Ask HN: Did your startup's domain name affect your reputation?

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=5486780

by neya • 13 years ago

9 8 13 years ago

news.ycombinator.com

We're working on a product that targets corporates, but we're unsure if we have to go with a .com we don't like or with an .io that we like. I'm just curious to know if you've had difficulty in convincing people/corporates to try you out/ commit long term just because your startup ends in a .co or .io.

Is it okay to go with a .io/.co you like, or is it absolutely necessary to have a .com to be able to convince corporates?

Thanks

vishal0123• 13 years ago

No, there is no need for .com. Just go for an option which sound better for the purpose (I don't understand why you like/don't like a domain). You could take any domain except free ones.

orangethirty• 13 years ago

Go with .com if you can. The domain name is very, very important.

timjahn• 13 years ago

Go with a .com - no exceptions.

It's not a matter of "convincing" people to try you out - it's a simple matter of memory. When you tell people your company name, they're going to do one of two things: a) visit "YOURCOMPANYNAME.com" b) Google your company name

Make it easier for people to hit your site 100% of the time by getting a .com.

Also, having to explain your domain over the phone/in person is never a good thing. "Yeah, we're Shlubby.io. Yeah, Shlub, like shrub but an L instead of an R. And dot i o. Not, not dot com, dot i o."

jole• 13 years ago

Totally agree. This is the advice you should take. I talk from my experience.

LarryMade2• 13 years ago

I'd go with the .com. and if you don't like the .com name, try to figure out another one there's plenty of ways to mix/match words and spelling to find something suitable..

Mainly because web browsers and search engines look for .com first.

Only exception is if you are a non-profit, then definitely get a ".org". My former employer could only get .net for their desired name, didn't do well in the community convincing folks they were a non-profit with a .net email address.

j_mack• 13 years ago

take a look at succesful startups - with exits - almost all were .com's

why try to reinvent the hot water?

neya• 13 years ago

Thank you everyone for your valuable feedback! :)

veesahni• 13 years ago

When targeting a general corporate audience, .com is the safe bet for no reason other than it's what they naturally expect..

I'm open to .io/.co for products with a tech savvy audience, though

Ask HN: Did your startup's domain name affect your reputation?

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