Why Your Startup Needs the .com Domain Name

Paul Graham, a well-known startup investor and essayist, strongly emphasizes the importance of securing the .com domain for any US-based startup. He argues that while getting users through mobile apps may not heavily rely on a specific domain, not having the .com associated with your company name sends a signal of weakness.

• He explains that even if the .com is unrelated to your business, possessing it signifies strength and credibility, as seen in the example of Stripe.

Denial and Lack of Imagination

Founders often resist changing their names, clinging to their initial choice due to an emotional attachment and a limited ability to envision alternatives. Graham explains that this resistance stems from two powerful forces: identity and lack of imagination.

• Founders often feel that their company name represents their identity and that no other name could be as good, which is ultimately a false perception.

Breaking the Cycle of Denial

To overcome this denial, Graham advises stepping back and imagining your company with a different name. This perspective can help you realize that your attachment to the current name stems from its association with you, not its intrinsic qualities. Additionally, acknowledge that naming is a distinct skill separate from being a good founder.

• Accepting this fact allows you to recognize that there are numerous other names as good or better, you simply haven't thought of them yet.

Finding the Right .com Name

Graham suggests two approaches to finding suitable .com names: collaborating with someone skilled in naming and utilizing the vast availability of domains. He emphasizes that almost any non-objectionable word or word pair can serve as a good name, and the abundance of domains allows for affordable or even free options.

• He cites Stripe's example, highlighting their successful search for a .com domain that ultimately resulted in their acquisition of parse.com.

The Power of the .com Domain in YC Startups

Graham highlights a strong correlation between the .com ownership and the success of Y Combinator (YC) companies. He observes that nearly all of the top 20 YC companies by valuation possess the .com of their name, while only 66% of the current batch hold it. This highlights the potential for growth and success for those who prioritize securing their .com.

• This data reinforces the significance of securing the .com domain as a crucial step in establishing a successful and robust company.

Why the .com Domain Matters

Graham argues that while there are examples of successful startups without the .com, this mistake is less excusable than most. He encourages taking the time to fix this issue, highlighting that it can be resolved in just a couple of days if you have the discipline to acknowledge the problem and act upon it.

• He emphasizes the urgency of taking action and highlights that securing the .com is a crucial step in building a strong brand identity and fostering trust in your company.