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

• vishal0123 14y 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 14y ago
  Go with .com if you can. The domain name is very, very important.
• timjahn 14y 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 14y ago
    Totally agree. This is the advice you should take. I talk from my experience.
• LarryMade2 14y 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 14y ago
  take a look at succesful startups - with exits - almost all were .com's why try to reinvent the hot water?
• neya 14y ago
  Thank you everyone for your valuable feedback! :)
• veesahni 14y 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