Startup Domain Names
Start Strong

First-time founders often make naming decisions they later regret. The most common mistake is being too descriptive. "QuickBookkeepingSoftware.com" tells people exactly what you do, but it sounds like a placeholder. Great companies have names that transcend their initial product.

Another mistake is accepting poor alternatives. When "YourName.com" isn't available, some founders settle for hyphens, numbers, or awkward spelling variations. These compromises seem minor initially but create ongoing friction - every business card, every podcast mention, every referral requires extra explanation.

Many startups also underestimate how names interact with extensions. "Name.io" works for a tech startup in a way that "Name.biz" doesn't. The extension carries meaning beyond just directing traffic - it signals what kind of company you are.

Finally, there's the international consideration. Names that work perfectly in English might have negative connotations in other languages, or be nearly impossible to spell for non-native speakers. If you have global ambitions, your name needs to travel.

The best approach is to prioritize getting a name that sounds great, even if it's not your first choice of meaning. An invented word with a clean domain beats a descriptive phrase with a compromised domain every time.