December 1, 2019

Startup Domain Names: Buying the Right Domain Name

written by

Joe Uddeme

Joe Uddeme

Startup Domain Names: Buying the Right Domain Name

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Choosing a brand name for your startup? Need a great domain name to match? NameExperts.com Director Joe Uddeme shares his top tips.

 

Having the right domain name for your startup sounds like common sense. However, it can be a challenging endeavor. Your organization’s name might not translate into a good domain name. Or maybe everything suitable appears to have been taken.

Regardless of the challenges, it is absolutely essential that you have a fantastic domain name so customers can find you. It can also help increase brand awareness and the long-term success of your business.

So how can you actually buy a good domain for your startup? Let’s investigate.

Key Takeaways

  • The power of brainstorming
  • The golden rules of a great startup domain name
  • Do your research
  • Consider alternate endings (TLDs)

 

Brainstorm Your Startup Domain Name

When acquiring a domain, you need to start by doing some brainstorming. Consider:

  • What’s the name of your business?
  • What services or products are you selling?
  • What industry are you involved in?

Develop five terms or phrases which can best answer those questions and can describe the domain name that you’d wish to acquire.

For instance, if you wanted a domain name that involved “advertising,” you could use related terms like “online marketing,” “digital marketing,” “advertising,” or “sales marketing” as a starting point.

While this may sound obvious, you also need to remember that your domain name ought to be related to your organization.

For example, if your company name is Joe’s Electronics then you would want a domain name to reflect that name.

If the website was called joesawesomewebsite.com, clients would not know that it was really an electronics site, which means you’re losing out on business because customers can’t find you.

Man with back to camera stared at blue board full of yellow brainstorming notes

 

Keep Your Domain Name Brief, Unique and Easy to Remember

While brainstorming domains, you also wish to bear in mind that the shorter the better. Shorter domain names aren’t just easy to type, but also easier to remember. If you heard the domain from a friend or on the radio, would you be able to spell it correctly?

Try and settle on a domain that’s unique. The last thing that you need is for your domain to get confused with another site. This will also ensure you won’t encounter any ownership issues.

 

Research your Startup Domain Name

Now that you’ve found a domain that fits your brand, you need to be 100 percent sure it is available. One option would be to explore checkdomain.com, Domjax or copyright.gov.

The best-known names are usually .com domain names – these are widely accepted. It also means that they are likely to have a premium cost to them if you are looking to purchase them. Check the whois information on the domain you are trying to buy, or reach out to a seasoned domain name broker who will have years of experience in sourcing owners and negotiating deals.

 

Add Modest Words Before or After Your Domain

While you should keep away from pluralizing or hyphenating words, as that will create confusion (“best” or “top” are also a little overused, too), there could be some minor alterations to make your domain stand out.

Let’s say you have a car rental business located in Phoenix. You could search for a domain name that was on the line of phoenixrentals.com.

 

Use Other Domain Extensions/Endings

Ideally, you would like to secure a .com domain. It’s the best option for branding and type-in-traffic, which is essential for any site. However, there are other endings or extensions (TLDs) that could benefit your brand as well. Take the .info extension for example. It could be an alternative if you are running an informational site.

Another choice is to localize your own domain. If your site is based out of the United Kingdom, you would want to utilize the .uk or co.uk extension. Not only does this open the door to additional possibilities, it differentiates you from an international website.

A website like name.com is an excellent resource for searching for domains and extensions.

Screengrab of name.com domain name website

 

View Auctions for Domain Names

You can also hit auctions to purchase a domain name which was/is previously owned. There are numerous sites that have been acquired by investors as a means to monetize a site. They will purchase a domain and fill the website with lists and links to other sites simply for lead generation.

 

Contact A Domain Broker

There are instances when somebody had a domain and did not do anything with it – or the business didn’t work out and the domain name has expired. In cases like this, the domain name is now available for purchase.

If your preferred domain is not up for auction, you could work with a domain name expert or broker to contact the current owner.

If you decide to go it alone, make sure you gather any information that can assist you in ultimately determining if this is the right asset for your brand.

If the owner is considering selling the domain, you’ll want to do a little investigating to learn how much it’s worth. Our domain broker services can complete a professional domain name appraisal to determine how much traffic is visiting the website.

It may not be the only element in determining the site’s value, but it’s a powerful indicator. Another thing we’ll look at is sale prices of comparable doman names. Some great names, such as Cars.com, have gone for astronomical sums.

