Quick summary
Choose a domain ending customers already trust
Fancy endings like .guide or .shop can look cool, but most UK customers expect .co.uk or .com. Unusual extensions are easy to mistype, can feel less trustworthy (especially in emails), and may get fewer clicks because people trust familiar domains more.
Best move: use .co.uk as your main site, buy .com if you can, and redirect any other endings to your main domain. Keep the name short, easy to spell, close to your business name, and avoid numbers/hyphens.
When you set up a new website, you need a domain name (that’s the web address people type in, like mybusiness.co.uk).
The end part is called the extension (the bit like .co.uk, .com, or .guide).
New endings such as .guide, .studio, or .shop can look interesting, but for most UK tradespeople they cause more problems than they solve.
Here’s why sticking with .co.uk (or .com) is usually best.
1. Customers are used to .co.uk or .com
Most people expect websites to end in .co.uk or .com. If your website ends with something unusual, like .guide, customers might:
- Forget it and type .co.uk or .com by mistake
- Think it looks odd or a bit dodgy (untrustworthy)
- End up on the wrong website completely
This means you could lose potential customers without realising it.
2. Email addresses look more trustworthy with .co.uk
If your email is info@mybusiness.guide, some people won’t trust it.
They might:
- Assume it’s spam (junk mail)
- Ignore it because it looks unusual
- Worry it’s a scam and not reply
Emails that end in .co.uk or .com look more professional and reliable.
For example, info@mybusiness.co.uk feels safer to customers.
3. Google and customers trust .co.uk more
Google (the search engine that shows websites when people search) allows all domain endings,
but the sites that usually get clicked most are .co.uk or .com, because:
- People are more likely to click a familiar ending
- Customers see it as credible (trustworthy)
- It signals you’re a real business, not a scammer
If you want to win trust quickly, a .co.uk domain helps.
Why .co.uk is best for UK trades
- Shows you’re local: UK-based and nearby
- Helps local search: easier to be found in UK searches
- Looks professional: familiar and standard
- Meets expectations: what customers expect when shopping online
What to do if you already own different endings
You might own more than one version, for example:
- mybusiness.co.uk
- mybusiness.guide
Best approach:
- Use .co.uk as your main website
- Redirect (send) the other ending to it — so if someone types
.guide, they still land on your main site - Use the unusual ending only for fun marketing (flyers/ads), not as your main site
How to choose the right domain name
Picking the right domain name (your website address, e.g. mybusiness.co.uk) is just as important as choosing the right ending. Here are some simple rules to follow:
Keep your domain name short and simple
Short names are easier to type, remember, and share. Avoid long words or complicated phrases.
Make it easy to spell
Don’t use unusual spellings or lots of hyphens. If customers hear your business name, they should be able to type it without confusion.
Match your business name
If your business already has a name, try to match it closely. This keeps your branding consistent and avoids confusion.
Avoid numbers and hyphens
Numbers are often misheard (is it “7” or “seven”?) and hyphens are easy to forget. Stick to plain words.
Think long term
Choose a name that will still make sense as your business grows. For example, don’t limit yourself to a single town
Check it’s available
If you can, buy both the .co.uk and .com versions of your domain. That way, nobody else can take them and confuse your customers.
Protect your brand
If you can, buy both the .co.uk and .com versions of your domain. That way, nobody else can take them and confuse your customers.
Act quickly
Good domain names don’t stay available for long. If you find one you like, register it straight away before someone else does.
Bringing it all together
For trades businesses in the UK:
- Stick with .co.uk (or .com if you want international customers).
- Make your domain name short, simple, and trustworthy.
- Avoid odd endings and over-complicated names that could confuse customers.
By following these steps, you’ll have a website address that looks professional, is easy to share, and helps you win more business.
If you want to look professional, avoid confusion, and win customers’ trust, choose .co.uk (or .com) for your main website. Creative endings might look fun, but for UK trades a .co.uk is simple, safe, and the best way to keep customers confident in you.
Frequently asked questions
What is a domain name?
A domain name is your website’s address — the bit people type into their browser to find you,
like mybusiness.co.uk. Think of it like the sign above your shop door, but online.
What is a domain extension?
