Thoughts on using abbreviations in domain names

[Swiss]

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I was wondering what others thought on using abbreviations in domain names. More along the lines of substituting the word 'for' with the number '4', the word 'you' with the letter 'u' etc.

I'm not a fan of it personally, mainly in situations where others own the domain name with the abbreviated word and you own the domain name with the full word - And if you don't own both, it could be a pain when giving your domain out verbally.

But I am after a domain, I wanted the full word but its taken (and hasn't been used for a few years!) but an abbreviated version is available but I don't really want to take it based on my thoughts above. I think its just a case of comming up with a new idea for a name.

Anyone else have thoughts on this subject?

[firstaid4sport]

Afternoon, I thought I would add my thoughts.

Although our company is Firstaid4sport, we do own all the different abbreviations, so this is not a problem for us, but if you are able to create another name, then do so. Always work on your brand image. If you can market a brand, then you can easily create a much stronger brand.

By inserting a '4' or a 'u', you will always struggle to create (as a marketing professional) a stable brand that can seriously compete with competitors. If you want to make a few pounds here and there, then you can simply use the '4' or 'u', but personally, you always risk other people ripping you off, either with another name similar, or in some other way.

So my experience would say steer clear, sit down and think of a unique brand that will grow and grow, personalise it, and make a difference in your market.

Regards
Tony

[lakrasia]

I'd say that to some extent it depends on what you want.

If a visitor searches and sees a domain name that's relevant, they'll consider clicking - generic names with all kinds of variations will achieve that.

But if it's an important site and you don't have all the variations and you want to be remembered and get repeat visits, then it might be better to come up with something completely different - in fact it doesn't even need to be meaningful (e.g. I am guessing Kelkoo are doing OK with their name), though personally I usually have at least one word in the title that's relevant - not being in quite the same league as Kelkoo.

[WillD]

I wanted the full word but it’s taken (and hasn't been used for a few years!)

Ask nicely for the full word domain, they may pass it onto you at a reasonable price, if they don't want to play, set up under the abbreviated version trade for a week or 2 then hit them with a cease & desist letter.

Will

[simon147]

set up under the abbreviated version trade for a week or 2 then hit them with a cease & desist letter.

Yeah, that'd work!!

I'm going off to register www.eb-ay.co.uk , then send them a letter, I'm sure they'd pass over www.ebay.co.uk

nice thinking

[WillD]

Well done Scott – Read the post.... Swiss stated that the non abbreviated URL hasn’t been used for a few years, slightly different from Ebay.

W