Cars.com website homepage, the most expensive domain name ever sold

 

About the author

Joe Uddeme is Director and Principal of Name Experts, one of the world’s leading domain name brokerage services. He has overseen domain name sales and acquisitions totaling more than $150 million and is renowned worldwide as a go-to expert in buying and selling premium domains. Contact us at: [email protected]

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Anonymous domain registration is particularly valuable for protecting personal information, preventing unwanted solicitations, and maintaining confidentiality in sensitive situations. Key takeaways: Anonymous registration comes with many benefits Understand the role of WHOIS and regulatory issues Get top tips to boost security and domain name anonymity Work with an experienced domain broker to simplify the process and ensure you stay anonymous   Benefits of Private Domain Registration Registering a domain name anonymously offers numerous benefits, including: Protection of personal Information: Anonymous domain registration keeps your personal details, such as name, address, phone number, and email ID, private. This prevents your information from being publicly accessible in the WHOIS database. Domain privacy protection services can further obscure your personal information during registration. Prevention of spam and unwanted solicitations: By withholding ownership information, anonymous domain purchase helps you avoid unsolicited communication and spam. In business, information can be leveraged in numerous ways. Owning a domain name anonymously can be hugely advantageous. Enhanced security: Registering a domain anonymously adds an extra layer of security against cyber crimes like ransomware attacks and domain hijacking. You’ll boost both security and privacy by ensuring your contact information is protected. Confidentiality: Securing a domain name anonymously allows you to maintain secrecy in sensitive situations, such as buying premium domains – or selling them – and means you don’t have to reveal your identity. Emotional pricing elimination: Anonymous transactions eliminate emotional pricing by the seller based on the buyer’s identity and intention. If they know who you are, they may hike up the price, obscuring the true valuation. Discreet domain procurement: Companies can discreetly procure domains for internal products, brand expansions, or mergers without tipping off competitors. Understanding the WHOIS Database What is the WHOIS Database? The WHOIS database is a publicly accessible repository that stores information about registered domain names. Managed by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), this database contains essential details about domain owners, including their name, address, phone number, and email address. The primary purpose of the WHOIS database is to provide transparency and accountability in the domain name registration process. It allows users to look up information about a domain name and its owner, ensuring that the domain registration landscape remains open and trustworthy. Risks of Public WHOIS Data While the WHOIS database serves an important role, having personal details publicly available can pose several risks for domain owners: Spam and unsolicited contacts: With personal information readily accessible, domain owners may find themselves inundated with unwanted emails, phone calls, or physical mail from marketers and spammers. Identity theft: Cybercriminals can exploit the information in the public database to steal or hijack a domain, leading to potential financial and reputational damage. Privacy breaches: Publicly available personal information can be used to compromise a domain owner’s privacy and security, making them vulnerable to various forms of cyber threats. Once you realize the risks associated with publicly listing any domain names you acquire, you’ll likely want to protect your personal details through anonymous domain registration and other privacy measures. A skilled domain broker can help with all this. 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By following these tips, you can ensure that your personal details remain confidential and your online presence is secure. If you need help, your broker can streamline the process. Regulatory Considerations Compliance with ICANN Regulations ICANN regulations mandate that domain registrars collect and store accurate contact information for domain owners. This requirement ensures that the domain registration process remains transparent and accountable. However, ICANN also recognizes the need for privacy and allows for anonymous domain registration through the use of proxy services or private domain registration. To comply with ICANN regulations, domain registrars must: Collect and store accurate contact information: Registrars are required to gather and maintain up-to-date contact details for all domain owners. 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General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Implications General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has significant implications for domain registration and WHOIS data. Under GDPR, personal data cannot be shown without consent. This means that domain registrars must obtain explicit consent from domain owners before publishing their personal data in the WHOIS database. If you’re a domain owner, you can request that your personal information be removed from the WHOIS database by contacting your domain registrar. This regulation helps protect your personal information and ensures privacy. Limitations and Considerations when Seeking Domain Anonymity While anonymous domain registration offers many benefits, there are some limitations and considerations to keep in mind: Some domain extensions (TLDs), such as country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs), may have specific restrictions or policies regarding anonymous registration. 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These new generic top-level domain names can provide unique branding opportunities but should align closely with your business’s mission and audience and be target generic top-level domains. Ensure they reflect the content and purpose of your site, as this can influence user engage specific for your generic top-level domain. SEO Consideration: While .com domains are the most popular, various gTLDs can also rank well if the site’s content is relevant and high-quality Domains not controlled by DNS System Web3 domains are a new class of domain names designed for the decentralized web, often built on blockchain technology. Unlike traditional domains, which rely on centralized registrars and the DNS (Domain Name System). These are typically tied to the Blockchain system and not associated with standard ip addresses. Web3 domains offer unique features and benefits including, Decentralization, NFT Integration and Smart Contracts. 