I agree with at least one thing bdclimber14 seems to be implying. babyli.st is a 'cute' domain name, but I think it is an extremely poor choice for domain names you want people to remember. How are you supposed to pronounce that to someone? Baby - lee - dot - ess - tee ? (I know, that's terrible -- I can't come up with something better). I still think it is true, for better or for worse, that for businesses the best choice is still a good .com domain (or if you can't get a good one, a .net domain is a not-as-good second choice).
Unfortunately for you, babylist.com is taken -- but babylist.net is available. I know it can be hard to find an available domain in the .com realm that closely matches what you want, but I still think it is important. I think those business domains which have succeeded despite having a .(something-other-than-com) domain name have done so despite that disadvantage.
That's a good point but to be fair anyone who is using a baby register is far more likely to post it to their facebook page, or email it to family members (who are most likely already on facebook), rather than spell it out directly. If you're visiting the new family personally you're not the target for a register anyway, necessarily (as you've got direct access to the source).
Also, natgordon - great site. If it was useful outside of the US I'd point several friends to it immediately.
Ironically, I'm writing a blog now about how to pick a good domain.
I disagree about .net domains, especially for a market of mothers; traditionally, they aren't hackers like the creator here :)
It's not even the domain name quality that I'm questioning-it's the convenience of stopping by a brick & mortar store with an exact item to pick up. I know you're thinking "the internet much more convenient, but not if its a process you're not used to.
It's the same root cause as to why people send files back and forth via email - it's so engrained in people, that its the status quo.
So the real challenge here I think is breaking that social norm that retail giants have cemented in us.
I just tried to buy babylist.net and it's taken :)
So there are 2 groups of people.
1. registrants (people having babies) - branding here is important and the name could bite me. Let me know if you have any suggestions for other names.
2. people buying the registrant gifts - BabyList doesn't even have search which is a default wishlist/registry feature. I think giving someone a pretty url slug and letting them email it/share it/link to it, is not going to be a problem.
The url really doesn't matter. The name does, and it's great.
My advice would be to use the proper spelling ('Babylist') in general - especially in your html titles - and in no time you'll be #1 for the term, regardless of spelling:
"People" will Google "babylist". Remember that the vast majority of the people using the web have no idea what a browser is, much less a URL. Even when they have a URL, that ubiquitous google box is the place it gets put.
1. there's caution, and then there's 'thinking small'
2. the owner of the domain is a single-location brick and mortar retailer, with no e-commerce. that would inform my thought process, were in in the OP's shoes
Thanks. That's how I'm doing all the branding on the site now. I'm not appearing in google yet, but I'm paying for ads with one of their $100 off coupons.
Try thinking of a baby shower concept/activity that participants have an emotional connection to. Usually the concept is a slightly slang term meaning there's a higher chance of the domain being available.
If it were a wedding registry, I would suggest maybe HitchedList? It would be better than WeddingList since it's less general. Obviously this doesn't help directly, but maybe will inspire some ideas!
I think the best startup names are those that relate to a market's pathos.
Unfortunately for you, babylist.com is taken -- but babylist.net is available. I know it can be hard to find an available domain in the .com realm that closely matches what you want, but I still think it is important. I think those business domains which have succeeded despite having a .(something-other-than-com) domain name have done so despite that disadvantage.