Registering domain names – Finding the right domain name, getting discounts and negotiating
3 CommentsFinding and registering the right domain name can be a tough task. For me, it is usually the first step in the idea process but is an extremely important one! Nowadays it is extremely difficult to find the right domain name to register since most are either taken or the owner wants an outrageous price for it! Here are some tips for finding the right domain name and registering a domain name which fits your product or brand and stands out.
Think outside of the box when registering a new domain name
Most one or two word domain names are already taken or are extremely expensive. Nowadays it’s perfectly acceptable to use made up words and TLD (top level domains) for your website’s doman name. Here are some examples of popular services who use strange names or TLDs:
dribbble.com – An extra b never hurt anything!
google.com – They derived this name from an actual Googol
flickr.com – They removed the e before the r but it still works!
bit.ly – Short and to the point
ow.ly – Even shorter!
As you can see, it’s okay to be a little bit creative when searching for a domain name to register for your new site! Try to think outside of the box. think of verbs and nouns which are commonly associated with whatever it is you are building. For example: f you are building a language learning site try things like conversational.ly, fluent.ly or verbling.com rather than the generic learnlanguages.com or becomefluent.com
Dealing with squatters
When searching for a great new domain name to register you will sometimes end up dealing with domain name squatters. It’s really easy to find out who owns a domain name. Just lookup the domain name’s whois information. There is usually a contact email or phone number which you can use to get in touch with the owner.
Most of these guys have been sitting on these domain names for a long time and haven’t had many bites so they are usually open to the idea of selling. The key is to start extremely low. This way you won’t be disappointed when the squatter starts asking for more. Just make sure to start well below the amount you are actually willing to pay.
It’s also a good idea to make everything official via a contract. I have done this in the past and avoided quite a few headaches.
Using coupon codes with Godaddy for discount domain names
I typically recommend registering your new domain name with Godaddy. They are a trusted company which offers a boatload of other services like email and web hosting. They also have discount codes that can usually be applied for fat discounts when registering new domain names. These have seriously saved me at least $100 over the years! Head over to Retail me not before you register your domain name with Godaddy and see if there are any discounts you can take advantage of!
Hitting a roadblock
If you are still at a loss and can’t settile on a domain name to register for your new website, don’t be afraid to just leave it and come back to it later. Sometimes in the process of creating your product you will stumble across an even better name! It is true that it is important to register your domain name ass soon as possible but not at the expense of settling on a domain name you aren’t really happy with.
Conclusion
The key to finding a creative domain name is stepping outside the box, not being afraid of TLDs and altering the spelling of common words.. or even making a new word up!
Do you have any tips for registering creative domain names for new websites? If so let us know in the comments section below! Thanks for reading!
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