Remember when everyone said your domain name had to be short, snappy, and memorable? Well, the internet has changed, and so have the rules for choosing a URL. Let’s talk about what really matters when selecting a domain name today.
The Google Effect: Why Short Isn’t Everything Anymore
Here’s the truth: people don’t type URLs into their browser bar like they used to. Instead, they Google you. They search for your pizza place, your law firm, or your handmade soap business, and Google delivers your website right to them. This fundamental shift in how people find websites has made the old “keep it short at all costs” advice less critical than it once was. A domain that is just an acranym, might not serve you as well as one that has your full name now, and there a quite a few reasons why.
That said, you still want a URL that’s easy to write and looks professional on your business cards, brochures, and promotional materials. Nobody wants to see “www.bestpizzaandgrindersandcookiesinthewholecityofLouisvilleKentucky.com” crammed onto the side of a pizza box. But could you get away with something longer than the traditional wisdom suggests? Absolutely.
When Long URLs Work (and When They Don’t)
Take a look at some pizza boxes next time you order delivery. You might see URLs like “joespizzaandgrinders.com” complete with stop words like “and” that SEO experts once told you to avoid. Does it hurt their business? Not really. Customers find them through Google Maps, delivery apps, or word of mouth. The URL on the box is just one more touchpoint, not the primary discovery method.
But here’s where it gets interesting. Someone out there owns the domain chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg.com. Yes, really. It’s the name of a lake in Massachusetts (also known as Lake Webster, for obvious reasons), and it’s been registered since 2010 to a Bill Murray from Greenville, South Carolina.
Now, before you get too excited, this is probably not that Bill Murray. The famous actor has strong ties to Charleston, South Carolina, where he owns a home and serves as part-owner and Director of Fun organizations locally, but it’s also a common name so who know.
It would definitly track with his long history of excenrtric endevers so for the fun if it maybe it was him? If so, what could the beloved actor possibly be planning with a 45-character domain name? For that matter what would anyone being doing with something so unweldy? We’d love to know. Sadly, there’s no website up at the time of this writing, just the tantalizing mystery of what could be.
The .com Question: Does Your Extension Matter?
For years, .com was king. It still carries weight, particularly for businesses targeting American audiences. People trust it. They expect it. When someone hears your business name, they’ll often default to typing “.com” at the end, much like adding the antiquated “WWW” to the start, although that is a whole other issue for another article.
Custom extensions have become more accepted. A tech startup using .io or .ai? That’s expected. A creative agency with a .design domain? That can actually enhance your brand. A local business using .local or your city extension? That makes sense too.
The key is context. If you’re a traditional business targeting general consumers, .com is still your safest bet. If you’re in a niche industry or targeting a tech-savvy audience, a relevant custom extension can actually work in your favor.
Keyword Stuffing: Should You Load Up Your Domain?
Here’s where modern SEO comes into play. Google is smart enough now that stuffing your domain with keywords like “bestaffordableplumbersinKentuckyandSouthernIndiana.com” isn’t going to boost your rankings the way it might have in 2005. In fact, it might hurt your credibility.
Instead, focus on:
- Brandability: Is your domain name something people can remember and recommend?
- Clarity: Does it clearly communicate what you do or who you are?
- Legitimacy: Does it look professional enough to build trust?
A domain like “smithplumbing.com” beats “bestcheapplumberLouisville.com” every time because it’s cleaner, more trustworthy, and easier to recommend.
A Note on Domain Privacy
Here’s something worth considering when you register your domain: privacy protection. When we looked up that Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg domain, we found the registrant’s name and location because domain privacy wasn’t enabled.
Was this just a wild hair research tangent while writing about funny long domains? Absolutely. Did we stumble on something potentially interesting, perhaps a connection to a famous actor? Probably not. But we’ll enjoy the fun of it all anyway.
The point is, domain registration information is public unless you pay for privacy protection. If you value your privacy or don’t want unsolicited contact from domain brokers and marketers, it’s worth the small additional fee.
So, What’s the Verdict?
In 2026, here’s what really matters for your URL:
- Make it easy to spell: If you tell someone your URL verbally, can they spell it correctly on the first try?
- Keep it pronounceable: Can people say it out loud without stumbling?
- Make it look good in print: Will it fit nicely on business cards and promotional materials?
- Choose an appropriate extension: .com is safe, but context-specific extensions can work well too.
- Skip the keyword stuffing: Focus on brand and clarity instead.
- Consider privacy: Protect your registration information if that matters to you.
The beautiful thing about the modern internet is that there’s more flexibility than ever before. You don’t need to stress about finding that perfect six-letter .com domain. Google will help people find you regardless. Just choose something that represents your brand well and makes sense for your business.
And if you happen to own a ridiculously long or funny name domain and want to do something fun with it, reach out, especially if you happen to be one of our favorite comedy actors, which, fun fact, shot parts of the movie Stripes right here in our Downtown office location at the Normandy Buisness Center!