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SEO Impact While a top-level domain is not a direct ranking factor, they can influence click-through rates and user engagement. Familiar top-level domain names ending in .com or .org can improve trust, leading to higher conversion rates with these domain extensions. Local vs. Global Reach If your business targets a specific country or region, a ccTLD can enhance local SEO and attract a more relevant audience. Conversely, global businesses might opt for a top level domain to appeal to a broader market for widespread use. Best Practices for Selecting a TLD 1. Know Your Audience Understanding your target audience is crucial in selecting the right top-level domain. If your primary customers are local, a ccTLD may be the best choice. If you aim for an international market, consider a popular gTLD or only top-level domains. 2. Keep it Short and Memorable A shorter domain name is easier to remember and type. Avoid overly complex names and choose a TLD that complements your brand. Find the perfect domain name for your organization. 3. Avoid Hyphens and Numbers While it may be tempting to add hyphens or numbers to secure a domain, these can confuse users and reduce memorability. Stick to simple, clear names. The second level domain is critical for customer recall. 4. Check Availability Before settling on a domain name and TLD, check its availability. Many popular domain names may already be taken, so be prepared to explore variations. If you need help negotiating a name that appears to be off-market, it’s a good idea to partner up with an experienced domain broker. The Impact of TLDs on SEO User Perception Research indicates that users are more likely to trust and click on websites with a familiar top-level domain. A well-known second-level domain can enhance perceived credibility, leading to increased traffic for your company’s success in their respective country. Local SEO Advantages For businesses focused on local markets, ccTLDs can improve local search rankings. The root domain, represented by a dot (.), is at the top of the DNS hierarchy and contains all the top-level domains (TLDs), organizing domain names into different levels. Search engines often prioritize local relevance, making ccTLDs a valuable asset for local businesses. Content Alignment While TLDs themselves don’t directly impact SEO rankings, aligning your TLD with your content can improve user experience. A TLD that reflects your content’s focus can lead to better engagement. Common Misconceptions About TLDs Misconception 1: TLDs Are the Primary Factor for SEO Success While TLDs play a role in user trust and engagement, they are not the main determinant of SEO success. High-quality content, backlinks, and technical SEO are far more critical. Misconception 2: All TLDs Have Equal Value Not all TLDs are created equal. The second-level domain, which sits immediately to the left of the top-level domain, plays a critical role in defining the domain’s identity and is significant for branding and SEO purposes. An experienced domain name appraisal expert can help you find the true value of a name you’re interested in. Misconception 3: New gTLD’s are cheaper alternatives Familiar TLDs like .com and .org often carry more weight in terms of trust and user recognition than obscure or new gTLDs. While new gTLD’s are typically cheaper, they do tend to hold a larger renewal cost and lack credibility and equity that .com domain names add to any brand. How to Register a Domain Name with Your Chosen TLD Step 1: Choose a Domain Name Brainstorm a potential web address that align with your brand and audience. Ideally, it should match your brand name – which should be strong brand name that is representative of your business.  The second level-domain and dns hierarchy are good examples of properly choosing a domain name. A well-chosen web address can significantly impact user perception and SEO, making it crucial to select one that is effective and resonates with your target audience. Make sure to keep it short, memorable, and relevant, especially the second-level domain. Step 2: Select Your TLD Decide on the most appropriate TLD based on your target audience and business goals. Second-level domains are critical to top-of-mind awareness for your customer when finding the perfect domain. A third-level domain, also known as a sub-domain, can be used to organize different topics or language versions within your website while keeping the core domain name intact. Historically, third-level domains were significant for structuring website content, though they are less common in modern usage. Consider whether a gTLD or ccTLD best serves your needs. Fourth level domain levels involve rerouting the sub domains with a more specific field. Example: create.sub.agent.com. Step 3: Check Availability Use a domain registrar to check the availability of your chosen domain name with the desired TLD. Many registrars offer search tools to assist with this. Internet corporation for assigned names and numbers also offers a search tool to check Whois information. Second-level domains also become synonymous with your brand image and perception. Step 4: Register Your Domain Once you’ve found an available domain name, proceed with registration through a reputable domain registrar. Be prepared to provide necessary contact information and payment details. Step 5: Set Up Domain Privacy Consider enabling domain privacy protection to safeguard your personal information from public databases. Top Registrars for Domain Names and TLDs Choosing a reliable domain registrar is crucial for managing your domain name effectively. Here are some top registrars to consider: GoDaddy: One of the largest and most popular registrars, offering a wide variety of TLDs and excellent customer service. Namecheap: Known for its affordability and user-friendly interface, making it an excellent choice for new domain owners. Bluehost: Offers free domain registration with hosting plans, ideal for beginners. Google Domains: A straightforward option that integrates seamlessly with Google services. Conclusion Understanding top-level domains (TLDs) and their significance in domain names is vital for establishing a strong online presence. By selecting the right TLD that aligns with your brand and audience, you can enhance your credibility, improve SEO, and attract more visitors to your site. Whether you choose a traditional TLD, a country code TLD, or a new tlds, ensure it reflects your business’s identity and goals. By following the guidelines outlined in this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to make informed decisions about your domain names and TLDs, setting the stage for online success in search results.   About the author Joe Uddeme is Director and Principal of Name Experts, one of the world’s leading domain name brokerage services. He has overseen domain name sales and acquisitions totaling more than $150 million and is renowned worldwide as a go-to expert in buying and selling premium domains. Contact us at: [email protected]
US dollar blended into Chinese yuan
Domain investors in China should buy Western Premium domains

