Finding a domain name before brainstorming the idea
Have any of you guys tried this technique? I don't have any ideas but I want to build something.
Trending on Indie Hackers
Have any of you guys tried this technique? I don't have any ideas but I want to build something.
No no no no no. I have so many domains that didn't turn into anything. You can "brainstorm" the idea and create a free Carrd subdomain. I've had signups that way. Really, don't waste money finding a domain before creating an MVP of the idea.
Problem is that I found this domain accidentally, it's not even premium or whatever, and now I like it so much that I neeeeed to build something. I'm sure you guys know this feeling
that's pretty interesting. I read this article that was really inspiring. Maybe you'd like it:
This person built a new idea every month. https://ibuildmyideas.substack.com/p/building-my-ideas-in-2021
Maybe you could do something similar with a new domain name - get all in the hacky-mood. I'd be willing to follow your journey :)
Here’s my experience:
it depends on your goal:
If your building for fun, it’s no harm in buying the domain first and then coming up with the idea/execution. I’ve fallen for this myself.
If you’re building a business: Fall in love with the problem, not the idea.
You should turn it around 180 degrees. I found that if I try to build a business out of an idea (let alone a domain) - i am limiting the way to solve the customers problem. “When all you have is a hammer, the whole world is filled with nails” comes to mind. So if you’re really building a business. Understand the problem. Start with sales/marketing, then design, then solution/coding. Unless you’re actually need to research if building the tech is possible.
Also, keep in mind: Domains are easy to get nowadays (all the TLDs make it less scarce)
Been there. If you think the idea has potential and the name resonates, go for it. The domain itself means nothing much in the context of a B2B SaaS app if that’s what you’re building because businesses don’t care about the name of the product as long as it provides value. But it’s different when it has to do with mobile apps or consumer focused businesses where brand name matters
Otherwise too, a good brand name will keep you motivated and help you as you build things with intriguing ideas coming out of it.
I say go for it.
Don’t use direct and obvious names though like one other comment mentions… computers.com etc. they don’t mean anything.
Best domain names are a bit cryptic
I actually have an idea for something that might go viral on TikTok, so I'll probably try and do that.
Sounds like this is a bit what happened with the dot com boom - people bought weed.com or computers.com and tried to then turn them into businesses. I think it worked for some people, but most failed? Not quite sure. As @allison_mui, sounds interesting.
Usually goes like idea -> domain -> abandon.
I scraped producthunt. Compiled a list of products with available domains. Idea + how it executed + who interested + available domain, all in one place. Not many people interested.
I for example try to postpone domain registration as long as possible. I never started with a domain but starting with a domain and a landing page to test the waters saved me few hours maybe days.