Finding Good Domain Names
Sep 7th, 2008 by Raaj
This article took a bit longer for me to write as I was busy optimizing my own portfolio. I always tell myself, there’s tons to be learnt about domains, and too little time left. Why? Because almost every good domain name has already been registered or being registered while I write this. This motivates me to keep learning one day at a time. Plus, the thought that I could own a domain which might, in due course of time, become immensely valuable and sought after, keeps the adrenalin rushing. I enjoy waking up each morning a domainer.. period.
Okay, now getting back to the main topic. How do we buy good names when there are so few of them left? There are 3 general paths to this goal;
1. Dropped Domain Buying
2. Trend Awareness Domain Buying
3. Keyword Research Based Domain Buys.
From my understanding, most domainers use the first domain buying technique. Buying domain names from dropped lists is much easier and doesn’t need a whole lot of research or keyword analysis. However, there is limited learning potential from this method.
Being quickly aware of new trends in the market and buying domain names to capitalize on a new niche is trend awareness buying. For example, you might learn that there is a new type of alternative fuel being developed. Buying such names in time could prove to be extremely valuable. I would recommend browsing technology websites, world news related sites, scientific and health related sites etc, to bolster your rapid learning curve. Bookmark sites like techcrunch.com which feature breaking news on new innovations and technology. Google trends is another great option for quickly keeping abreast of new emerging keyword searches. These could be your greatest sources for buying superb domain names.
Finally, my favorite method of buying domain names, is via keyword research. For this, I use Wordtracker extensively. Lets explore a great way to find good domain names using keyword research. First, let me run a search for a keyword like “motorcycles”.
For those who are familiar with WT, I will be running basic search using the Wordtracker keyword researcher tool. My search options selected are;
1. Exact keyword inside a search term
2. Include misspellings and plurals
3. Filter = OFF
4. Search queries from the U.S ( 1000 results)
Here is a snapshot:

Now the results;

From the above screenshot we see that the keyword “motorcycles” is the highest searched term on various search engines. Based on this evaluation, motorcycles.com, would be one great premium domain name and hard to acquire. However, this list also brings to light other relevant keywords like motorcycle helmets, motorcycle parts etc. These secondary names would also be priceless buys. In most cases, top search keywords have already been registered. Its now your task to delve deeper into such lists to find names that may not be taken.
Lets go further down the list. We see some new related keywords on the list. These don’t get a high number of searches but are still being queried by people. This is where you find a potentially good domain name.

We now see some keywords like three wheel motorcycles, motorcycle fairing, used police motorcycles etc. These, if available could help you build a solid domain portfolio.
This is a beginners guide to buying domain names using keyword research. I will later be writing posts that delve deeper into advanced match type keyword based domain buying.
Never stop your quest for domain names. In times to come, it is bound to appreciate more faster than real estate. So start building your domain assets now. To research more keywords, you may want to try Wordtracker