With the vast amount of websites on the internet, it can be difficult to find your desired domain name. It’s either taken, or even worse, someone is squatting on it and charging an crazy amount for it. If your desired domain name is not available, there are several strategies that can be used to find a domain name that will work for you.

Try to keep your domain name as short as possible

You should always try to keep your domain name as short as possible. Although something like, allstarmaidandcleaningservices.com may be available, I strongly advise against taking such an approach. Because it is so long, it is easy for people to mistype. If they miss one letter, they won’t reach your site. Or even worse, they could end up at a different website.

In this instance, a better approach would be to use a shortened version of the same name. Using the example above, something like allstarmaids.com would be a better domain name since it is shorter, easy to type, and easier to remember. It also does not lose any messaging about the business.

If a business or organization’s name is particularly long, the domain name can be initialized, using the first letter of each word. So, “Your Really Long Business Name” could be shortened to yrlbn.com. This is easy to type and easy to remember, provided visitors recall your full business name and each corresponding letter.

Avoid “other” domain name designations

Although there are now many domain designations available (.biz, .online, .site, etc.), I still recommend that people stick with dotcom (.com). Basically, because it is the number one domain that people are accustomed to. People automatically type it when they look for a website. Although it may be tempting to use a different domain (i.e. your desired name is available in .biz, but not .com), using an uncommon designation may cause people to miss your site because they aren’t familiar with it.

There are a few one exceptions to this. Non-profits should definitely take advantage of the “.org” domain that is designated for not-for-profit organizations. The domain “.net” is also a viable alternative to “.com.” Because it is an older designation, it is more common and familiar to internet users.

Consider adding a descriptor to the domain name

I recently started an online clothing store named ALL Gear. Taking my own advice for keeping domain names as short as possible, I tried to register allgear.com. Unfortunately, the name was not available. So, I decided to add a descriptor and registered allgearclothing.com. Although it is not as short as I would have liked, it has the added benefit of describing what the site is about. From a marketing and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) standpoint, this actually makes the domain name even more effective.

Consider altering the spelling of certain words

Altering the spelling of certain words can be an effective strategy to get the domain name that you want. While sleepyheads.com may not be available, sleepyheadz.com may be. The adjustment of just one or two letters is not that detrimental. Of course, this may be a better strategy for those that are just starting their business. Just remember, you will need to make sure that the altered spelling is a part of your marketing strategy.

Although this approach can work, you should use caution not to go overboard. If the spelling is too stylized, it may become difficult for people to remember. This would have a negative effect, causing people to not find your website because they can’t remember the spelling.

Add the business incorporation designation to the domain name

Let’s say your business name is Financial Sharks Investments, LLC, and you have settled on financialsharks.com as your domain name. But, when you go to register it, you realize that it is not available. Just adding the “LLC” to the domain name could make the difference. So, where financialsharks.com was not available, financialsharksllc.com may be. You’ve only added 3 letters, it still has your business name, and has the added benefit of clarifying that the business is an LLC.

Conclusion

I know that it can be disappointing when your desired domain name is not available. However, a good web developer should be able to help you navigate through any roadblocks you encounter. Contact L3 Design for a consultation and we can help you find a domain name that is memorable and effective.