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In today’s marketing landscape, deciding what to create or change your website’s domain name to can feel like a daunting task. Whether you’re renaming your church or don’t feel confident that your current URL reflects who you are, it can be difficult to know what your new domain name should be (especially when so many relevant ones are already taken).

Here are seven things to think through when deciding on a new domain name for your church. It’s important to find a great fit for who you are and what you represent.

1. Tie it to Your Location

Adding city or state identifiers into your URL automatically gives you a better chance of finding a domain that’s available. One caution to consider, though, is length. If your church name and location name are both long, try another option.

2. Use a Tagline

Does your church have a tagline or short phrase that’s frequently said? This can make a great domain name that’s specific to your church community.

3. Make it an Outreach Tool

What do you want someone in your community to think or feel when they come to your website? Find a URL that reflects just that. (College Park Church in Indianapolis uses yourchurch.com — what a great find!)

4. Use an Acronym or Nickname

If you have a short nickname or acronym that’s already part of your usual messaging, check to see if it’s available. Just make sure it is clear/easy to understand.

5. Explore Domain Extensions

Most people look for a .com or .org ending, but there might be cases where it’s better to use another extension in order to include your church name, rather than not using your name at all. Explore how it sounds to use a more unique domain extension like .us, .info or even .net. You could even use .church.

6. Get Creative

Have you ever seen a URL similar to “weareXYZ” or “XYZforyou”? It might be because that church’s name wasn’t available as a domain and they had to get creative. If you have a shorter church name and can add a few more letters, this could be a good option.

7. Add Personality 

Consider embracing uniqueness! Think outside the box by adding a bit of personality to your URL. You’ll make a statement right away and give newcomers a glimpse into the type of church they’re about to experience.

The best part about current marketing trends is that the days of your audience needing to remember your URL are gone. These days, your URL will typically appear digitally (making it easy to click) or in print (with a QR code).

In short, your domain name should reflect who you are as a church and the heart of the ministry work you do. What website domain questions or naming thoughts do you have? We'd love to hear!

P.S. findinghope.church is available … who wants to claim it?!