You’ve got a business idea. Maybe it’s a service, a shop, a product – whatever it is, you’re ready to take it online. But here’s the thing: before anyone clicks, scrolls, or browses, they’ll need to find you. And that starts with your domain name. 

Your domain is more than a string of letters. It’s how people get to your website, yes, but it’s also the name they’ll try to remember when they’re telling a friend about your brand. Pick something too long or confusing, and chances are, they’ll never make it back to you. 

In Singapore, especially, where competition is real and first impressions count, a well-chosen domain isn’t just practical – it’s smart. So, if you’re about to buy domain for your business, take a few minutes to read this. It might just save you from a bad pick. 

Don’t Rush. Start by Thinking It Through 

This may sound obvious, but too many people jump straight to the domain registrar without giving the name any real thought. Open up a blank page. Write down anything that comes to mind – no pressure, no filters. 

Think about: 

• What your business offers 

• Who you’re trying to reach 

• Whether a local identity matters 

• What tone fits your brand (serious, friendly, quirky?) 

Now look at your list. Say the names out loud. If something sounds awkward or takes more than a second to remember, strike it off. Simple really is better. 

The Shorter, the Better 

Let’s be real. People have short attention spans, especially when they’re typing on a mobile device. If your domain has too many characters or uses words that are hard to spell, it’s going to be a problem. 

Here’s what to aim for: 

• Fewer than three words, if possible 

• Avoid tricky spellings 

• Don’t rely on symbols or numbers unless they’re part of your brand 

• If you’re targeting Singapore, adding “SG” can help with local relevance 

You want your name to be something someone can recall without writing it down. 

See What’s Available 

Once you’ve got a few favourites, check if the domains are available. Most registration sites offer a search bar for this. You’ll either see that the name is taken or up for grabs. 

If your top pick is already registered, don’t panic. Try these alternatives: 

• Add a keyword that fits your business 

• Use a location-based word (like “east”, “central”, “SG”) 

• Consider another domain extension 

Try to avoid using hyphens or extra characters just to force a name to work. It usually ends up looking unprofessional. 

Picking the Right Domain Extension 

The part after the dot, known as the extension, matters more than many realise. It gives users a sense of what your site is about and where it’s based. 

Here’s a helpful table: 

Extension	Common Use	Suitable For
.com	General businesses	Anyone, globally accessible
.sg	Singapore-focused brands	Local shops, services, startups
.com.sg	Registered Singapore companies	Official local business presence
.net	Online services, tech firms	Web platforms, digital tools
.biz	Commercial or SME use	Small businesses or side ventures

If your primary customers are in Singapore, go for .sg or .com.sg. It builds local trust and helps with regional searches. 

Check for Trademark Issues 

Before you buy domain, make sure you’re not stepping on anyone’s toes. This is especially important in Singapore, where IP laws are taken seriously. 

Use the IPOS (Intellectual Property Office of Singapore) site to check for similar names. Avoid anything that: 

• Resembles an existing business name 

• Uses a known brand with slight variation 

• Could confuse customers into thinking you’re affiliated with another company 

If you’re unsure, it’s safer to choose something else. Better to adjust now than face legal trouble later. 

Registering the Domain 

Now that you’ve found your name, it’s time to make it yours. Choose a domain registrar that: 

• Is trusted and recognised 

• Offers Singapore domain extensions 

• Doesn’t hide renewal charges 

• Provides WHOIS privacy to protect your details 

During checkout, make sure your domain is registered under your name or your business name, not someone else managing your site. This ensures you retain full control. 

Grab Similar Names (Optional but Recommended) 

This isn’t required, but it’s a good way to protect your brand. If you can, also purchase: 

• The same name with a different extension (.com, .com.sg, etc.) 

• Common misspellings 

• Shorter variations of your name 

You don’t need to build websites on all of them. Just owning them prevents confusion or misuse by others. 

What Not to Do 

Some choices may seem clever but can backfire. Here are a few things to avoid: 

• Picking something just because it’s trendy now 

• Choosing a name that’s hard to pronounce 

• Using special characters that make it difficult to type 

• Relying on acronyms no one will understand 

Think long-term. What sounds fun now may not fit your brand a few years down the road. 

Before You Buy: Quick Checklist 

Here’s a last-minute review to make sure you’re ready: 

Question

Can someone remember it after hearing it once?

Is it easy to spell and pronounce?

Does it reflect what your business does?

Is it free from trademark issues?

Does it work well for a Singapore audience?

If you’re saying “yes” to most of these, you’re probably on the right track. 

Final Thoughts 

To buy domain is to take the first step into the online world. It’s more than just a digital address – it’s the beginning of your brand’s story. Whether you’re building a site for a café in Tiong Bahru or launching a fintech product out of a co-working space in Raffles Place, your domain is where it all starts. 

So, take your time. Think it through. And pick a name that not only fits today but still makes sense tomorrow.