NameStation Blog

New Search Method – Three-Word Names

Finding good available 2-part compound .COM domains is becoming increasingly difficult, so today NameStation launched a new search method for generating three-word compound names. Simply enter a keyword and select two Wordlists to create almost unlimited random combinations.

Use the Browse link next to the Keyword field for a list of short prefixes and suffixes.

Even names starting with popular keywords such as “web” or “tech” can still be easily found.

Try it out: Three-Word Names

Changes to voting system to discourage mass downvotes

Contest Holders are encouraged only to rate the names they distinctly like or dislike.   Occasionally some of them used the voting system for sorting entries, which caused a disproportionate amount of downvotes. Therefore we are now displaying a warning message to prevent mass downvoting.

We also added the Mark Reviewed link, which the  CH-s can use to easily filter out entries they’ve already seen without having to cast a vote . This should reduce the number of downvotes significantly.

New Search Method – Invented Words

The new Invented Words generator matches popular prefixes and suffixes to your keywords. This works best with long nouns or adjectives.

For example, searching with benefits results in names like Zenefits or Benergy. 

For best results, try matching both by beginnings and endings and using partial words – e.g. instead of accelerate, you can search for accel.

 

NameStation introduces a project-based workflow

With the latest update, NameStation introduces a project-based workflow for finding the perfect name. This enables our users define the project niche, organize ideas and work with other people.

To create names, new users would start by creating a Project, adding keywords and selecting appropriate wordlists.  This helps us generate names with much better relevancy. Users will be able to continuously refine their naming strategy and return to it where they left off. We will be improving this process as we learn more about what users are looking for.

Projects are private and can be upgraded to Contests in order to get name suggestions from our community.

 

 

.IO domain search has been added

NameStation now supports searching for .IO (British Indian Ocean Territory) domains.

The .IO extension has gained popularity among startups in the recent years, but there are still plenty of short names and dictionary domains available.

New Search Method – Transform Lists

Today we added a new way to search for domain names. The Transform Lists search enables you to select an existing Wordlist and apply the following character transformations to create new name ideas:

  • Replace a random vowel
  • Replace a random consonant
  • Remove first vowel
  • Remove first consonant
  • Remove first letter
  • Remove last vowel
  • Remove last consonant
  • Remove last letter
  • Swap first 2 characters
  • Swap last 2 characters
  • Reverse letters

Try it out now – replace a random vowel in the Desserts list.

You can also add a few additional letters as a prefix or suffix.

We may add additional transformations soon – let us know in the comments, if you have any requests!

Improved keyword research tools

We’ve made a number of improvements to NameStation’s keyword research tools.

Now there’s a more convenient way to look up definitions, Lists containing a keyword and semantically related words. Click on any keyword to perform a search with that word or generate domain names.

 

Keyword Research

Downvoting previously upvoted entries no longer results in losing 1 Point

Contest Holders are sometimes still using Up/Downvotes for sorting entries.  When a previously upvoted entry was downvoted, it caused contestants to lose 1 Point, while the actual intention of the Contest Holder may have been resetting the vote to 0.

This has been changed, so that when such entries are downvoted, the upvote is simply removed, which won’t result in a downvote. If the Contest Holder then still wishes to issue a downvote for a previously upvoted entry, they can do so by clicking the down arrow twice.

New domain extensions added – .CZ and .LA

NameStation now supports generating domain names with .CZ (Czech Republic) and .LA (Los Angeles) Top-level domains.

There are tons of 3-4 character names and dictionary domains available with both extensions, act fast to get the good ones!

How to find better name ideas and earn more Talent Points at contests?

This article is often being updated with new tips and guidelines about maximizing your earnings at Public Name Contests.

Quick Tips

  • Subscribe to Contest Alerts. First entries get more attention and points.
  • When adding names to the contest, use the Star icon next to the domain names – it’s much faster that way.
  • Explore every domain name generator, try all search options. It takes just a few minutes and gives you a significant advantage.
  • It helps to know, which Keyword Lists exist, so that you can choose the most relevant ones for a particular Contest. Don’t hesitate to experiment with unconventional list combinations.
  • It is nearly impossible to find good names starting with “web” or “net”. Instead of popular keywords, use related words and synonyms.  Think of conceptual words, not descriptive. For instance, an antivirus software product name could be based on words that convey the idea of security – wall, defense  fort, castle, guard.
  • For finding keyword variations we recommend Onelook Reverse Dictionary – by far the best tool for finding conceptually related words.
  • Experiment with Latin translations. Many words in English have Latin roots, and usually names generated in Latin can be pronounced in English.
  • Contest Holders prefer 10 relevant names instead of 100 random names. Completely irrelevant names might get flagged, don’t get carried away.
  • If anything is unclear about the contest, post a Discussion message and ask the Contest Holder to clarify.
  • Create your own niche wordlists – they can be used in all Lists searches.
  • When a contest closes, all entries become visible. Explore closed contests,  see what kind of entries were upvoted.
  • It helps to create a better looking profile.  Upload your photo and add a creative tagline.
  • Subscribe to our Blog for weekly updates about latest features and search techniques.
  • Avoid making spelling mistakes and poor grammar on your profile page and contest communication. Use a spell check tool if needed.

Detailed guidelines:

Understand Contest Requirements

Read the contest description in full, make sure you understand what the contest holder’s expectations are. When there is a website link attached to the contest, visit it.

Research unfamiliar topics – when the Contest is about a name for a semiconductor maker, look the topic up in Wikipedia and try to understand what it is exactly what the company does. This is also a good way to research niche keywords.

Add Contest Keywords

Before you start searching for name ideas, take a look at the Contest Keywords tab. Add your own keywords. Each added keyword increases the number of word combinations exponentially. A total of 20-30 keywords should be sufficient to begin with.

An irreplaceable source for finding inspiration for keywords is the Onelook Reverse Dictionary. You can simply copy the names from their search results and paste to the Contest.

For synonyms and definitions we recommend Wordnet. Sometimes interesting names can be found when taking a list of words and translating them to Latin or some other language with Google Translate.

Contest keywords can then be used with all types of domain search tools to create combined and random names.

Post relevant names

The contest holders expect you to spend a little time thinking for them. If they wanted to receive completely random name ideas, we could generate 10000 names for them in a few seconds. Instead, they prefer 10 names that are relevant to their needs.

What the Contest Holders don’t like:

  • Don’t use Z-s as substitutes for S-s
  • Avoid posting names that contain 3-4 words. Best names contain 1-2 words.
  • Don’t use hyphens, avoid using numbers
  • Never use ALL CAPS or other tricks to get attention. These names may be removed and it may affect your Talent Points.

When posting a name to a Contest, simply ask yourself this one question each time: Would you use that name for your own business?

Listen to feedback

When you receive votes, try to understand which types of names the Contest holder likes and suggest a few more names like the ones that received upvotes.

Master the domain search tools

NameStation can create all sorts of names. Most people are too busy to learn them in depth, so you’ll have a tremendous advantage after you’ve understood all search types and advanced options.

Learn about naming and word formation techniques

  • What types of names are most popular on the web today? There is an excellent article about 10 company name types on TechCrunch
  • What are some of the techniques for name creation? A company named Igor has posted The Igor Naming Guide – a must- read for all naming specialists.

Getting started

Finding name ideas is an ideal job for working at home at the time they choose. Know someone with good language skills and a bit of spare time? Invite some friends if you know they might be interested in helping.

Get started – go to Public Contests.