When looking for domain names, are 3-word names a viable option? They certainly are more common than 1-word or 2-word domains, but they frequently fall short in comparison.
One issue comes down to simple math. The 2-word domains can only be combined in two different ways. WordA+WordB or WordB+WordA. However with 3-word domains you have the words can be combined in six differenet ways: A+B+C, A+C+B, B+A+C, B+C+A, C+B+A of C+A+B. Add the potential for plural words in the mix and the picture gets worse. While not all combinations will make sense, the sheer number of word combination dilutes the value of 3-word domains. So if you invest in marketing a 3-word domain, your competition could get other combinations of the words and gain benefit from your marketing efforts.
In addition, 3-word company names and domain names are typically, longer, harder to remember and harder to spell. Something about the additional word makes it easier to mix-up the order, even for shorter domains. There are just more chances for somebody to misremember or mistype the domain name.
Sure there are exceptions to the rule, such as, FreeCreditReport.com. This domain name has worked for them, but I wonder if it would have been a clunker without all of the advertising that includes the domain name in a catchy, if annoying, jingle.
A 3-word name can work well as a domain when it is a common or memorable 3-word phrase. Phrases like “Tiny Black Dress,” “In the Groove,” “On a Roll,” “In the Money” “Blessing in Disguise,” “Piece of Cake,” “Against the Clock,” “Bite Your Tongue,” “Cast Iron Stomach,” “Excuse My French,” “Flesh and Blood,” are all memorable 3-word phrases that could make for good domain names.
But in general, 1-word and 2-word domains are usually a better bet.
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