✅ POLL: Do you buy the domain first or build the product first?

We usually build the product first and start looking for a domain once the concept has taken shape.

That’s because the domain name can end up defining the whole concept

sometimes even forcing us to rethink the design.

So yeah, we go MVP-first.

But along the way, the domain sometimes changes too.

Product > Domain.

What if you pivot? What if you get a better name along the road of building? 🛠️

For me, it was always better to build something small and then test it on live url. #AgileMindset

Domains are cheap and easy to acquire. Get one. Throw up a landing page with a mailing list call to action. Build the product.

Build first! The name will always follow after you've figured out your MVP. I remember the time I ended up with 5 domain names and at the end of it, my domains were irrelevant to my final product.

I know the product itself matters more than the name, but I also believe having the right name and domain is important. While naming, you often get more clarity on what the product really is, and sometimes realize how big the competition is. I’d recommend getting the product name and domain before it’s too late!

I now buy the domain name first.

I have had two scenarios where I thought it's best to buy the domain name when the product is ready so that I can save time on the domain expiry. I spent 3 months brainstorming a cool name and luckily the .com domain name was available and I added it to the cart.

After 2 months of building the MVP, trying to get domain name became impossible as it has been taken by a gaming company.

The second is Vendda.com, I bought vendda.co because .com was $200 or so then, by the time I will come back for the .com, it has been purchased by a reseller.

SO, I've learned my lesson.

We bought the domain when the MultiDrive was almost ready. The design, development, and testing took a lot of time, so there was no need to buy it at the beginning.

The domain is important long-term, but early on it’s just a label. Proving the product solves a real problem should come before locking down the perfect name.

I secure the domain name because protecting what you build should be the first thing you think about when starting a business. AI can now fart out features so a moat is more important than ever. That comes down to a unique way you can find customers.

One way is a unique domain. For bootstrappers, I recommend a descriptive domain that tells your customers exactly what you do. You will decrease customer acquisition costs if your domain matches their exact google query.

this is why I built NameKnow.com, a curated domain name marketplace.

Domain first.

- Great domain brings better impression: like detaildesign.com vs detail.design. I chose the detail.design for better impression. Will you love the product more if you see such a beautiful domain?
- Great domain push you get work done: I spent $200 so I MUST continue to build this otherwise it's a waste

(I agree that content is the MOST important, but domain is a solid start to craft a PERFECT stuff.)