Domain name problem
I am searching for domain name over a week. But all options i have tried bought someone else. And those domain names are not active. They parked somewhere. I am almost out of options. In that case what do you suggest? Which way i should follow?
7 Answers
Whenever I need to think of a new name for a project, I make an Excel list for it. As I think of names, I add them to the list, check to see if the domain is available using GoDaddy, check if someone else is ranking for that name in Gooogle, and then check to make sure I can get the usernames on social networks using NameChk.
I then look at all my options, and I usually have something that is available and I'm happy with.
Here are some tips to finding a good domain name/business name:
- Combine two thoughts - (Applications + sumo wrestling match = AppSumo, Cool + Chat = HipChat )
- Choose a mascot - This has worked for some webcompanise (HipMunk, DuckDuckGo )
- Just make something up that sounds cool or is witty (ChartBeat, Wordpress )
- Change the spelling of a word (Google, Flickr)
- if all else fails, you could try an add on domain (GetDropbox, GetHarvest, theFacebook)
In my opinion - You are better off coming up with a fun and interesting name that has a story behind it and people will remember instead of choosing something descriptive and kind of boring.
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Nice answer thanks :) – Erkan Balaban 14 years ago
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You're welcome! Hope it helps! Dharmesh Shah wrote this article as well that is extremely thorough and thoughtful: http://onstartups.com/tabid/3339/bid/17702/17-Mutable-Suggestions-For-Naming-A-Startup.aspx – Andy Cook 14 years ago
If you have at least 200 bucks you could start a naming project on crowdSPRING to let their community help you find an awesome name with a free domain.
In my opinion it can be really worth it instead of paying for parked domains.
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-1. I think this would not be something you ask for a crowd to do. If i were part of that crowd and found a great domain name id buy it for myself rather than get the award. A better choice is to be less restrictive in what poster is considering, or to reach out to Whois records and see what the pricing is from the ones who own the domain. I have bough very good domains through the simple WHOIS email of "is this domain for sale?" – Frank 14 years ago
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@Frank: I totally disagree! Even if that would happen and somebody has a great idea registering it itself you are not worsen the situation. Actually I'm not talking about dictionary word domains like "book.com" the community should find for you, it's about creativity and finding the perfect name for your exact needs. In that case a community can be a very valuable input! – Martin Buberl 14 years ago
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maybe the downvote is a bit harsh, but i personally believe that if you outsource the naming of your company, you should probably outsource the idea of starting your own company too, (Meaning you should work for someone else). I think the author should spend more time looking. As little as 3 months ago, I purchased a golden domain name for $200. The domain had previously been for sale by namebase for 25k. Some of it is timing, some is luck, most of it is a numbers game of drilling down name after name until you finally get the investor with the right price. – Frank 14 years ago
It is the same for most people. Finding good domain name that describes you business accurately is difficult task. I can only suggest you to try harder and to brain storm for new ideas. If you have enough money you can try to acquire some domain that is parked, but be prepared for some negotiations and high price.
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You are saying that i have two options. brainstorm and buy. I think brainstorming will be a good choice for me. – Erkan Balaban 14 years ago
Finding domains that are "dictionary" words but not obscured is next to impossible today. "deals.com" was up for grabs around 1994 or so... ;-) forget about 2011.
Instead, make up a word that's catchy or try combining words with short words like "In", "On" and such. (e.g. Groupon.com"). I made up "fooyaz.com" which was available for registration.
good luck.
A great way for finding an available domain name is by using the tools available on DomainHole. The site is in beta, but you can get in with code DOMAINS.
The expired domain search is fantastic - you put in a keyword and it will give back 2 word domains, that include your keyword.
The name spinner is also a great tool - gives you suggestions you never even thought of.
Balaban, what is the business about... I have freely posted many ideas for domain names and others will too.
Andy's answer is great.
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Yes Andy's answer is great. I will go with it. – Erkan Balaban 14 years ago
