Dodging Domain Disasters

How to Not Name Your Website After a Meme

Steer Clear of the Meme Scene

Let’s talk about memes and your business. A meme can make a hilarious post on your social media, but as your domain name? Think again, friend. What’s chuckle-inducing today can become stale faster than leftover pizza. Do you really want to be the digital equivalent of “Mom, stop trying to make fetch happen?” I thought not. So let’s get into the nitty-gritty of dodging domain disasters and avoid naming your website after a meme.

“You Had One Job!” – Examples of Domain Names Gone Wrong

Sometimes, domain names go so wrong they swing back around to being laughably memorable. Here are a few “Example of Domain Names Gone Wrong” that should serve as a warning to us all:

1. itscrap.com – IT Scrap, a company that offers IT recycling solutions, fell into the all-too-common trap of words getting mushed together in a domain name and reading, well… differently.
2. speedofart.com – Speed of Art, a design studio, unwittingly conjured up images of explosive flatulence instead of cutting-edge design.
3. bigbustycoons.com – Big Bus Tycoons, a website for bus fanatics, chose a domain name that had an unfortunate and racially offensive alternate interpretation.

Crushing the Domain Name Game: 5 Businesses That Got it Right

Enough with the disasters, though. Let’s cleanse our palates with some success stories. “Here are 5 businesses that got their domain names right”:

1. BloomAndWild.com: This online florist nailed it. Their domain name clearly communicates what they offer, is easy to spell, and evokes a brand image of nature and freshness.
2. Dropbox.com: A file hosting service, Dropbox’s domain name is beautifully simple and memorable. It’s a literal representation of what they do – provide a ‘box’ for your digital ‘drops’.
3. Monster.com: This global employment website went with a name that’s simple, catchy, and has nothing to do with scary beasts under your bed. It’s easy to remember and stands out in the job-seeking industry.
4. Wealthfront.com: A robo-advisor company, Wealthfront’s domain name clearly conveys what they do – help customers grow their wealth. Plus, it’s easy to spell and remember.
5. Buzzfeed.com: The internet’s top spot for bite-sized content and quizzes that accurately guess your age based on your cheese preferences. The name is catchy, memorable, and has a certain onomatopoeic quality that’s perfect for a site that creates ‘buzz’.

Making the Right Domain Decision: It’s Not Rocket Science

So, how can you ensure your domain name ends up in the hall of fame rather than the hall of shame? Steer clear of fads and memes, keep it simple, relevant, and memorable, and for the love of all things holy, say it out loud and check how it reads when all the words are squished together. Trust me, the last thing you want is for your customers to chuckle every time they type your URL into their browser.

Remember, while it may seem like a minor detail in the grand scheme of your business, your domain name can leave a lasting impression on potential customers. So take a pause from the meme-sharing, buckle down, and choose a domain name that will make you proud.

So, go forth, intrepid netizen. Dodge those domain disasters and choose a name that will stand the test of internet time. Just remember: when it comes to your domain name, keep the memes to your social feeds and the professionalism in your URL.