The Brandable Factor: How to Make Your Domain Memorable

A brandable domain name is more than a mere web address; it’s a strategic choice that reflects your brand’s identity. Essentially, it’s when you name your website after your business, a core product benefit, or even a catchy slogan. There are two primary approaches to creating brandable domains:

1. Existing Brand-Based: You use your existing brand name as the domain. For example, “Nike.com” or “Coca-Cola.com.”
2. New Brand Creation: You start with a strong, memorable domain name and build your brand around it. Think of “Google” or “Etsy.”

Now, let’s explore practical techniques for crafting brandable domains that stick in people’s minds:

1. Create a New Word for Brandable Domain Names

• Inventive Combos: Combine relevant keywords or concepts to form a unique word. Google, Bing, and Yahoo did just that. Consider “TechBloom” or “EcoFusion.”
• Play with Sounds: Rhymes, alliterations, and playful sounds make names memorable. “Zappos” and “Snapchat” are prime examples.

2. Choose Easy-to-Spell Words

• Conciseness: Keep it short—ideally 10–15 characters. Shorter names are easier to remember.
• Phonetic Friendliness: Opt for words that are easy to pronounce. If it rolls off the tongue, it’s more likely to stick.

3. Avoid Complex Spellings, Numbers, and Hyphens

• Simplicity Wins: Don’t make users play spelling bee with your domain. Avoid double letters, tricky combinations, and unnecessary characters.
• No Numbers, Please: Numbers confuse people. “4U” might seem clever, but it’s not memorable.

4. Check Trademark Registration and Apply for a Trademark

• Legal Safety: Ensure your brandable name doesn’t infringe on existing trademarks. Use tools like the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database.
• Trademark Protection: Once you’ve chosen a winner, consider applying for a trademark. It adds credibility and protects your brand.

5. Register the Brand Name Everywhere

• Social Media Consistency: Grab matching handles on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Consistency builds brand recognition.
• Directories and Listings: Register your brand name in relevant directories and business listings.

6. Think Long-Term and Scalability

• Future-Proofing: Consider your brand’s growth. Will the name still make sense if you expand into new areas?
• Global Appeal: Avoid region-specific terms unless your business is strictly local. Think globally.

7. Use Mnemonic Devices

Mnemonic devices are memory aids that help you recall information. Here’s one for remembering the taxonomic classification system in biology:

• King Philip Came Over for Good Soup:
  • Kingdom
  • Phylum
  • Class
  • Order
  • Family
  • Genus
  • Species

8. Get Creative with Word Associations

• Visual Imagery: Imagine your brandable name as an image. Does it evoke positive feelings? Does it align with your brand’s essence?
• Emotional Resonance: Names that trigger emotions—joy, curiosity, trust—stick better.

9. Test It Out Loud and Get Feedback

• Say It Aloud: Literally say your domain name out loud. If it sounds good, it’s a winner.
• Ask Others: Get feedback from friends, family, or colleagues. Fresh perspectives matter.

10. Purchase the Domain in Advance

• Act Swiftly: Once you’ve found the perfect brandable domain, don’t hesitate. Register it ASAP.
• Domain Extensions: While .com is classic, explore other extensions like .io, .app, or .co.