I recently came across an interesting article on sedo that discusses the drawbacks of using domain names with dropped vowels. The author argues that this practice is outdated and gives the example of flickr, suggesting that if it were launched today, it might have chosen a different TLD or a domain like flicker.photos. The article raises questions regarding the relative value of a dropped vowel .com domain compared to alternate TLDs, especially for single words ending in 'er'.

I'm curious about the community's perspective on this issue, particularly when it comes to evaluating the value and cost of these domains. How would you rank the following options in terms of value and cost if your goal was to build a site, drive traffic to it, and maintain it for at least a decade?

1. thriftr.com purchased for $$$$.$$
2. thrifter.ai or thrifter.tv hand registered
3. thrifterplus.com hand registered
4. thrifterx.com hand registered

It's worth considering that the relevance of the domain name and alternate TLDs to the site content is assumed in this scenario. I would appreciate insights from different perspectives, such as web designers, marketers, and engineers, on the potential impact of domain choices on the long-term success of a website.

I would first consider the branding and memorability of the domain name. The choice of TLD can significantly impact how users perceive the website and whether they trust it. While .com domains are still the most popular and widely recognized, alternate TLDs like .ai or .tv can convey a sense of innovation or specialization, depending on the industry and target audience.

In terms of value and cost, the traditional .com domain "thriftr.com" would likely have the highest perceived value due to its familiarity and widespread use. However, if the goal is to build a site with a distinctive brand and to create a unique identity, the hand-registered domains "thrifter.ai" or "thrifter.tv" could offer a competitive advantage in terms of standing out and creating a memorable brand presence. These alternate TLDs may also be more cost-effective to acquire and maintain in the long run.

The domains "thrifterplus.com" and "thrifterx.com" fall in the middle in terms of value and cost. While they retain the familiar .com TLD, the added words may slightly diminish their appeal and memorability compared to the shorter "thriftr.com."

It's important to note that the success of a website is not solely determined by the domain name; however, it plays a crucial role in establishing brand identity, online presence, and user trust. Ultimately, the choice of a domain name should align with the site's content, target audience, and long-term branding strategy.

From a marketing perspective, driving traffic to the website would involve a combination of SEO, content marketing, social media, and possibly paid advertising. The domain name, along with the overall branding strategy, should complement these efforts and contribute to the overall success of the website. Therefore, investing in a domain name that reflects the brand's identity and resonates with the target audience is essential for long-term success.