With a general topic and keywords in mind, you’d think it would be a breeze to name your blog. It would be, too, except that “great minds think alike” and you’ll be hard-pressed to think of something that’s never been thought of before.

The reason it’s so tricky is that you’ll really want to have .com domain name (like yourblognamehere.com) that matches the name of your blog, and each domain name is only available to one owner, so if the one you want is already taken, you’re out of luck.

I advocate getting a .com domain name in almost all cases (the main exception being if you can spell something clever by using a different extension, like del.icio.us has done). This is because most people naturally assume .com if they don’t remember (and most won’t remember), and that’s what they’ll type in. A .com address is especially important if you ever give your blog address verbally or in advertising). For the same reason, I suggest avoiding domain names with hyphens or numbers… they’re too easily misunderstood or forgotten.

It’s important that your domain name and your blog name match because, again, people will take the path of least resistance and type in your blog name plus “.com” and expect to find you. Even for those who would go to the effort of remembering something different, it’s a much easier memory task if they only have to remember one name to come up with the other.

This all makes sense (I hope) but it also limits your choices somewhat. When I’m brainstorming for a domain name, here’s what I do:

• Consider my keywords, and see if any clever, memorable, or obvious name emerges. Blog names don’t have to use the keywords (though the blog description should) but the keywords can be a good starting point.
• Let the idea for my blog percolate in my brain for a day or two. Often I’ll eventually come up with related words or concepts out of the blue, but only if I give it a little time.
• Once I have a few possibilities in mind, I go to Instant Domain Search and start typing in potential names. I like this tool because it is very efficient and also helps me explore variations quickly.
• Sometimes none of my ideas will pan out, and I’ll go back and start the process again. Sometimes I’ll get several good options and continue on.
• With a couple of acceptable names as real possibilities, I’ll look for the one that is most memorable and easy to spell, and if I’m happy with it, that’s the name I’ll choose. If I’m still not positive, I’ll write down the name for consideration and keep looking.

What if you’re having trouble coming up with a name, despite all your best efforts? It might be time to call in the professionals. There are several services that specialize in finding domain names, and one that comes highly recommended to me is PickyDomains. Their service is very affordable ($50 at the time of this writing) and risk-free; if they don’t find you a name you love, then you don’t pay. I’m trying them out for a new review site I’m creating right now.
To summarize, here is my list (in order of importance) of priorities when I’m evaluating potential domain names:

1. .com
2. no hypens or numbers (unless you can also buy all variations with numbers spelled out)
3. matches the blog name (with the possible omission of a leading “the” or “a”)
4. has some logical connection to the blog topic (though it’s okay if it’s a little cute or clever)
5. memorable
6. easy to spell
7. sounds good when spoken aloud
8. short

This post is a draft excerpt of the blogging book I’m writing for authors, consultants, and other experts. Click on the link to find out more and sign up for updates.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 12th, 2007 at 11:46 am by Sarah Lewis and is filed under Beginner, The Blogging Expertise book, Tips. It's also tagged blogging, domain names, naming, setup. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.