Branding is an enduring buzzword in the business and entrepreneurship space. With more entrepreneurs getting started with their dream cafe, e-commerce site, or revolutionary fintech platform (or maybe a combination of all three?!), it’s no wonder that more companies are seeking ways to distinguish their products and services from the competition.

As more companies look to establish themselves and scale on the Web, a strong online identity becomes a key contributor in surviving and increasing revenue.

Brandable domains can help build a stronger online identity and thus contribute to clientele growth.

What is a brandable domain name?

These are names which are generally short, distinct, and catchy; a good brandable domain should stick out in someone’s mind. There are many different types. When someone in the domain industry refers to a brandable name, most often they mean a made up word or alternate spelling of a dictionary word. The names themselves may have no relationship to the goods or services offered by the company. Consider Google.com, IKEA.com, or Facebook.com. None were actual words, before their respective businesses took off. The word “IKEA” has become synonymous with reasonably priced, decent furniture, and yet it isn’t actually a word (not even in Swedish).  The advantage of a brandable name is that you provide the context and meaning for the name and it’s association to your product or company.

Others can be strong single words, or perhaps creative combinations of two words. Uber.com, Amazon.com, or Freshdesk.com come to mind. Again, we see that the name itself may not necessarily reflect what the company does, but the names are distinctive and easy to remember.

No matter the case, a brandable name is one that helps your company stand out, establishes your brand, and allows flexibility for your company to grow.

Is a brandable domain name right for you?

It depends. Not every company needs a brandable domain name. Sometimes, a descriptive, straightforward domain name, such as DomainAgents.com, is the best option and many companies flourish under these names.

It’s usually good practice to consider your short and long term goals for your domain. Ask yourself whether or not you think your plans may change and how they may change, then decide whether a brandable name is a good fit for your idea.

If you choose to go with a domain using an alternate spelling or made up word, keep in mind you may lose traffic if the correct spelling is used by someone else or if the name fails the radio test for domains and users can’t figure out how to find you.

How can I get a brandable domain name?

Once you’ve decided on the best name for your idea or business, you can register it at your registrar of choice (i.e. Hover.com, NameCheap.com) if it’s available. And if it’s not, be sure to reach out to DomainAgents.com to see how we can help you get your ideal domain name.