Two-word domain names are great for a number of reasons. While one-word domains are rare and expensive, two-word are common enough to be obtained at reasonable prices. Using real dictionary words in combination is powerful because it creates a clear sense or meaning, but can also be brandable.
Many in the domain business focus on two-word domains that are actual keywords that people may use in searching for a product or service. Combine words like”Asbestos” and “Lawyer,” or “Debt” and “Relief” and you have strong keyword domains. They have value in that they drive search engine traffic and even type-in traffic. Think of all the combination of two keywords that you can come-up with.
One issue though is that two-word combos that have pure keyword value are going to be costly in the aftermaket because they are rare and they have some definable value. This sort of pure keyword domain is also not great in developing a brand. They are not great for one of the key things that good brands need: creating emotionals connections. Creating these connections is one of the ways that brands are effective marketing tools. Also, generic two-word phrases could be hard to trademark if they are considered too common. For example, do you think anybody could trademark “Parking Lots” or “Baseball Cards?”
But in combining the words, you can come-up with a unique sounding name. Many two-word names can make for good brand-names when they evoke a product or service without being too generic at the same time.
Many good 2-word domains combine a strong category keyword, with another word that may not be a typical search keyword. For example: “Musician’s Friend” or their sister company “Guitar Center.” Both names combine a powerful category keyword with another word that conveys something about the brand. They both are very brandable names. Of course they have their respective domain names: MusiciansFriend.com and GuitarCenter.com.
You can also go another way, which is two combine two-words, in which neither is a not clear category keyword. This can lead to a interesting brand name that can grow into a strong brand. While it does not have the benefit of one keyword to help define and power the name, it does have potential to evoke something beyond the keyword. Think about brand names such as “Lands’ End,” or “Banana Republic.” They both sell clothing, but neither has keywords that you would directly associate with clothing. Yet both evoke and idea or vision that is carried with the brand.
Examples of good 2-word brandable domain names include: FaceBook.com, MySpace.com, YouTube.com, CraigsList.com, NetFlix.com, CDBaby.com, LinkedIn.com, WordPress.com, PhotoBucket.com, GoDaddy.com and MapQuest.com.
