5 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
5 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Domains and Branding

by InsanelyInsane Banned
4 replies
I am nearing to set up an affiliate based review site. I am just concerned with brand names and domains. I know this topic has probably been beaten to death. However, there seems to be a lot of mixed opinions and grey areas. So I will ask more specifically.

If I want to make a review affiliate site selling say Mouthwash. My first statement and question is, from what I understand its better to go after selling more specific than general, right?

As in, its better for me to target selling Listerine Mouthwash's rather than making a website affiliating any type of multiple popular mouthwash I choose? Right?

My next question is, now that I have chosen to only affiliate Listerine based mouthwash's.

Can I make my site have the name Listerine in it? ie... ListerineMouthWashReviews.com?

I have seen a lot of sites like this. So I am assuming its okay. (appleinsider.com etc etc)

I imagine you can generate a lot more traffic if your affiliating only Listerine and your website is ListeringMouthWashReviews.com rather than just something generic like Mouth-Wash-Reviews.com.
#branding #domains
  • Profile picture of the author Gene Pimentel
    1) Yes, it is usually better to narrow your market with a specific range of products.

    2) It is NOT okay to use a Trademark in your domain name unless you have written approval and consent by the owner. Yes, many people do it, and they are taking substantial risks in doing so.

    "I have seen a lot of sites like this. So I am assuming its okay."

    I have seen a lot of cars speeding down the highway too, but it would be foolish to assume it's okay. Some will get caught and fined. Others will get away with it. With Trademarks, the risk can be hundreds of thousands of dollars.

    In most cases, it is permissible to use the trademark in a page name rather than the domain name itself, like MouthWashReviews.com/listerine-review.html

    I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice. Just my experienced opinion.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8693261].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author STMN
      Originally Posted by Gene Pimentel View Post

      1) Yes, it is usually better to narrow your market with a specific range of products.

      2) It is NOT okay to use a Trademark in your domain name unless you have written approval and consent by the owner. Yes, many people do it, and they are taking substantial risks in doing so.

      "I have seen a lot of sites like this. So I am assuming its okay."

      I have seen a lot of cars speeding down the highway too, but it would be foolish to assume it's okay. Some will get caught and fined. Others will get away with it. With Trademarks, the risk can be hundreds of thousands of dollars.

      In most cases, it is permissible to use the trademark in a page name rather than the domain name itself, like MouthWashReviews.com/listerine-review.html

      I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice. Just my experienced opinion.
      Great advise Gene. I agree.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8695063].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author cuie
    Think about YOUR brand. Do you want to create your own brand around name ListerineMouthWashReviews.com or would maybe mouthopedia.com be easier to remember and attach to?

    Create authenticity and a brand value of your own. You couldn't be more generic with generic domain name. And most people see through that = you are just trying to sell stuff and not provide real value.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8693291].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author STMN
      Originally Posted by cuie View Post

      Think about YOUR brand. Do you want to create your own brand around name ListerineMouthWashReviews.com or would maybe mouthopedia.com be easier to remember and attach to?

      Create authenticity and a brand value of your own. You couldn't be more generic with generic domain name. And most people see through that = you are just trying to sell stuff and not provide real value.
      This is so true...
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8695065].message }}

Trending Topics