Using a phone number as a domain name

[Barrybomb]

I have a new construction business that I have obtained a new toll free number for and I am considering using the phone number as my new domain name for the company website.The phone number is a combo of easy to remember numbers and a word (ex. :1 800 555 info ). Is there any drawback for doing this? And what would I go with? 1800555info.com,800555info.com,555info.com?In my case all the combos are available,should I register all?

 

[sjaguar13]

If you are able to get them all, you might want to consider even getting 18005554636.com. If you had to just pick on, I would probably go with 1800555info.com because 1800555info is how you would pronounce it. The only problem I could see with this is some people might put the dashes in, since most phone numbers are written with them.

 

[Kate]

It may sound 'in' but it's not a good idea really. I would strongly advise against it.
Numbering plans may evolve over time or you may lose your number in certain circumstances. Also, the toll-free number has no immediate meaning and says nothing to an outsider.
On the other hand a domain like constructioncompany.com is self-explanatory.
As a rule people will remember names or keywords more easily than numbers.

Your domain name should be future-proof. If you want register the name go for it but use it as a secondary name. Your primary name should reflect your company identity.

 

[peter phillips]

I would say no to registering a phone number as a domain name. First of all it won't be easy to remember a number domain name even though it is a combo of easy to remember numbers. Secondly it won't resemble to the kind of business you have. Ideally your domain name should be relevant to the kind of business you have. :imho:

 

[dongan]

Try to get 1800555.info

 

[fonzie_007]

I would urge you not to use a phone number as your domain name just as sdsinc said above. The number could change and you are stuck with your domain name. I would use a more generic domain name for your purposes than a specific telephone number.

 

[Barrybomb]

Construction biz is unique

Consider this: the construction biz is different than many other businesses, in that, the website serves a different service.You're not looking for a lot of traffic to sell a widget,you are using it more as a portfolio,or to give more info to someone than would be easily done on the phone or in person.If the jobs you are interested in are in the 6 figure or more area,you basically are trying to provide info to a referal or someone with some knowledge that you already exist.You are not interested in the web surfer or someone finding you by accident so much.That said, my thinking is that if someone says "I saw them working on Elm Street,I remember that phone number I think" ,they will have a decent chance of finding the site,as opposed to googling "construction" or "addition" or "renovation" ,etc. Does any of this make an arguement for against the phone# domain?

 

[fonzie_007]

It would still be better to have a domain name that fits with the name of your business. (i.e. smithcontracting.com)

 

[edwinfelix]

I'd say no to most phone number but yes to area code.
Most phone numbers are too long, except 999, 911, 411 etc. of course.

Area codes are the best, IMO 512.something is perfect for a Austin Texas site. It can also get confusing though, e.g. NYC has tonns of area codes.

Which area of NY are you in?
Say if you are in Dutchess County it might be a good idea to have construct845.com or build845.com

 

[Barrybomb]

Actually,the toll free number I have has the first 3 numbers as the area code of the area we serve(so it is easy to recognize for everyone)followed by a 4 letter constuction term that is easy to remember.You think this would be effective for domain?

 

[edwinfelix]

Wow! Definitely go for it.

 

[Barrybomb]

Wow! Definitely go for it.

Pretty amazing how you nailed that one.Psychic?

 

[primacomputer]

I wouldn't worry about the “number changing” of “future proofing”. It really comes down to how you want to brand and/or market your service. If having the number/name on the side of your van is going to make an impression on people and draw enquiries it's a no brainer. But are people who see it going to visit the web site or dial the number?

 

[Barrybomb]

As for me,I like to do a little research on something,if possible before I take up someone's time in person or on the phone,or sometimes I don't have the patience to wait untill Monday or whatever.Having signage with a large type phone# with a www........near it in smaller print is how I see it for now.

 

[Kate]

I would not advise using area codes either... because they have changed (split) over the years and continue to do so (overlay).
The exception to using a phone number would be for a directory IMO or when you have a particularly memorable name like 555-1212 :hehe:

 

[Barrybomb]

The thing about the 3 number prefix like 555 is that they are all gone and not available in toll free.I'm of the opinion that 2 out of 3 of the factors should match (phone-domain, domain-biz name,biz name -phone, ) If you were doing something especially simple or single minded you could match all three.

 

[cache]

if you own a real business, it is better get all names so that you can decide it later.

My personal preference for real business is the "descriptive" name rather than number names.

 

[gnews.domains]

Hi,

Using an easy-to-remember phone number as your domain for a construction business website is a great idea! It can make it easier for customers to recall and contact you.

Here are a few things to consider:

1. Ease of recall and typing: Among the options you mentioned, I would recommend 555info.com or a similar shorter version. It’s simpler for customers to remember and type. Longer combinations like 1800555info.com or 800555info.com increase the risk of typing errors.
2. Registering multiple domains: If your budget allows, it’s a good idea to secure multiple variations (like 1800555info.com, 800555info.com) and redirect them to your main website. This helps protect your brand and prevents others from registering similar domains in the future.
3. SEO impact: Using numbers in a domain name won’t negatively impact your SEO, but it also won’t help you rank for industry-specific keywords. You might want to consider registering a domain that reflects your business activity (e.g., with words like "construction," "builder," etc.), and you can still use the phone number domain to redirect customers to your main site.
4. Customer simplicity: Think about what’s most intuitive for your customers. A short, simple domain name often makes a big difference in terms of recall and ease of use.

In summary, I recommend securing 555info.com, and if possible, registering the other versions to redirect them to the main domain.

Good luck with your new business!