Domains are a precious, finite resource. In today’s competitive realm of business naming, it can be difficult to find a domain name for your business that is available.
In most cases, if you want to find a domain name that is the exact match for your business name, it will not be available. Even Tesla used the URL TeslaMotors.com for a few years before purchasing Tesla.com.
Table of Contents
How usual people register a domain name?
When starting a business, you want to find the best domain name that you can. However, not every exact match is available, and if it is, the price tag might be high. Still, there is a creative way to get around that–using a domain phrase!
To find a domain name for your business, there are several ways to get around the issues that domain scarcity creates.
Here are some of the most popular:
- Setting a budget for a premium domain name.
- Get an aged domain on brokerage companies like ODYS Global. [Review here]
- Hunt at auction a premium domain that expired or is expiring.
- Using a non .com extension such as .io, .ly, .com.au, .co, and more
- Inserting an industry add-on such as TeslaMotors.com or BentAgency.com
- Front side add-ons like ByMason.com or HelloBonsai.com
But there is another way, too, that is arguably just as effective, perhaps even more memorable, and definitely more fun. You can come up with an engaging phrase to find a domain name that sets up and frames your business name.
What is a domain phrase?
A domain phrase is an add-on to the business name in the URL that creates a phrase out of the name like TrySwell.com, SquareUp.com, or SteamPowered.com. Generally, this is an actionable phrase. A domain phrase has the potential to set up your brand and frame the audience’s expectations of your website.
When naming a business, some people worry that without an exact match domain, their website will be impossible to find. This is just not true. Put some faith in the intelligence of your customers and their ability to use Google.
If they’re looking for your shampoo brand called Clarity, but Clarity.com takes them to finance business, they probably will not give up immediately. A quick Google search for Clarity Shampoo will take them to your site.
Why use a domain phrase to find a domain name?
Ideally, every business owner wants to find a domain name that is an exact match for their business name. However, exact matches are often unavailable or very pricey. Domain phrases, while they do add on length to a domain, are more memorable than some other types of add ons.
When you consider the positive impact a memorable phrase has on aiding memorability, it negates the drawbacks of added length. Because the words in the phrase set up the name, the length is not an issue. In some cases, using a phrase is even shorter than using an industry add-on.
For example, TryChameleon.com is the domain name that the startup Chameleon uses. Because the domain Chameleon.com was taken, they had to find some way to incorporate their exact name into their domain.
However, a domain like ChameleonProductGuidance.com is long and somewhat difficult to remember. TryChameleon.com is strong because it is short, was available, and it prompts action from visitors.
Plenty of startups use domain phrases to find a domain name and avoid complications with pricey domains and taken names. A phrase-based domain will not hinder your growth (too much). These days, many business resorts to phrase domains so they can use their strong business name without compromising spelling or resorting to a non .com extension.
Domain phrases in action
We have cultivated a list of successful businesses that used a phrase-based approach to find a domain name and slotted them into two categories–Power Phrases and Call to Action Phrases.
Here’s what they are and why they work.
Power Phrases
Power phrases are domain phrases that attach a brand name to a phrase that frames the brand.
SquareUp.com
Square is a credit card processing point of sale system that is used by thousands of businesses. Their mission is to empower sellers of all sizes to grow their businesses through affordable, easy card-reading technology.
“Square Up” is a concise, memorable, and existing phrase that refers to paying or settling a bill. Thus, the domain SquareUp.com functions perfectly by aligning with the brand, remaining short, and sticking in people’s minds using a familiar phrase.
JustFlip.com
Flip is a sneaker-auctioning platform that allows people to sell their kicks. Flip is an energetic name that refers to the buying and selling of the sneakers as well as excitement. The domain JustFlip.com excites and entices audiences.
BentoNow.com
Bento, a marketing tool, offers insights and streamlined management of marketing processes. It replaces the need for 4-5 separate tools and parcels everything into one place (like a bento box.)
BentoNow.com is utilizing a powerful phrase that captures the convenience and time-saving aspects of Bento.
SteamPowered.com
Steam is a popular entertainment platform by Valve Corp. that gives gamers access to thousands of games. The domain SteamPowered.com captures a sense of drive and energy. It refers to mechanics and reminds people of steam engines. As such, rather than framing steam as just water vapor, the domain helps present the name as something that powers and drives.
Call to Action Phrases
Call to Action phrases invite website visitors to act on the service or product the business is selling.
CallRuby.com
Ruby receptionists use remote receptionists to manage their clients’ clients. They are committed to supporting small businesses and create great first impressions and meaningful connections for the businesses they service.
CallRuby.com is a short, sweet, memorable domain. It invites action and provides a sense of support through the domain–you can call Ruby, and she will help you. Instantly, the domain and name convey a sense of personability and aid.
WearChronos.com
Chronos is a smart disc that attaches to the back of any watch to allow fitness tracking, music control, notification alerts, and phone location. Because this device is something you wear, WearChronos.com works. It prompts visitors to interact with the product in a meaningful way.
UseTrusted.com
Trusted is a Care.com company that helps parents find trusted childcare providers. The phrase UseTrusted.com carries through a sense of trust. It suggests it own service with a sense of authority and connects back to the value of the parents who are seeking childcare–they should Use Trusted childcare providers.
Conclusion
Phrase-based domains help enhance recall, and they can frame your brand. If you’re struggling to find a domain name that is available, applying phrases to your business name can help.
Try coming up with a few different phrases you might be able to use for your own business name, then see which domains are available.
Not finding an exact match domain does not have to stop you from naming a business that you want to name it.
Domain phrases are a great option for businesses that need a domain for their name when they’re having trouble securing the exact match. Phrases can eliminate or reduce the need for a domain budget while creating memorable, engaging domains.
really good article i am working for an hosting company and i guess these are some good tips to find domain names.
Thank you. so you guys are into cybersecurity? I invite you to contribute for our lovely audience at Cyber Security Magazine – https://cybersecuritymag.com/write-for-us/