The Solopreneur's Guide to Choosing the Perfect Domain Name

As a solopreneur, selecting the right domain name is crucial for your online presence. While it's tempting to opt for short, catchy names, a strategic approach can yield better long-term results. Here's why and how to choose a domain name that will set you up for success.

Why Longer, Descriptive Domains Win

1. SEO Advantage: Descriptive domains can help you rank better in search results over time.

2. Clear Branding: A self-explanatory name instantly communicates your business focus.

3. Focus Keeper: A specific domain name can help you stay true to your niche as you grow.

Best Practices for Domain Selection

1. Choose a .com extension when possible

2. Opt for straightforward, descriptive names over vague, short ones

3. Ensure the name reflects your specific business niche

AI-Powered Domain Name Tools

Several tools leverage AI to suggest available domain names:

1. Namy.ai: This cool tool let's you describe your business as you would to a customer or in an advertisement and then it recommends available domains. They also surface any taken names which is helpful if you want to do some diligence on likely comparable products. This is especially true if the names are very descriptive.

2. Seeking.domains: You can search for available domains based on any product description and also define which types you are open to (.com, .co, .ai). Also it has a nice list of generic available domains.

3. GoDaddy AI Domain Search: Not as strong as the ones above but conveniently shows lots of permutations based on your natural language input

DIY Workflow

If you prefer a hands-on approach and want to fiddle with the domain search prompt you can use your favorite LLM and manually search. Remember though the LLMs will suggest domains that might not be available so can be quite a bit less efficient than using something like one of the tools above.

I recommend using Claude 3.5 with the following prompt and then manually go to your domain provider of choice to check availability (GoDaddy or Hover):

"You are tasked with generating domain name suggestions for a new startup. Your goal is to create descriptive, short, and memorable domain names that accurately represent the startup's purpose or offerings.

Follow these guidelines when generating domain names:

1. Aim for descriptive names that convey the startup's purpose or main offering

2. Keep the domain name as short as possible while maintaining clarity

3. Prioritize top-level domains in this order: .com, .co, .ai

4. Avoid hyphens, numbers, and unconventional spellings

5. Ensure the domain name is easy to pronounce and spell

Here's the description of the startup:

<startup_description>

{{STARTUP_DESCRIPTION}}

</startup_description>

To begin, analyze the startup description and brainstorm relevant keywords and phrases. Consider the startup's industry, target audience, unique selling points, and core values.

Next, use these keywords and phrases to generate at least 5 domain name ideas that meet the guidelines provided above. Be creative and consider word combinations, portmanteaus, or relevant synonyms that could make for catchy and memorable domain names.

Present your domain name suggestions in the following format:

<domain_suggestions>

1. [Domain Name] (.com/.co/.ai) - Brief explanation of why this name is suitable

2. [Domain Name] (.com/.co/.ai) - Brief explanation of why this name is suitable

3. [Domain Name] (.com/.co/.ai) - Brief explanation of why this name is suitable

4. [Domain Name] (.com/.co/.ai) - Brief explanation of why this name is suitable

5. [Domain Name] (.com/.co/.ai) - Brief explanation of why this name is suitable

</domain_suggestions>

After providing the domain suggestions, briefly explain your thought process and how you arrived at these options in a <rationale> tag.

Here are two examples of how your response should be structured:

Example 1:

<domain_suggestions>

1. quicktask.com - Short, memorable, and conveys the idea of fast task completion

2. taskzap.co - Combines "task" with a dynamic word, suggesting efficiency

3. swifttodo.ai - Implies AI-powered task management with speed

4. taskflow.com - Suggests smooth task management processes

5. todopro.co - Simple, professional-sounding name for a task management tool

</domain_suggestions>

<rationale>

I focused on combining words related to tasks, efficiency, and speed to create these domain suggestions. I prioritized .com domains where possible, followed by .co and .ai. The names are kept short and easy to remember, while still conveying the core purpose of the task management startup.

</rationale>

Example 2:

<domain_suggestions>

1. greenplate.com - Combines eco-friendly concept with food, perfect for a sustainable food startup

2. ecoeat.co - Short, catchy name that directly conveys the startup's mission

3. sustainabite.com - Clever wordplay combining "sustainable" and "bite"

4. earthlyfeast.ai - Suggests AI-powered solutions for eco-friendly eating

5. purefork.com - Simple, memorable name implying clean and sustainable food choices

</domain_suggestions>

<rationale>

For this eco-friendly food startup, I brainstormed words related to sustainability, food, and eating. I aimed to create names that immediately convey the startup's focus on environmentally conscious food options. The suggestions balance descriptiveness with brevity, making them easy to remember and type.

</rationale>

Remember to be creative and tailor your suggestions to the specific startup described in the input."

Some helpful resources if you are thinking about building a domain search tool

LLMs are great at suggesting product, brand and domain names so there is likely plenty of room to innovate further on the UX of helping people pick domains. If you want to learn more about the broader list of tools out there and ways you could build see some helpful resources below from Ideascan (our product) here