Important factors to Consider When Buying a Domain Name in Kenya 2024

The first step towards launching an online presence is purchasing a domain name.

A domain name is the unique name that identifies a website on the internet.

This may seem like an easy task, but it’s not. The domain name should be chosen carefully since it’s a permanent choice and will reflect you’re business’s.

Here are some essential factors to consider when buying a domain name in Kenya.

List of factors to consider when buying a domain name in Kenya.

1. Relevance to your brand or business.

Your domain name should reflect your brand or business and it’s activities.

It should be easy to remember, spell, and pronounce.

Consider using keywords that are relevant to your industry or the products/services you offer.

This will not only make your domain name more memorable for users but also improve your website’s search engine optimization (SEO) performance.

2. The Domain Extension

A domain extension is the part that comes after the name itself.

If your business targets local market within Kenya, then it is highly recommended to consider registering a domain name with a .ke extension.

For example we as TymesTech chose the domain tymestech.co.ke since we’re targeting the local market in the country.

The .ke extension is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) specific to Kenya.

It helps to establish a stronger local presence and increases the trustworthiness of your website locally.

Some popular .ke extensions include .co.ke (general use), .or.ke ( organizations), .go.ke(government) and .ac.ke (academic institutions), among others.

On the other hand if you’re targeting an international market, I recommend going for a top level domain like (.com)

3. Availability of the domain name.

Before settling on a domain name, it is extremely important first to check its availability.

Conduct an in depth research to ensure that the domain name you want is not already registered by someone else.

You can start by typing it out on the address bar of any browser or typing it on google.

Then go to any domain registrar’s website like Truehost or hostpinnacle and check for its availability.

4. Length and Simplicity

Short and simple domain names are generally easier to remember and type like jumia.co.ke.

Avoid long and complex names that can confuse users, are hard to remember or require extra effort to type correctly.

Aim for a domain name that is concise, relevant, and catchy.Avoid number and other characters in the domain, try to ensure it includes text only.

5. Social Media Handles Availability

Having a strong social media presence is important for every business.

Before registering your domain name, ensure that the corresponding social media handles are available.

For example our social media handles @tymestech were available, hence we’ve reserved them for our business.

Consistency across different online platforms creates an integrated and cohesive digital presence, making it easier for users to find and engage with your brand.

It also sends a positive social signal to Google which is great for seo.

6. Domain Registrar’s Trustworthiness.

Choose a reputable domain registrar to ensure reliable domain management services.

The registrar needs to be licensed and there should be social proof of clients.

Examples of reputable and reliable registrars in Kenya include Truehost, hostpinnacle, Itexperts etc.

Look for registrars that are accredited by the Kenya Network Information Centre (KENIC).

Read reviews, compare prices, and consider additional services provided by the registrar, such as DNS management or email forwarding.

8. Your Budget

How much money do you have, or can you spend on a domain name?

Most domain in Kenya starts from ksh. 1000 with some even going up to ksh. 15000 annually.

The cost of domain registration varies depending on the chosen domain registrar, the domain name’s popularity, and the selected extension. So compare the prices across various companies for the domain you want.

Compare prices from different registrars and find the best deal that suits your needs and budget.

Remember that buying a domain is a life-long investment, so it’s important to make the right decision.

Conclusion

In conclusion, purchasing a domain name is a significant step towards building a successful online presence. After buying a domain name, the next thing should be, buying web hosting, here’s a list of the best web hosting companies in Kenya

Factors to consider when buying a domain name in Kenya includes: relevance to your brand, domain extension, availability, simplicity, social media handles, registrar reputation, renewal and transfer policies, security features, and budget will help you make an informed decision when buying a domain name in Kenya.

With careful consideration and planning, you can secure a memorable and impactful domain name that will serve as the foundation of your online identity.