Finding Brandable Domains with Category Search
Finding Brandable Domains with Category Search
The difference between finding a great domain and settling for scraps? Search strategy. This approach builds on the patterns detailed in 50 Domain Name Patterns That Actually Work. While others check names one by one, smart founders search entire categories simultaneously.
Key Takeaways
- Category searches find 100x more options
- Brandable patterns are predictable
- Systematic beats random every time
- Great domains hide in unexpected combinations
Why Single Searches Fail
The Traditional Struggle
Most founders follow this painful process:
- Brainstorm a name
- Check if available
- Find it's taken
- Repeat 50 times
- Settle or overpay
Success rate: 1-2%
Time wasted: Hours
Result: Compromise
The Category Advantage
Category searching flips the model:
- Define pattern categories
- Generate hundreds of combinations
- Check availability in bulk
- Choose from multiple options
- Register the winner
Success rate: 20-30%
Time invested: Minutes
Result: Multiple good options
Core Category Patterns
1. Emotion + Action
Pattern: {feelings}{verbs}
Examples:
- JoyRise.com
- CalmFlow.com
- BraveLeap.com
- WiseMove.com
Why it works: Emotional connection + forward movement
2. Color + Nature
Pattern: {colors}{natural elements}
Examples:
- BlueOcean.com
- GreenPeak.com
- RedRock.com
- GoldLeaf.com
Why it works: Visual + familiar imagery
3. Speed + Object
Pattern: {fast words}{things}
Examples:
- SwiftCode.com
- RapidScale.com
- QuickBase.com
- FastTrack.com
Why it works: Performance promise + clarity
4. Power + Concept
Pattern: {strength words}{abstract ideas}
Examples:
- MightyVision.com
- StrongHold.com
- PowerShift.com
- ForceField.com
Why it works: Strength positioning + memorable
Advanced Category Combinations
Material + Tech
Pattern: {materials}{technology terms}
Examples:
- CarbonCore.com
- SteelLogic.com
- CrystalData.com
- IronCloud.com
Benefits:
- Tangible meets digital
- Strong mental imagery
- Premium positioning
- Tech-appropriate
Verb + Modifier
Pattern: {action}{how it's done}
Examples:
- BuildSmart.com
- ThinkClear.com
- MoveFast.com
- GrowSteady.com
Benefits:
- Action-oriented
- Benefit-focused
- Easy to remember
- Versatile use
Abstract + Concrete
Pattern: {concept}{physical object}
Examples:
- DreamBox.com
- IdeaTree.com
- VisionPath.com
- MindBridge.com
Benefits:
- Conceptual depth
- Visual anchoring
- Metaphor-rich
- Story potential
Industry-Specific Categories
SaaS/B2B Patterns
Data + Action:
- DataSync.com
- MetricFlow.com
- InsightPush.com
Team + Enhancement:
- TeamBoost.com
- CrewScale.com
- StaffWise.com
Process + Improvement:
- FlowBetter.com
- ProcessPro.com
- SystemSmart.com
E-commerce Patterns
Shopping + Experience:
- ShopJoy.com
- BuyWise.com
- CartCraft.com
Product + Discovery:
- FindStyle.com
- ItemHunt.com
- GoodsGuide.com
Value + Signal:
- DealDash.com
- SaveSmart.com
- ValueVault.com
FinTech Patterns
Money + Action:
- CashFlow.com
- FundRise.com
- PayPath.com
Financial + Smart:
- SmartSave.com
- WiseWallet.com
- CleverCash.com
Security + Finance:
- SafeVault.com
- SecureSend.com
- TrustPay.com
The Category Search Process
Step 1: Define Your Categories
List relevant word groups:
- Industry terms
- Benefit words
- Action verbs
- Descriptive adjectives
- Emotional triggers
Step 2: Create Combinations
Mix categories systematically:
- {adjective}{noun}
- {verb}{object}
- {benefit}{solution}
- {emotion}{outcome}
Step 3: Filter for Brandability
Check each combination for:
- Pronounceability
- Memorability
- Positive associations
- Length (under 12 characters)
- Spelling clarity
Step 4: Bulk Availability Check
Use tools that can:
- Check multiple domains simultaneously
- Show all TLD options
- Filter by availability
- Export results
Step 5: Evaluate and Register
From available options, consider:
- Best sound when spoken
- Easiest to spell
- Strongest mental image
- Most flexible for growth
Real Category Search Examples
Example 1: Productivity App
Categories Defined:
- Speed: Fast, Quick, Swift, Rapid
- Organization: List, Task, Plan, Flow
- Results: Done, Complete, Finish, Achieve
Combinations Generated:
- SwiftTask.com
- QuickPlan.com
- FastDone.com
- RapidFlow.com
Result: Found 12 available options from 64 combinations
Example 2: Wellness Brand
Categories Defined:
- Feelings: Calm, Peace, Joy, Pure
- Nature: Garden, Mountain, Ocean, Sky
- Health: Vital, Well, Fit, Strong
Combinations Generated:
- CalmSky.com
- PureWell.com
- JoyGarden.com
- VitalOcean.com
Result: Found 8 available options from 48 combinations
Avoiding Category Pitfalls
Over-Generic Combinations
Bad: GoodService.com, BestProduct.com
Better: SwiftService.com, PrimeProduct.com
Forced Combinations
Bad: PurpleMonkey.com (unless relevant)
Better: Natural category connections
Category Confusion
Bad: TechGarden.com (for finance app)
Better: Match categories to industry
Length Creep
Bad: SuperFantasticSpeedService.com
Better: Keep to 2-3 category words max
Tools and Techniques
Manual Category Lists
Build your own word banks:
- Industry glossaries
- Thesaurus diving
- Competitor analysis
- Customer language
- Trend watching
Pattern Templates
Create reusable templates:
- {quality}{product}.com
- {action}{benefit}.com
- {user}{solution}.com
- {problem}{solver}.com
Systematic Expansion
From one good find, expand:
- SwiftCode.com found
- Try: Swift{other tech terms}
- Try: {other speed words}Code
- Mix both patterns
Category Search Best Practices
Start Broad, Then Narrow
- Cast wide net initially
- Filter for relevance
- Test memorability
- Check pronunciability
- Verify no conflicts
Document Everything
Track your searches:
- Categories used
- Combinations tried
- Available finds
- Registration decisions
Think Long-Term
Consider how categories age:
- Tech terms may date quickly
- Nature words stay timeless
- Actions remain relevant
- Emotions are eternal
Beyond Basic Categories
Invented Within Categories
Take category patterns, then modify:
- Spotify (Spot + -ify)
- Shopify (Shop + -ify)
- Textio (Text + -io)
Category Blends
Merge parts of category words:
- Pinterest (Pin + Interest)
- Microsoft (Micro + Software)
- Groupon (Group + Coupon)
Category Metaphors
Use categories symbolically:
- Amazon (vast selection)
- Oracle (source of wisdom)
- Uber (ultimate example)
Scale Your Search
The power of category searching compounds. Each new category multiplies possibilities. Each pattern reveals opportunities. Stop hunting for needles in haystacks. Start harvesting entire fields of possibility.
Ready to search domains by category? Explore thousands of combinations instantly with DomainTrawl.
Related Articles
Ready to Find Your Perfect Domain?
Be part of the first wave using DomainTrawl to find and flip domains faster.
Get Started