The domain extension is the ending of your web address, such as .co.uk, .com, or .guide.
It tells people (and search engines) a little about your website — for example, .co.uk shows you’re UK-based.
Do I need both .co.uk and .com?
If you mainly work in the UK, .co.uk is best. But if you can afford it, it’s smart to buy the .com as well,
so nobody else takes it. You can point (redirect) the .com to your main .co.uk site.
Can I use one of the new endings like .guide or .shop?
Yes, you can, but it’s not recommended for trades businesses. Many people don’t trust or remember these unusual endings,
which means they might type the wrong thing or think your site looks suspicious.
Will my website show up in Google if I use .co.uk?
Yes. In fact, .co.uk domains often perform better in the UK because Google recognises you’re a local business.
It can help you appear in searches from nearby customers.
What if the domain name I want is already taken?
Try small variations, like adding your town name (e.g. smithplumbingedinburgh.co.uk) or the trade you do
(e.g. johnstreecare.co.uk). Keep it simple, easy to spell, and professional.
Where can I find out if a domain name is still available?
You can search for free on 20i.com. Just type in the name you want, and it will show if it’s available to register.
How much does a .co.uk domain cost?
A .co.uk domain is usually one of the cheapest options. Prices often start from just a few pounds per year, depending on the provider. It’s affordable and perfect for UK-based trades businesses. Check out current domain name prices on the 20i website.
Is a .com domain more expensive?
A .com domain is slightly more expensive than a .co.uk, but usually still very affordable
(around £10–£15 per year). If you want to appeal to customers outside the UK, it can be worth the extra cost.
Are unusual endings like .guide or .shop more expensive?
Yes, new or unusual endings (like .guide, .shop, or .studio) often cost more than standard .co.uk or .com domains. Some can be two or three times the price — and they don’t always
give you the same trust with customers. For most small businesses, sticking to .co.uk is better value for money.
Do I have to pay for my domain every year?
Yes. When you buy a domain, you don’t own it forever — you’re renting it. This means you pay a renewal fee every year
(usually the same as the first year’s price). Some providers let you pay for several years in advance.
What happens if I forget to renew my domain?
If you don’t renew, your domain will expire. That means your website and email will stop working straight away.
After a short grace period, the domain goes back on the open market and someone else can buy it. If that happens,
you could lose your web address for good.
Why should I register my domain in the UK?
When you register through a UK-based provider, you usually pay in pounds, get UK support, and have peace of mind that your domain is managed under UK rules. Registering abroad can sometimes be cheaper, but it may cause problems if you need help or if there are disputes over who owns the domain. For UK trades businesses, it’s safest to keep it local.
Who actually owns my domain name?
You should always be the legal owner of your domain. If your web designer or another company registers it
in their name, they technically own it — not you. Make sure your name or your business name is listed
as the registrant (the official owner).
Can I move my domain to another provider?
Yes. Domains are portable, which means you can transfer them to another company if you want.
It’s a bit like switching your mobile phone provider while keeping the same number.
Do I need a domain to have a professional email address?
Yes. A domain lets you create email addresses like info@mybusiness.co.uk,
which look far more professional than Gmail or Hotmail. Customers take you more seriously when
you use your own domain.
Why do some companies offer domains for 99p in the first year?
This is a common marketing trick. The first year is cheap, but the renewal price (what you pay
in following years) can be much higher. Always check the renewal cost before you buy.
What are DNS settings and do I need to touch them?
DNS (Domain Name System) is like a map that connects your domain name to your website and email.
Most of the time, your web designer or hosting company will set this up for you — so you don’t need
to worry about it. But it’s useful to know that DNS is what makes your domain “point” to the right place.
What’s the difference between a domain and hosting?
Think of your domain as your address (e.g. mybusiness.co.uk).
Hosting is the house where your website lives (the computer servers that store your site).
You need both — the domain tells people where to go, and the hosting shows them your website when they arrive.
Do I need to buy hosting from the same company as my domain?
No. Your domain and your hosting don’t have to come from the same company. You can buy a domain
from one provider (like 123-reg) and hosting from another. They simply need to be connected
through your DNS settings (the “map” that points your domain to your website). Sometimes it’s easier
to keep them together, but you’re free to choose the best deal for each.
