What Makes Domains Better Than Others?

[xtremeoff-road]

This is a very ignorant question, however, something that I have struggled with. I see individuals with what appear to be random domain names yet they generate a ton of traffic...even without developed sites. What is it in a domain that cause them to be more popular than others?

When attempting to aquire a domain, what should you look for in the name?

Thanks everyone for your time

 

[obvio]

popluar dictionary words in the domains.

 

[xtremeoff-road]

popluar dictionary words in the domains.

thats it? There is obviously more seeing as all my domains have popular dictionary words...

For example, forumhacking.com, weapondepot.com, discussgambling.com, discussgraphics.com, etc.

 

[planetcall]

I believe Content, target audience, website structure, outgoing/incoming links etc are important for a site to get edge over other similar sites.

 

[CrazyTech]

There are a lot of factors that make domains important. Good dictionary names is one reason, but certainly not the only. As planet said, domains often gain value from development. They also have to be reasonable names that have some sort of value - people tend to type in a word and then .com when they're trying to find something. Sometimes it seems like there is no rhyme or reason to why names get traffic.

I guess it comes down to the key word(s) in the name. They have to be terms that people will search for often.

 

[peter phillips]

Popular and most searched keywords in a domain, domain extension, your target audience and how effectively you market that domain.

 

[zogby]

one word

Mindshare. combinations of words used everyday.

that and profitable keywords. for example badcreditloan.com is probably more valuable than mockingly.com even though mockingly.com has only one word.

 

[floatingworld]

a good appreciation of English language and literature + sense of a commercial niche area helps. I sometimes wonder if some of those who get involved in drop-name bidding are relying on others valuation of a name rather than their own understanding.