72% of US LLCs choose .com as primary domain. But state-specific domains (.texas, .nyc, .california - where available) provide local SEO advantage for regional businesses.
LLC Formation and Domain Timing
Register domain BEFORE filing LLC paperwork. Domain might be taken by the time LLC approval comes (4-6 weeks). Secure digital assets first, legal entity second.
Matching LLC Name to Domain
LLC name: "Acme Solutions LLC". Domain options: AcmeSolutions.com (exact match minus legal suffix), Acme.com (shorter, likely taken), GetAcme.com (brand variant). Match as closely as legally possible.
Legal Suffix Rules
Don't include "LLC" in domain unless brand identity. AcmeSolutionsLLC.com looks corporate and clunky. AcmeSolutions.com cleaner for customer-facing brand.
State Domain Extensions
.texas (for Texas), .vegas (Las Vegas), .miami, .nyc (New York), .boston - State/city TLDs exist but low adoption. Only use if genuinely local-only business. .com preferred for credibility.
State TLD caveat: YourBusiness.texas = cool but unfamiliar. 67% of users assume it's typo or fake. .com still carries universal trust.
Multi-State LLC Strategy
LLC registered in Delaware (common), operates in California and Texas. Domain strategy: YourBusiness.com (primary). Don't need state-specific domains unless running separate brands per state.
Trademark Integration
Domain registration doesn't grant trademark rights. File USPTO trademark application separately. Domain + trademark = complete brand protection. Cost: £350-700 for USPTO filing.
Business vs Personal Domain
Register domain under LLC name (once formed) or personal name initially. Transfer to LLC after formation. Most registrars allow ownership transfer for £0-50.
Ownership Transfer Process
Registrar control panel → Transfer ownership → New registrant details (LLC name, EIN, registered agent address). Takes 5-10 business days. Update WHOIS to show LLC as owner.
Privacy Protection for LLCs
LLC address public record (state business registry). WHOIS privacy still valuable - prevents spam email/calls to LLC's contact info. Cost: Free to £5/year with most registrars.
Privacy paradox: LLC address is public via state registry anyway. But WHOIS privacy stops automated scrapers from harvesting email/phone for spam campaigns.
Domain as LLC Asset
Domain is LLC property (intangible asset on balance sheet). If selling LLC, domain transfers with it. If closing LLC, transfer domain to personal ownership before dissolution.
Multiple Brand Strategy
Single LLC, multiple brands? Register separate domain for each. LLC owns all domains as assets. Helps brand differentiation and potential future sale of individual brands.
Domain Renewal Responsibility
LLC is responsible for domain renewal. Set up business credit card for auto-renewal. Don't use founder's personal card - creates issues if founder leaves company.
Insurance and Legal
Domain ownership disputes fall under LLC's general liability. Ensure business insurance covers cyber/digital assets. Some policies specifically cover domain hijacking and recovery costs.
Trademark Lens checks US domain availability and trademark conflicts simultaneously - secure both domain and USPTO trademark rights for complete LLC brand protection.