Discovering your perfect domain name is taken can be frustrating. But don’t give up! This article explores clever workarounds to help you secure a domain that captures your brand essence.
We’ll cover creative alternatives, naming strategies, and brand-building techniques to overcome the hurdle of an unavailable domain. Let’s dive into practical solutions to get your online presence off the ground.
Explore Alternative Top-Level Domains (TLDs)
Look beyond the traditional .com extension. Consider these options:
- .io – popular for tech startups (e.g., clipboard.io)
- .co – short for company or corporation (e.g., twitter.co)
- .net – suitable for network-related businesses (e.g., speedtest.net)
- .org – ideal for non-profits (e.g., wikipedia.org)
- .app – perfect for mobile applications (e.g., cash.app)
Choosing an alternative TLD can help you secure a shorter, more memorable domain while still conveying your brand’s purpose.
Add Descriptive Words or Prefixes
Enhance your domain name with relevant words that describe your business or offerings:
- get[yourbrand].com (e.g., getdropbox.com)
- try[yourbrand].com (e.g., tryhungry.com)
- [yourbrand]app.com (e.g., coinbaseapp.com)
- [yourbrand]hq.com (e.g., slackhq.com)
These additions can make your domain more distinctive and potentially easier to acquire.
Use Creative Spelling or Word Combinations
Think outside the box with unique spellings or word mashups:
- Remove vowels: Flickr (flckr.com), Tumblr (tumblr.com)
- Add letters: Fiverr (fiverr.com), Dribbble (dribbble.com)
- Combine words: Instagram (instagram.com), Pinterest (pinterest.com)
Be cautious with this approach, as unconventional spellings may make your domain harder to remember or type.
Leverage Domain Hacks
Use country-code TLDs (ccTLDs) to create clever domain hacks:
- del.icio.us (using the .us ccTLD)
- instagr.am (using the .am ccTLD for Armenia)
- bit.ly (using the .ly ccTLD for Libya)
Domain hacks can be memorable and unique, but ensure they align with your brand identity and target audience.
Leverage Geographic or Industry-Specific TLDs
Consider using TLDs that reflect your location or industry:
- .tech for technology companies (e.g., branch.tech)
- .design for creative professionals (e.g., 99designs.design)
- .store for e-commerce businesses (e.g., lego.store)
- .nyc for New York-based businesses (e.g., digital.nyc)
These TLDs can help you stand out and immediately convey your niche or location.
Consider Purchasing the Domain
If your desired domain is taken but not actively used, you might be able to buy it:
- Use domain marketplaces like Sedo or GoDaddy Auctions
- Hire a domain broker to negotiate on your behalf
- Set up domain monitoring to be notified if it becomes available
Be prepared to invest if the domain is crucial for your brand identity. Set a budget and stick to it.
Build Your Brand Around Available Domains
Sometimes, it’s easier to adapt your brand name to available domains:
- Use domain name generators for inspiration (e.g., Nameboy, Domainr)
- Brainstorm synonyms or related words to your initial idea
- Consider compound words or portmanteaus (e.g., WordPress, Instagram)
This approach can lead to unique, memorable brand names that align with available domains.
Secure Your Brand Across Multiple TLDs
Once you’ve chosen a domain, protect your brand by registering multiple variations:
- Register the .com, .net, and .org versions
- Secure country-specific TLDs if you plan to expand globally
- Consider registering common misspellings of your domain
This strategy prevents competitors from using similar domains and protects your brand identity.
Conclusion: Embrace Creativity in Domain Selection
Finding the perfect domain requires flexibility and creativity. Don’t let an unavailable .com discourage you.
Remember these key strategies:
- Explore alternative TLDs that fit your brand
- Use descriptive words or prefixes to enhance your domain
- Consider creative spellings or word combinations
- Leverage geographic or industry-specific TLDs
- Be open to purchasing your desired domain if feasible
- Adapt your brand name to available domains if necessary
- Protect your brand by securing multiple TLDs
With these approaches, you can secure a domain that captures your brand essence and sets you up for online success.
