In the online businessworld, your domain name is more than just an address on the web; it’s a key part of your brand’s identity.
What Makes a Domain Name Brandable?
A domain name is called brandable if it’s a unique, memorable name that represents your brand.
Unlike generic domain names that simply describe a product or service (like BuyUmbrella.com), brandable domains stand out because they are distinctive and can be associated with a brand’s personality.
Think of names like Google, Uber, or Spotify these aren’t common words, but they are easily recognizable and tied to a specific brand.
What Does Brandable Mean?
The term brandable means something that can be easily turned into a brand.
It should be catchy, unique, and have the potential to represent a company, product, or service.
A name isn’t just descriptive; it creates an emotional connection and helps build a story around your business and creates a brand.
Most importantly , a brandable domain has the power to grow into something bigger than the sum of its letters.
Why Choose a Brandable Name?
Choosing a right brandable name can act as your trump card in business and offers you to Stand Out among others and be easy to remember.
Such a name allows you to grow an emotional connection with the clients and audience.
From your logos to your ads that people will recognise, it creates strong branding which is legally protected for a professional look.
Brandable names are often easy to understand in different languages, making them perfect for reaching customers globally through various social media platforms and SEO friendly keywords.
As your business grows with a creative marketing strategy for brandable names you can adapt to new products and services without needing a change.
What are the Different Types of Brandable Domains?
Brandable domains come in different shapes and sizes. Here are some types of brandable names:
1. Invented/Creative Names
Invented names are made-up words that don’t have any specific meaning and are also known as creative names.
They are easy to pronounce, memorable, and sound catchy.
Here are some examples: Zomato, Myntra, Jabong, Ziblon, Twikly, etc
2. Two-word Combinations
When we create a name using two invented or real words, it’s called a two-word brandable name.
These names are unique and give a sense of what your brand is about.
Examples include: DentoMax.com, RollingCasino.com, ProjectPlus.com, etc.
3. Misspelled or Modified Words
Words that are changed a bit or spelled in a new way.
They’re easy to recognize and catch everyone’s attention.
Examples: Flickr, Tumblr, Amounty, etc.
4. Compound Words
A brand name that combines two real words to capture the essence of the business.
Compound words create a strong connection and meaning.
Examples: Facebook.com, BreakfastChef.com, YouTube.com.
5. Evocative Names
Evocative names suggest feelings or ideas without stating them directly.
They are memorable and impactful because they evoke emotions.
Examples: Pinterest.com, Netflix.com, Spotify, and Reddit.
6. Short Domains (Three-Letter, Four-Letter, Five-Letter and more..)
Short domains are easy to remember and say.
They usually have simple and meaningful letter combinations.
Single-letter domains are especially in demand, with big companies like X.com using them.
Because of their rarity, they can be quite expensive.
Here are examples of top brands using single letter, two-letter, three-letter, 4-letter, five-letter, 6-letter, and 7-letter domains:
- Single Letter: X.com, Q.com
- Two Letter: HP.com, GE.com, It.com
- Three Letter: IBM.com, FSC.co, BMW.com
- Four-Letter: Zylo.com, SABO.co
- Five Letter: Adobe.com, Apple.com
- 6 Letter: PayPal.com, Stripe.com
- 7 Letter: Airbnb.com, NetFlix.com
7. Patterned Domains
Domains with specific letter patterns, like alternating between consonants and vowels or repeating parts.
These patterns make the names catchy and easy to remember.
- CVCV Patterns: Domains with a consonant-vowel-consonant-vowel structure, like NIKE, NASA, VISA.com, FIFA.com etc.
- CVCVCV Patterns: Domains with a consonant-vowel-consonant-vowel-consonant-vowel structure, like Maruti.com, Zomato.com, Toyota.com etc.
- VCVCVC Patterns: Domains with a vowel-consonant-vowel-consonant-vowel-consonant pattern, like Odonil.com.
- Repeating Patterns: Domains where parts of the name repeat, like Fiverr.com.
These patterns create a rhythm that enhances the overall appeal and recall value of the domain.
8. One-Word Domains
As the name suggests one word domains are the single, real words that often carry a strong meaning with a broader appeal.
Example: Apple.com, Tesla.com.
9. EMD Names
Exact Match Domain are names that exactly match what customers might search for online. They include relevant keywords.