Memo to Chinese domain name investors: NameExperts.com Director Joe Uddeme thinks you’re missing a trick if you limit your portfolio to local names.   Most Chinese investors tend to shy away from Western-type domain names as they don’t have meaning in mainland China – names that contain vowels and the letter “v” in particular. Are they limiting their long-term growth potential? Some would say sticking with Chinese domains is a safer investment. As seasoned domain name brokers, however, we disagree. Here’s why… Key Takeaways New TLDs are not a good long-term play Aftermarket prices for .com names remain high Work with a broker if you need help with domain portfolio management   Background – understanding the Chinese domain name marketplace For those of you that follow the domain investor market, specifically in China, you can see all types of newly minted investors looking for the next great domain name investment. Most Chinese investors are focused on the domain names that have relevance inside of mainland China. The most popular investments in China are the short acronym domain, or simple numeric domain names as they translate to meaning to the Chinese culture. Some examples include the following (N = number; L = letter): 15.com (NN.com) 123.com (NNN.com) TR.com (LL.com) TYPL.com (LLLL.com) 6N.com (LN.com) N6.com (NL.com   Chinese domain investment trends As domain investments continue to increase in China, we are seeing many investors branching out into some of the newer GTLD extensions as alternative investments including; .club, .top, .wang. They are acquiring these names for much lower costs than the typical .com investment. Is that a solid investment? We say: no. The Chinese investor is savvy, but they are limiting their investment opportunity. In most instances, domain investors in China are only focused on these types of names because they create liquidity and are very attractive to the Chinese on a quick-flip model (check out our guide to domain name investing). Additionally, the Chinese investor should look at the plethora of available .com domain name inventory on the aftermarket. Tons of fantastic domain inventory is readily available. Short, generic and easy to spell English words that are solid investments. The saturation of the internet continues to precipitously grow year-over-year, with 78% of the Chinese population now online. When you do the math, it’s easy to see the longer-term opportunity. Should you limit yourself as an investor? Not with the .com market  stronger than ever – with fantastic acquisition opportunities and names that ultimately have a global appeal and market reach. We believe domain investors in China will start to acquire short, generic .com domains as trillions of dollars are available for private Chinese investors. Way back in 2017, George Kirikos had a fantastic post on Twitter, referencing 12,000 startups being created every day in China. The domain investor continues to evolve and grow. Investors should look at the longer-term investment opportunity and acquire names that are globally acceptable and not limited to mainland China.   How a domain broker can help Friends in the right places are always good to have, and most international domain brokers would gladly help Chinese companies and individuals who want to buy domain names. Domain brokers help buyers of any nationality to understand current market trends and navigate the sometimes complex world of domain acquisitions. NameExperts.com is one of the world’s best-known brokerages, offering personalized boutique services that include domain name strategy, portfolio management, negotiation and stealth acquisitions.   About the author Joe Uddeme is Director and Principal of Name Experts, one of the world’s leading domain name brokerage services. He has overseen domain name sales and acquisitions totaling more than $150 million and is renowned worldwide as a go-to expert in buying and selling premium domains. He advises clients globally. Contact us at: [email protected]

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