What should I do first when starting a business: pick the name or check the domain?

Check the domain availability AFTER you've narrowed down to 3–5 name ideas, but BEFORE you fall in love with one. Use [Namecheckly](https://namecheckly.com) to check if your top choices have available domains and social media handles. Don't commit fully to a name until you know you can actually own the domain and your key social handles. This prevents wasting weeks building a brand around a name you can't claim.

How do I choose between different business name ideas?

Use three criteria: (1) Domain + social handle availability — check with [Namecheckly](https://namecheckly.com), (2) Relevance — does it clearly signal your business type to customers?, (3) Pronounceability — can people easily say it out loud and spell it correctly? Niche-specific name generators like our [restaurant name ideas](https://namecheckly.com/restaurant-name-ideas), [consulting business names](https://namecheckly.com/consulting-business-name-ideas), and [cleaning business names](https://namecheckly.com/cleaning-business-name-ideas) pages provide 50+ vetted examples for each industry.

How much does it cost to start a business (domain + website)?

Minimal upfront if you're bootstrapping. Domain: $10–$15/year. Website builder (Lovable, Shopify, WordPress): $0–$50/month depending on features. Email: free forwarding with your domain, or $5–$10/month for professional email. Legal: $50–$200 for basic LLC setup (varies by state). Total first-year startup cost: $200–$800 if you're lean. You don't need much to launch.

Should I incorporate as an LLC before buying a domain?

Not necessary to buy the domain first, but recommended before launching publicly. Register your domain immediately (cheap, takes 10 minutes). Form your LLC in your state when you're serious (takes days to weeks, costs $50–$200). You want the domain locked in before anyone else can grab it. You can form the LLC after. Doing them in parallel is fine — just prioritize the domain.

What if my ideal .com domain is already taken?

You have options: (1) Try a modified version like getyourbrand.com or yourbrandhq.com — check availability with [Namecheckly](https://namecheckly.com), (2) Use an alternative TLD like .io or .co if your industry supports it, (3) Buy the domain from the current owner on a marketplace like Sedo (expensive, usually $500+), (4) Pivot to a different name where the .com is available. Option 1 works most of the time. For detailed guidance, see our [what to do if your business name is taken guide](https://namecheckly.com/blog/what-to-do-if-business-name-is-taken).

What tools do I actually need to launch a business website?

Minimum: (1) Domain (Namecheap, $10–$15/year), (2) Website builder (Lovable, Shopify, or WordPress, $0–$50/month), (3) Email (free forwarding or $5/month for professional). Optional but helpful: (4) Logo designer (Fiverr, $100–$500), (5) Google Business Profile (free, helps local SEO), (6) Social media profiles (free on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, etc.). Most founders overthink this. Start with domain + simple website. Upgrade tools as you grow revenue.

What is the exact checklist to start a business from name to launch?

AI Generator Deals Blog

What to Do After Picking a Business Name: The Naming to Launch Checklist

You've picked your business name. Now what? Complete checklist: register domain, claim social handles, check trademarks, build website, set up email. The 10-step action plan for new entrepreneurs.

Mar 31, 2026

9 min

How do I buy a domain name step-by-step?

Step-by-step guide to buying your first domain name. Learn how to search, select a registrar, complete payment, set up DNS, and configure email — plus common mistakes to avoid.

Mar 31, 2026

7 min

How to Find Winning Dropshipping Products by Spying on Competitor Ads

Stop guessing what products to sell. Learn how to use the Facebook Ad Library, TikTok Creative Center, and Google Ads Transparency tools to find proven dropshipping winners.

Aug 9, 2026

5 min

Check a Name Right Now

Free instant availability checks across social handles, domains, app stores and gaming platforms.

Free tools to go with this

Everything you need to name, price and launch — no signup.

Related Posts

What to Do After Picking a Business Name: The Naming to Launch Checklist

How do I buy a domain name step-by-step?

How to Find Winning Dropshipping Products by Spying on Competitor Ads

Check a Name Right Now

Social Handles

Gaming & Communities

Apps & Developers

Domains & Brand Names

Free tools to go with this

Cost Estimator

Name Checker

AI Domain Checker