The main benefits of EMDs are improved SEO, higher CTR, and clear branding.
Examples:
CaliforniaHomesForSale.com: Targets real estate in California.
DogNailGrinder.com: Ideal for a dog accessories store.
CheapFlights.com: Focuses on affordable flight bookings.
10. Numeric Names
Numeric domains are exactly what they sound like domains that contain only numbers.
These are great for businesses that want something short and memorable. They work particularly well in countries where numbers hold cultural significance, like China, where numbers like “8” are considered lucky.
For example, 888.com is an iconic numeric domain that grabs attention.
Short numeric domains can also create a sense of prestige and simplicity,
like 123.com, 1212.com
11. Alphanumeric Names
On the flip side, we’ve got alphanumeric domains. These names combine letters and numbers, giving you a unique way to brand your business.
Think of Go2Meeting.com or 1Password.com.
The combination of numbers and letters creates a distinct, modern feel.
Plus, they can help convey something specific about your business (like “2” implying “to” or “for”).
More Examples: Dream11.com, 1MG.com, My11Circle.com etc
Alphanumeric domains are often easier to remember than pure numeric ones because they combine the best of both worlds
visual simplicity with semantic meaning.
12. Premium Domains
High-value domains that are often short, meaningful are high in demand.
These could include single-word domains, three-letter domains, or popular real words.
They convey authority, trust, and professionalism, making them a strong foundation for branding.
Example: Voice.com, Chat.com, Gold.com, Diamond.com, Casino.com
How Do I Create
A Brandable Domain?
Coming up with a strong brandable domain name takes some research and smart work. So, let me walk you through a step-by-step guide to help you finalize the perfect name.
1. Use Name Generators
There are some awesome name generators out there, like Logo.com and LeanDomainSearch.com, that can help you come up with solid domain names. These tools provide brainstorming ideas and suggestions.
2. Invent a New Word
If you’re creative, you can come up with great names. Invent new words that don’t exist yet but sound good (Examples: Zomato.com, Jabong.com, Google.com).
Blend Words: Mix parts of two or more words together to create a new name
(for example, Gmail comes from “Google” and “Email”)
Let me share more examples of blend words:
3. Experiment with Real Words
Combine two real words to create a unique name that reflects your brand.
(e.g., FoodPanda.com, Dropbox, UrbanClap.com, Snapdeal.com).
How Do You Acquire Brandable Domains?
Acquiring a good name is not an easy task, It requires some research and networking. If you’re looking for steps on how to acquire a domain, these will help you.
1. By Using Domain Marketplaces
There are several domain marketplaces where you can buy unique, pre-made brandable domains, such as Namoxy, BrandBucket, and Atom.
They all offer a good inventory, and you can use their search bar to filter names by keywords.
Some of these marketplaces also allow you to set alerts for specific types of domains.
You can subscribe to their monthly newsletters to get notified when new options become available.
2. By Participating in Domain Auctions
You can purchase brandable names by joining domain auction sites like Sedo, Dynadot, GoDaddy, and Flippa.
These platforms give you the opportunity to bid on premium names.
Auctions can be competitive, so set a budget and be ready to act wisely.
3. Negotiate Directly with Domain Owners
If you come across a name that’s already owned but not in use, you can contact the current owner.
Use tools like Whois.com to find their details. Send a polite outreach email asking if they’d be willing to sell the domain.
If they’re open to selling, ask for their price or make an offer. Be respectful and offer a fair price, negotiating the deal carefully.
Here’s an outreach email template that has worked well for me.
Hi [Owner Name],
I hope this message finds you well.
I am interested in acquiring the domain name "Namoxy.com,"
which is currently registered under your ownership.
Could you please let me know if the domain is available for sale?
Looking forward to your response.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
4. By Hiring a Domain Broker
Hire top industry domain brokers like Media Options, Grit Brokerage, Saw.com, and Namoxy.
They are expert in negotiations and buying strategies.
They can handle outreach, negotiations, and closing deals for high-value brandable domains on your behalf.
By following these 4 steps, you can easily get brandable domains, whether you’re looking for a new name or a domain that already has value.
I hope now you understand why brandable domains are of great importance and how to choose right one for your business, it’s time to begin your online journey.
Good luck!