Misspelled domain names

[LaNino]

Do you think it would be worth it to register a misspelled domain name, if the 'correct' domain name is already taken? I am not talking about registering goggle[dot]com or something to take advantage of Google's popularity.

[eUK.Ed]

To be honest i think the only benefit you would get from using a misspelled domain name is if you own the correct one and forward onto it (e.g exmaple.com -> example.com)

[Ben Stones]

To be honest i think the only benefit you would get from using a misspelled domain name is if you own the correct one and forward onto it (e.g exmaple.com -> example.com)

I agree. Most other people that buy misspelled domain names is to park them to try and generate revenue. For very common words this is quite profitable but it depends on what the non-misspelled website is about and the target audience. If it was a tech blog for example, most people would simply close the parked domain site knowing what it is and simply type the correct website address in their address bar again.

[Irene9001]

I would say there are two major concerns here:

a) While choosing misspelled domain name stay well clear up that match someones trademark.

b) Think cautiously about targeted audiences.

If visitors type a misspelled domain that points they are seeking for something specific, make sure to provide them a web page that will be powerfully relevant to their search.

For an instance: If someone entered “UK-web-hosting.com” and you given them to an informative article about UK web hosting industry, the visitor would be well served. On the hand, if you provide them a web page that tries to sell nutrition pills, it would be a waste of their time and your bandwidth as well …

[Caleb55]

I agree with Ben. Whenever I misspell a domain name and it takes me to a different website than I had wanted to go to, I quickly close it and type in the correct name. I don't even bother looking at the site that came up instead.

[DPS Computing]

To be honest i think the only benefit you would get from using a misspelled domain name is if you own the correct one and forward onto it (e.g exmaple.com -> example.com)

I agree with Ed on this one that the reason he has given is the only useful one for registering a misspelled domain name .

[WebbishFaren]

If your domain name consists of a word or name that has multiple spellings, it might be quite a good idea to register different versions. Beyond that, I suppose it might be a good idea to consider common misspellings as well as typographical errors which are often transpositions. When one types quickly, transposing two letters is quite common.

[MattBarthorp]

Well stated WebbishFaren. But I would partially agree with registering such domains due to a simple fact that there may be various typographic errors that an individual might enter and unless you are a large enterprise, registering and paying for all such domains isn't a viable solution.

But yes, you may register and redirect those domain names which are likely to be misspelled.

[DPS Computing]

If your domain name consists of a word or name that has multiple spellings, it might be quite a good idea to register different versions. Beyond that, I suppose it might be a good idea to consider common misspellings as well as typographical errors which are often transpositions. When one types quickly, transposing two letters is quite common.

You have a good point about alternative spellings.

And as Matt says, unless your a huge enterprise, registering all the possible errors would cost more than it would be beneficial.

[WebbishFaren]

Oh, I agree that it wouldn't be feasible to register all the possible combinations. Even for a fairly short domain name, that would be unbelievably expensive! You would only want to cover any common typographical errors and/or misspellings that could make more than a neglible difference in your traffic. That would take a bit of research.

[newebster]

Before you decide to register a misspelled domain name, just keep in mind that a misspelled domain name is, well, misspelled. It's a typo. You cannot build a successful and professional website with a misspelled domain name.

[MattBarthorp]

A valid point stated by newebster. Despite using a misspelled domain name you wouldn't be successful with building your own brand in the Industry, for a simple fact that you are simply imitating the company who has already built its reputation.

So, instead of putting efforts around the misspelled domain, you can register a new domain and establish yourself as a distinct identity.

[WebbishFaren]

Any misspelled domain names one registers should have their URLS redirected to your main website. When the visitor arrives, only the correct URL should be showing in the address bar. Even so, unless you're dealing with multiple spellings or words that are notorious for being misspelled or mis-typed, it's not worth the effort and extra expense.

[Joshie]

As others have already said: the best reason to buy a misspelt domain name is to redirect it to the correct domain name. The good part is that you can also create a good brand with a misspelled domain as it is quite easy to remember and might look funny.

[sbglobal]

While choosing misspelled domain name stay well clear up that match someones trademark.