Choosing Quality Domain Names

So what makes up a quality domain name?

• use real words found in any standard dictionary
• preferably use generic words not esoteric words
• no more than 4 words used in the domain. If 4 words are used, these words should be fairly short (see character length below). Ideally 1-3 words make a better domain name.
• these words should be meaningful in context. For example, fishbirddogcat.com doesn’t make much sense. However, petfoodstore.com does.
• abbreviations or three or four letter names (gytr.com or itx.com) should be avoided unless they are indeed meaningful or relate to the name of an actual business
• use typical word sequence. petfoodstore.com not storefoodpet.com
• 21 characters or less in length
• no numeric characters (0-9). Generally avoid www.store4u.com
• no hyphens. Avoid www.store-for-you.com
• no typographical errors (www.stor.com)
• does not infringe upon another company’s trademarks or other intellectual property rights.
• use a .COM extension

Of course there are exceptions to almost all of these rules. You can strongly brand a nonsensical word and gain lots of traffic. However, this is a task for someone with experience and not for the beginner. Such advanced topics are not covered here. Remember, domain names are an investment even if you think you are just going to goof around on the web.

Other extensions (.NET, .ORG, etc.) can have quality domains as well. However, the equivalent .COM name will ALWAYS be seen as higher quality and thus more valuable.

How potentially valuable is that domain name?

From Domain Name Wire:

Keep in mind that all of these domains were expiring. The owners of these domains let these valuable assets expire.

Jasmin.com $310,250
MovieRentals.com $100,249
FreePicks.com $91,250
Looks.com $86,650
Favorite.com $75,805
Scrooge.com $75,250
CityCenter.com $72,250
Yonkers.com $70,750

These amounts represent what the domains actually sold for at an expiring domain name auction. Amounts the previous owners let slip through their fingers.

This post is excerpted from my Domain Name Handbook: Choosing, Registering and Managing Domain Names.