roles:

Identity: It embodies your brand, name, or activity. It's the first impression.

Trust: A well-chosen name inspires seriousness and professionalism, a key factor for conversion.

Visibility: A short and clear name improves memorization, sharing, and even the click-through rate (CTR) in search results.

2. The 5 criteria for an effective domain name

At creasite.xyz, after supporting many entrepreneurs, we have formalized a 5-point method to never go wrong.

1) Short, readable, and memorable

The shorter a name is, the faster it is to type and the easier it is to remember. Avoid complicated spellings that force you to think.

2026 Goal: Think "phone test". If you can easily spell it over the phone without confusion, it's a good sign.

2) Relevant and descriptive

Your name should, if possible, give a clue about what you do. A clear name like durand-plumbing.com is immediately understood and inspires trust.

3) Unique and easy to identify (branding)

You need to stand out from the competition. A name that is too generic (e.g., `the-best-site.com`) lacks personality. A name too close to an existing brand can lead to confusion and legal issues.

4) Extension consistent with your audience

In 2026, the extension is part of your positioning:

Country-specific (e.g., .fr, .de): The #1 choice for a business targeting a specific country. A signal of proximity and trust for the local market.
.com: The global standard. Essential if you are targeting an international audience or if the local extension is already taken.
.io / .xyz / .ai: Modern and popular in tech, startups, and creative projects.
.pro / .expert: Perfect for freelancers and consultants wanting to assert their expertise.

Is a local TLD better for SEO in its country?

Yes and no. Google doesn't rank a .fr higher "because" it's a .fr. However, French users are more inclined to click on a .fr, which increases your click-through rate (CTR), a positive signal for Google. So it's an indirect but real advantage.

5) Protected against typosquatting

If your budget allows, consider buying the most common variations of your name (e.g., .com and .net, with and without a hyphen) to prevent someone else from registering them.

3. The 3 mistakes to absolutely avoid

Ignoring trademark rights: Using a registered trademark name can lead to legal action. A quick search on the trademark office database is an essential and free step.
Using hyphens or numbers: my-super-site-24.com is difficult to communicate orally and looks less professional. A single hyphen is a lesser evil if the name is otherwise unreadable.
Choosing a name that is too complex or "trendy": Names that play on spelling (e.g., "Kreativ") or fleeting trends age poorly and create confusion. Simplicity always wins.

4. What to do if your domain name is already taken?

If your ideal name is already taken, stay strategic. Never sacrifice clarity for originality. Here are three professional solutions:

Add a business keyword: Very effective for local SEO. E.g., martin-electrician.com or elise-hairdresser.com.
Add a local identifier: Perfect for a local business. E.g., roma-pizzeria-london.com.
Change the extension: If mysite.com is taken, mysite.net or mysite.pro are excellent alternatives.

Choosing well is the first step to success

A good domain name is not just an address: it's a strategic investment that influences your brand image, visibility, and credibility. Take the time to apply these tips, choose a clear and memorable name, and register it with a reliable provider like IONOS to start on a solid foundation.

Ready to build your site?

Name chosen? Perfect. The next step is to build a site that matches your ambition. At creasite.xyz, we transform your vision into a modern and high-performance "site-application". Contact us to start the project.