Service quickly validates name choices.
A new service called NameLabs promises to help entrepreneurs decide which of their candidate domain names (or product/company names) is best.
NameLabs uses the wisdom of crowds to get feedback on which domain name is best and if it has any hidden drawbacks.
For $29, NameLabs will survey 50 respondents on various aspects of three candidate names with a 24 hours turnaround. Panelists test the names for the radio test, memorability and emotional associations.
One clever aspect of the service is that you provide an audio recording of your three names and the panelists are asked to try to spell the names. It’s a simple way to figure out if your domain name choices pass the radio test.
NameLabs says that its panelists sign a non-disclosure agreement that forbids them from registering any of the domain names they review.
If you do the math, panelists are not making much for each name review. You might take this into consideration when considering the quality. Still, I think using the service could uncover some surprises that entrepreneurs have not considered when brainstorming names.
Adam says
Register the name choice(s) FIRST and then use their service. Having a signed NDA is great but enforcing a breach is a whole different ball game. . .especially globally.
Andrew Allemann says
Definitely if the domains are available for registration. I imagine most of the panel are outside the U.S., so good luck enforcing anything.
If the domains are on the aftermarket and cost several thousand dollars, it’s less likely someone who is on the panel getting paid less than a buck is going to buy the domain.
Donny says
This service will be great to use when a potential buyer says hey I can buy a .whatever for 99% cheaper.
Tell them to spend $100 to find out what people really think about other extensions. You could use one domain but with different extensions.
I guaranty the result will be in the .com favor by a wide margin. This will put an extra nail in the coffin. They will have no counter. I,m going to use this service exactly for that reason.
It will not even be a discussion. 🙂
Now Instead of debating about what is the best extension we can now use real life results and feedback to back it up.
This tool will be an incredible asset to .com holders and a liability to .whatever extensions.
Great find Andrew
Don
DomainPad.com
Trydent says
Interesting service, but still hilarious because they use a .IO domain extension for their website and yet they are going to give advice on naming?
You can’t make this stuff up. They are totally out of touch with the business community with a domain like that.
Logan says
Ironically, their own domain name doesn’t pass a key test. I assumed a company called NameLabs would be located at NameLabs.com. Nope, NameLabs.io. FAIL!!!