Domain Hacks: Creative URLs That Make Your Brand Unforgettable

A domain hack uses the domain extension as part of the brand name, creating a clever, memorable URL. Think bit.ly, del.icio.us, or instagr.am. When done right, domain hacks are some of the most memorable URLs on the internet.

What Is a Domain Hack?

A domain hack combines the domain name and TLD to spell out a word or phrase. Instead of "bitely.com," the URL shortener uses "bit.ly" — where .ly (Libya's country code) completes the word. The entire URL becomes the brand.

Famous Domain Hacks

• bit.ly — URL shortener using Libya's .ly
• del.icio.us — Social bookmarking using .us (United States)
• instagr.am — Instagram's early URL using .am (Armenia)
• last.fm — Music service using .fm (Federated States of Micronesia)
• about.me — Personal pages using .me (Montenegro)
• goo.gl — Google's URL shortener using .gl (Greenland)
• is.gd — URL shortener using .gd (Grenada)

Extensions Commonly Used in Domain Hacks

.ly (Libya)

Perfect for words ending in "-ly": quick.ly, instant.ly, friend.ly, beautiful.ly

.io (British Indian Ocean Territory)

Works for words ending in "-io": stud.io, portfol.io, rat.io

.me (Montenegro)

Great for personal and action-oriented names: hire.me, about.me, follow.me

.is (Iceland)

Creates statements: this.is, what.is, who.is

.to (Tonga)

Implies action: listen.to, go.to, link.to

.in (India)

Works for words ending in "-in": log.in, plug.in, check.in

.al (Albania)

For "-al" words: person.al, digit.al, minim.al

.es (Spain)

For "-es" words: not.es, vot.es, shar.es

How to Create a Domain Hack

Step 1: Break Down Your Brand Name

Take your desired brand name or word and look for where a TLD could naturally slot in. Write out the word and try splitting it at different points.

Step 2: Check TLD Availability

Not all country codes are open for general registration. Some require local presence or have restricted registration policies.

Step 3: Verify Registration Is Possible

Even if the TLD exists, the specific domain might be taken or restricted. Check availability through your registrar.

Step 4: Consider Pronunciation

Your domain hack should be easy to say aloud. "Bit dot ly" works. "Bea dot ut dot if dot ul dot ly" doesn't.

Pros of Domain Hacks

• Extremely memorable — Creative URLs stick in people's minds
• Great for marketing — Short, clever URLs work perfectly in ads and social media
• Conversation starters — People notice and comment on creative domains
• Often available — Many creative combinations haven't been registered

Cons of Domain Hacks

• Spelling confusion — People might not understand where the domain name ends and the TLD begins
• Email issues — Unusual TLDs can trigger spam filters
• Country-code risks — The country's registry controls the TLD and policies can change
• SEO challenges — Some country-code TLDs are geo-targeted by search engines, potentially limiting global reach
• Dictation problems — Telling someone your URL over the phone is harder with unconventional extensions

Best Practices

• Keep it short — The best domain hacks are under 10 characters total
• Make it pronounceable — If you can't say it naturally, it won't work
• Register the .com too — As a redirect and for email
• Test with real people — Say it out loud, spell it out, see if people get it
• Check the TLD's stability — Research the country code's registration policies and history

Find Your Creative URL

Before committing to a domain hack, verify the full URL is available and check that your brand name works across social platforms too.

Try BrandScout to check your brand name across multiple domains and social media platforms. Discover what's available and find the perfect creative combination for your brand.