Normally, the first lesson every online marketing director is taught is keep your URL's as short as possible. 3-letter URL's are worth gold (selling for $200,000 and up). Some 5 letter URL's can go for the same now, given the fact that just about every URL under 6 letters is taken! So now a new trend has emerged that goes the opposite direction -- "Catch Phrase" URL's and I expect we will see a LOT more of them.
You're starting to see them in viral marketing campaigns like this one, reported by the LA weekly, which exposed a hidden Scientology conspiracy using the catchy URL www.operationsnowwhite.com. I don't know much about Scientology (except that I like Beck) but this catchy phrase certainly did the trick. The URL stuck in my head, and just about the first thing I did when I got home was to type it in. Subsequently, I spent WAY too much time reading about Scientology.
So the lesson of the story, Catch Phrase URL's work! I decided to search for more and found this post by investigative blogger Cyndi Waite.
Here are some of her discoveries:
Strangely, the first thing this URL makes me want to do is go waste some...
www.pointlesswasteoftime.com
A rare glimmer of humor in the otherwise somber global warming debate:
www.itsgettinghotinhere.org
A yes the good ol' 90's!
www.smellsliketeenspirit.com
This makes me feel all glowy inside:
www.sunshineandhappiness.com
Ok its dirty so don't click on it unless you're over 18:
www.whosyourdaddy.com
I don't know about you, but this sounds like a great idea for a new social network:
www.soyouwanna.com
Cooking advice anyone?
www.passthesalt.com
Lastly the most mysterious and spooky. Check it out...this site raises some REALLY important questions:
www.whocontrolstheworld.com
If you find any more add them to the comments! and also check out my related post on utterly embarrassing URL's.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Catch Phrase Urls
- Opportunity for businesses to create memorable and attention-grabbing URLs that stick in consumers' minds.
- Viral Marketing Campaigns
- Opportunity to use catchy URLs as part of viral marketing campaigns to generate buzz and attract attention.
- Unique and Memorable Branding
- Opportunity for businesses to stand out and create a strong brand identity through the use of catchy URLs.
Where This Applies
- Online Marketing
- Opportunity for online marketing professionals to explore new strategies and techniques in creating catchy URLs.
- Viral Advertising
- Opportunity for advertisers to leverage catchy URLs to create viral marketing campaigns and increase brand exposure.
- Branding and Design
- Opportunity for businesses in the branding and design industry to create unique and memorable URLs for their clients.
