Open Season on Available Dot Coms?

Happy Holidays! As a namer, I've found over the past six months that the challenging economy has brought us an unexpected "gift." It seems that the ever elusive great dot com or URL domain name is getting a bit easier register--or at least more affordable to purchase.

I've read that more and more companies are letting go of names they've camped on for years. In fact just a few weeks ago I purchased a dot com name (it's the name of one of my other freelance businesses) that I've been waiting for for over 12 years!

There are hundreds of sites you can check domains, I usually use good ole www.register.com. Or if you are looking to craft a new name here's another fun domain creator/dot com checker I found called Wordoid.

I've worked with dozens of companies over the years who have said, here's the real name we want, but someone already registered it. Even if the owner turned you down before, there's no harm in making another offer, especially if they are not using the name.

Along those lines, be sure you add naming goals to your overall 2010 marketing plan. Will you be launching a new product, line extension, or website? Naming can be a very long process especially when you tack on "pick and protect it" legal step a the end. More than 12 months is not that unusal, so start planning now. Last minute naming is rarely a good thing.

For help with your next naming project, please drop me note at Namelancer@hotmail.com.

P.S. A dot com name makes a fun and unique holiday gift for a friend or colleague.